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Songkran (Thai
new year)
Water throwing festivities |
The Songkran is the most exuberant nationwide
festival in the Thai calender. It is a public holiday that is held
over three days from the 13th-15th April, and marks the start of the
Buddhist New Year. Songkran has evolved over the centuries from a
purely religious event where Buddha images were bathed in water to
purify them, into a bigger celebration of water. Today everybody gets
wet as buckets of water are thrown over everyone on the streets Songkrans
originals customs are still maintained, where younger Thais pay there
respects to monks and their elders by sprinkling their hands with
scented water.
Full Moon Party (Koh Pha Ngan)
World famous fullmoon party |
Once a month at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pha
Ngan. 10,000 or more people make it a party to remember along the
one-kilometre sandy beach. People party from dusk till dawn and
even onto the next day. Thai and western DJ's play sounds to cater
for all party goers tastes from Hip-Hop, House, Trance, Garage and
Jungle. International visitors and Thai celebrate this world famous
event together.
Fullmoon party dates for 2004.
 January 6th
February 5th
March 6th
April 4th
May 3rd
June 3rd
July 1st
August 2nd and 30th
September 28th
October 28th
November 26th
December 26th
The 2nd Koh Samui International Regatta
25th - 31st May 2003.
The biggest event ON the Gulf of
Thailand - be sure not to miss it! |
Koh Samui is gearing up for an increased number
of entries at the 2nd International Yachting Regatta, At this early
stage sixteen keel boats and twenty plus beach catamarans have already
indicated a firm intention to participate. Many of these are new
entries that have been attracted by the good word spread by the
competitors that made it to the inaugural event in 2002. This second
regatta is again organised under the auspices of the Yacht Racing
Association of Thailand and Royal Varuna Yacht Club and in conjunction
with the and the Royal Thai Navy. (Click
here for more....)
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Loi Krathong
Floats on Samui's waterways |
This traditional custom has been celebrated nationwide for centuries.
It is claimed that this historic ceremony has its origin in the 13th
Century during the Sukhothai period.
It is celebrated during the night of the full moon on the 12 lunar
month of every year (normally November). On this night all Thais go
to rivers and waterways to float a Krathong in order to say thank
you for the life-giving water.
Loy means float and Krathong is the name of a small artistic boat
made from banana leaves and flowers. Each Krathong contains a candle
and incense. After lighting the candle and incense send your Krathong
off into the night. Thais believe that if the candle's still burning
as the Krathong floats away, this will bring you good luck in the
coming year.
The Fishermans Village Festival - Bophut
Live music - Bophut festival |
The 2nd annual Fishermans Village Festival is held over 5 days
from the 22nd - 26th August.
Lots of quality live music including rock, popular and Thai rock
played by local bands and artists from Bangkok. Food tents offer
a wide range of cheaper and tasty cuisine provided by many local
hotels, makes this festival one of the best events on the Samui
calender.
Public Holidays 2004
1st Jan - Western New Year's Day
22nd-23rd Jan - Chinese New Year
5 th Mar- Makha Bucha
6 th April - Chakri Day
13th-15th April - Songkran (Thai New Year)
1st May - Labour Day
5th May - Coronation Day
2nd Jun- Visakha Bucha Day
31th July - Asalaha Bucha Day
1st Aug- Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
12th Aug - Queens Birthday
23rd Oct - Chulalongkorn Day
5th Dec - King's Birthday
10th Dec - Constitution Day
31st Dec - Western New Year's Eve
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