Events and Festivals

Phuket is one of the most culturally rich province in all of Thailand. With a large population of Muslims, Chinese immigrants, international expats and migrant workers from surrounding countries, the Events and Festivals that accompany such a diverse crowd of people are some of the most spectacular celebrations around, not to mention the traditional celebrations of the Thai's themselves. The four main Events and Festivals that take place annually are: Thai New Year (Songkran) in April, Loi Krathong in November, The Vegetarian Festival in October and Chinese New Year at the end of January, early February. These celebration are the busiest festivals in Phuket, drawing in crowds from all over the world. Other notable events and festivals that take place around the island are the Phuket Bike Week in April which is meant to signify unity among Asian bikers and the Phuket King's Cup Regatta which was launched on the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday and has now become Asia's biggest sailing race. Lastly is the Gregorian calendar New years on December 31st which is celebrated at the stroke of midnight with fireworks and paper lanterns at all major resorts and establishments. There are a few holidays such as Christmas that are also observed and celebrated with special events and festivities. But there is no, or barely, any time off work for those 'out-of-the-Thai-calendar' celebrations, although a few stores will provide the essentials such as decorations, trees and gift wrapping, and the bars will be more than happy to provide all the entertainment you might expect.

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