Anastasia Smith
Phuket, a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches and electrifying nightlife, is also home to a bevy of vibrant festivals, which take place throughout the year, each festival showcasing the culture, tradition, and history of Thailand. Here’s a guide to the exciting festivals in Phuket:
Deemed as the most fun and adventure-filled festival, Songkran marks the Thai New Year during the month of April. Picture the streets of Phuket adorned with vibrant colours, water guns in hand, and loud laughter echoing through the air. This festival is typically celebrated with water fights galore, as the beach comes alive during this time, with locals and tourists alike dousing each other in water as a symbol of cleansing and renewal.
For vegan or vegetarian tourists seeking a cultural experience like no other, the Vegetarian Festival held in October is one to look out for. Held annually in Phuket, this nine-day event sees devotees observing a strict vegetarian diet and participating in numerous rituals to purify the mind and body. Festival goers can visit the local food markets selling delicious vegetarian fare, and expect to witness awe-inspiring processions showcasing elaborate and colourful costumes, firecrackers, and acts of self-mortification – a sight that is definitely not for the faint of heart, but undoubtedly an unforgettable one!
Held annually in November, Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights, invites visitors to Phuket to join locals in a vibrant celebration. As the radiant full moon casts its glow over the Andaman Sea, festival participants usually head to Patong Beach or Kata Beach to release beautifully decorated krathongs – which are small floating baskets – onto the sea, in the spiritual act of letting go of negativity and making good wishes for the near future, in addition to expressing gratitude to the water spirits. Loy Krathong is hailed as one of the most mesmerising festivals in Thailand, leaving visitors and locals feeling renewed and content. Consider booking a stay at one of the Karon Beach Phuket hotels; your options include Jono X Phuket Karon.
Marked as an important event for the ethnic Chinese in Phuket, Por Tor Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a Taoist Buddhist celebration held every August. The festival largely centres around offerings made to deceased ancestors, which locals believe have been released from hell for that period of time. Por Tor Festival is also an excellent opportunity to feast on Chinese-influenced local food, in addition to witnessing lion dances, concerts, and other traditional performances.
Visitors seeking a bit of history about Phuket should not miss the Phuket Old Town Festival held in February, where the charming streets of the Old Town come alive with street performances, traditional music, and numerous street food stalls dishing out mouthwateringly delicious food. It is highly recommended that visitors align their travel dates with these festivals, so as to fully immerse themselves in the festivities and entertainment, making up for one unique holiday!
