1. What are the most popular festivals and events in Surat Thani?
The most popular festivals and events in Surat Thani include:1. Chak Phra Festival: This traditional Thai festival takes place in October to celebrate the end of the Buddhist Lent. It includes parades, boat races, and cultural performances.
2. Loy Krathong: Held in November, this festival involves floating krathongs (decorative floats) on the river to pay respects to the Water Goddess.
3. Songkran Festival: A celebration of the Thai New Year in April, where locals splash water on each other for good luck.
4. Chinese New Year: Celebrated by Surat Thani’s large Chinese population, this festival is held in late January or early February with dragon dances and delicious food.
5. International Kite Festival: Organized every year during March and April, this festival showcases beautiful kites from around the world.
6. Vegetarian Festival: Taking place in October, this festival involves a strict vegetarian diet for nine days as a spiritual practice.
7. Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan: While not technically in Surat Thani, many locals and tourists travel to Koh Phangan for this famous beach party held every month during the full moon.
8. Buffalo Racing Festival: This unique event takes place in Chonlakhiri District in October or November and involves racing buffaloes for prizes and traditional celebrations.
9. Surat Thani Marathon: A popular marathon race that attracts runners from all over Thailand and abroad, held every March.
10. Candle Festival at Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Temple: An annual event held in July to honor Buddha’s relics with a grand procession of candles and lights at Chaiya Temple.
2. Are there any traditional Thai festivals celebrated in Surat Thani?
Yes, there are several traditional Thai festivals celebrated in Surat Thani. Some of them include:
1. Songkran – the Thai New Year festival in April, known for its water splashing celebrations.
2. Loy Krathong – the festival of lights held in November, where people float krathongs (decorative rafts) on water to pay respects to the goddess of water.
3. Chak Phra Festival – a Buddhist festival held during October, which marks the end of Buddhist Lent and includes a boat race on the Tapi River.
4. Thao Thep Krasatri and Thao Sri Sunthon Fair – a popular annual festival celebrating local heroes and featuring traditional performances, games, and food fairs.
5. Surat Thani Fruit Festival – an annual event held in July to celebrate the abundance of fruits produced in the province with fruit-themed parades, markets, and competitions.
3. What is the best time of year to attend a festival or event in Surat Thani?
The best time of year to attend a festival or event in Surat Thani is during the dry season from November to April. This is when most festivals and events take place in the province, including the Chak Phra Festival (boat racing festival) in October, the Surat Thani Red Cross Fair in December, and the Surat Thani Lunar New Year Festival in February.
4. Can you name some unique and lesser-known events in Surat Thani?
1. Songkhla Lak Mueang Festival – This ancient festival honors the city’s guardian spirits and includes colorful processions, traditional dance performances, and offerings to the shrine.
2. Talat Si Thamma Satham – This annual fair takes place in Tha Chana district and features local products, delicious food stalls, and cultural performances.
3. Sapara National Park Light & Sound Show – A unique attraction in Khanom district where visitors can experience a magical light and sound show amidst the stunning natural scenery of Sapara National Park.
4. Surat Thani Street Music Festival – Held annually in December, this vibrant festival showcases a variety of talented street performers from all over Thailand.
5. Bang Pu Mai Red Cross Fair – This lively fair in Wiang Sa district offers traditional games, entertainment, food stalls, and a bustling market selling local handicrafts.
6. Pa-lad Lek Coconut Farm Tour – Get an up-close look at the coconut harvesting process and sample fresh coconut products on this insightful tour through a local farm in Phunphin district.
7. Nakhon Si Thammarat Floating Market – Located on Nai Tak Bayou, this charming floating market is filled with colorful boats selling a variety of goods including fresh seafood, fruits, and souvenirs.
8. Wat Khao Suwanpradit Temple Fair – Celebrated every January at the impressive Khao Suwanpradit Temple in Ban Na San district, this festival features religious ceremonies, local food offerings, and traditional Thai music performances.
9. Krai Lae Cave Adventure Trek – Explore one of Surat Thani’s most breathtaking natural wonders on a trekking tour through Krai Lae Cave where you can see fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formations.
10. Chak Phra Festival – Also known as “River Crossings”, this annual festival commemorates Buddha’s return journey down the river, with colorful boat races and religious ceremonies taking place at various temples along the banks of the Tapi River.
5. How do locals participate in festivals and events in Surat Thani?
Locals in Surat Thani participate in festivals and events through various ways such as:
1. Organizing and planning: Locals play a major role in organizing and planning festivals and events. They are involved in selecting the dates, venues, activities, and coordinating with relevant authorities and committees.
2. Cultural performances: Many festivals and events in Surat Thani involve traditional cultural performances such as dances, music, plays, and ceremonies. Locals are often invited to participate in these performances.
3. Food preparations: Local vendors and cooks are an integral part of festivals and events, providing traditional food, snacks, and drinks for attendees to enjoy.
4. Religious rituals: Some festivals and events have religious significance for locals, who may participate in various rituals such as offerings at temples or shrines.
5. Parade floats: For events like the Tran Festival (Boat Racing Festival), locals often create colorful floats depicting scenes from their village or showcasing their skills in arts and crafts.
