Paul Wagnor
No matter what time you choose to visit Koh Samui, you will be entering a world full of activities. That said, you are likely to be a part of an annual event whichever month you arrive in Koh Samui.
Wonder if you can cycle for 32 kilometres? If you are certain of your ability, then why not taking part in Samui Ride and Run Festival? The festival usually takes place in January every year. The festival, basically held with the objective of promoting tourism, hosts a number of activities such as a walk and run tournament for fun. And it is not totally about the outdoor activities of walking and cycling. You can also indulge in musical concerts, art exhibitions and many other art-related functions. Any Koh Samui luxury resort will provide you more information about the festival. And best is yet to come; on the streets, you will find a good variety of local food – an interesting way to get in touch with Thai gastronomy.
You got it right: yes, it promotes organic food. If your ticket is booked during September, do not give this opportunity a miss. This is where you find a number of stalls trading the produce organically farmed in Thailand. The market is usually held in April, but the date can vary every year. The date could easily be checked if you stay somewhere like Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort. Approach their helpdesk, and they would inform you the exact date when the market is held. You can keep an eye out for other things too, in addition to the organic produce, which may include teas, household items, body care items and perhaps, something for your pet back home.
Usually held in May, Samui regatta is specially designed for beach enthusiasts. If you are a beach enthusiast with an aching to join this festival, then go to their website and fill the online entry. The festival was initiated in 2002, and since then it has drawn first-class yachts from all over Asia.
The festival magnetises a large number of tourists to the island. Even if you are not a water-sport enthusiast, just being there will give you an idea of why people are so fascinated by these sports. At first, the festival had only 11 boats but gradually gathered speed over time. The festival is held in Chaweng Beach, which is on the east coast of Koh Samui.
If you are interested in Asian culture (Thai, in particular), be a part of this festival. What they do is seemingly simple. They would decorate a basket and let it float over water. In fact, that is what Loi Krathong is about: 'float a basket'. The festival is held in the last month of the Thai calendar. That is November in the western calendar.
Come a full moon day, and then the devout Thais would let their decorated baskets float over water; it could be anywhere from a river to a pond. While they are at it, the Thais would make a wish. In the times of yore, this was a ritual to pay tribute to the water spirits. You will find many modern Thais still placing much trust on this ancient ritual.
