Songkran (Thai New Year)
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)
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.
The 2nd Koh Samui International Regatta
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.
Loi Krathong
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
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.