Phuket attracts tourists from all over the world and many of them arrange their holiday to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and to book Phuket boat trips. It’s always a nice surprise if they find they’ve arrived in time for one of the islands festivals or celebrations. We have put together some information on 4 of the most popular events.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is a beautiful festival that takes place in November. The actual date of the festival is decided by the Thai lunar calendar and held on the night of the full moon. Everyone gets involved, whether they make krathong’s to sell or join in the festivities. The krathong is traditionally made from part of a banana tree trunk which is then decorated with banana leaves and flowers in extravagant designs.
The idea is that you put a lock of your hair and small coins into the basket and light a candle. Then it is put into the sea, river, or lake where it floats away carrying your prayers with it. It’s a very pretty sight as the water is lit up with hundreds of candles. Make a wish before you send it off into the water and it will carry away your troubles.
Chinese New Year
Phuket has a large community of Thais with a Chinese heritage and so Chinese New Year in February is a big deal. Phuket day tours can give you more information about this festival. The main festivities take place in Old Town Phuket where decorations and red lanterns in lucky red and gold colours hang everywhere, and firecrackers are noisily let off at every corner. Processions led by ferocious dragons’ dance through the streets as they make their way to various temples.
Chinese music and performances keep the crowds happy and concerts featuring Thai singers take place at different venues in town. On the last day of this exciting festival everyone gets together at Queen Sirikit Park for the closing service.
Songkran – The Water Festival
Then it’s time for the Thai New Year in April! This is all about cleansing and renewal and celebrated all over the country with water fights. Wherever you are in Phuket on Songkran you are sure to get wet, unless you stay in your room and there’s no fun in that.
Water guns of all sizes are on sale, so grab yourself one and join in. People either walk or ride motorbikes aiming their water guns at you, or they pile into the back of a pick-up with huge containers full of water drenching anyone they see, even the police join in.
Vegetarian Festival
In October, there is the Vegetarian Festival where Phuket’s Buddhists wear white and for nine days give up drinking alcohol and smoking, sex, and eating meat. Every day there are parades through the streets that end up at several shrines where devotees, possessed by protective spirits, perform acts of self-mutilation to cleanse their spirit and make merit. These involve piercing their cheeks with knives and sharp objects, walking over hot coals in their bare feet and climbing ladders with knives as rungs.
La Moet offers day trips from Phuket out to the nearby islands. The traditional 20m wooden boat is spacious, comfortable and our crew experienced and very friendly.