6. Volunteer work: Many locals volunteer their time and resources to help make festivals and events a success. This can include setting up booths or decorations, providing transportation for guests, or assisting with clean-up after the event.
7. Attendees: Of course, locals also attend festivals and events as spectators or participants to enjoy the festivities themselves.
6. Is there a particular festival or event that attracts tourists to Surat Thani each year?
Yes, there are several festivals and events that attract tourists to Surat Thani each year. Some notable ones include:
1. Chak Phra Festival: This festival celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent and is held in October. It includes processions of elaborately decorated boats along the Tapi River, as well as cultural performances and fireworks.
2. Songkran Festival: Also known as the Thai New Year, this festival is celebrated in April and involves water fights and other fun activities.
3. Vegetarian Festival: Held in October, this festival sees devotees abstaining from meat for 9 days to purify their bodies and minds.
4. Surat Thani Food Festival: This annual food festival showcases local cuisine and attracts food lovers from all over Thailand.
5. Surat Thani Naga Fireballs Festival: Every year in late October or early November, mysterious glowing balls rise out of the Mekong River, drawing crowds to witness this popular phenomenon.
6. Loy Krathong Festival: Celebrated nationwide in November, this festival involves floating beautifully decorated Krathongs (leaf boats) on rivers and canals as an offering of thanks to the water goddess.
7. Boat Races: Throughout the year, various boat races are held on the Tapi River, including long-boat races during Chak Phra Festival and Dragon Boat races during Chinese New Year celebrations.
7. Are there any food or drink festivals that take place in Surat Thani?
Yes, there are several food and drink festivals that take place in Surat Thani, including:
1) Surat Thani Food Festival: This annual event features a wide variety of local dishes from different regions of Southern Thailand. It takes place in November at the Khao Sok National Park.
2) Chak Phra Festival: Celebrated throughout Southern Thailand, this festival includes a parade of ornately decorated boats and an array of delicious traditional food and drinks. It usually takes place in October.
3) Surat Thani Beer & Music Festival: Held in May or June, this festival showcases local beers from Surat Thani as well as live music performances.
4) Khanom Chin Festival: This unique festival celebrates a popular local dish made from rice noodles, served with various curries and condiments. It takes place in April at the Tapi River Bank.
5) Coffee & Tea Expo: This event highlights coffee and tea producers from Surat Thani and surrounding areas. Visitors can sample different types of locally grown coffee and tea while learning about their production processes. It is usually held in March.
6) Vegetarian Food Festival: Held during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually October), this festival features a wide range of vegetarian dishes and snacks at every temple throughout Surat Thani province.
8. Do any of the festivals or events have religious significance for locals?
Yes, some of the festivals and events in different countries may have religious significance for the locals. For example, the Hindu festival of Diwali which is celebrated in many countries including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka has religious significance as it marks the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama from exile. Other examples include Easter celebrations in Christian-majority countries and Eid al-Fitr in Muslim-majority countries. These festivals often involve rituals, prayers, and other customs that hold a significant place in the religious beliefs of the locals.
9. What kind of cultural performances can one experience at these festivals and events?
The types of cultural performances that one can experience at festivals and events vary depending on the specific event and location. However, some common cultural performances that are often featured include:
1. Music: Traditional music performances are a popular aspect of many festivals and events. This can include live bands, solo musicians, or even large-scale concerts featuring traditional instruments and styles of music.
2. Dance: Many festivals and events also feature traditional dance performances from different cultures. These dances may have unique costumes, music, and movements that showcase the culture’s history and traditions.
3. Theatre: Some festivals may include theatrical performances such as plays, storytelling, or puppet shows that represent the culture’s mythology or folklore.
4. Visual arts: Festivals and events often celebrate various forms of visual arts, including traditional paintings, sculptures, crafts, and other forms of creative expression.
5. Martial arts: Certain cultural events may also feature demonstrations or performances by martial artists to showcase their style’s history and techniques.
6. Cuisine: Food plays a significant role in many cultures, so it is not surprising that festivals often feature food stalls with traditional dishes from different countries or regions.
7. Fashion shows: Festivals that focus on a particular culture may also include fashion shows featuring traditional clothing styles and designs.
8. Street performances: In addition to stage performances, some cultural festivals also have street performers who entertain visitors with music, dance, acrobatics, or other acts.
9. Workshops: Visitors to these festivals can also participate in workshops where they can learn about cultural traditions such as cooking classes, dancing lessons, language courses, calligraphy demonstrations, etc.
10. Are there any outdoor music concerts held in Surat Thani?
Yes, there are several outdoor music concerts and festivals held in Surat Thani throughout the year. Some popular events include Surat Thani Music Fest, Full Moon Party at Koh Samui, and International Jazz Festival at Samui. These events feature a variety of local and international artists performing various genres of music such as pop, rock, electronic, and traditional Thai music.
11. Is there any specific dress code or etiquette to follow while attending a festival or event in Surat Thani?
It is generally recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, especially if the festival or event has religious or cultural significance. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is also advisable as many festivals involve a lot of walking and standing. It is also polite to remove your shoes before entering temples or other sacred spaces. As for etiquette, be respectful of others around you, follow any rules or instructions given by organizers, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or their belongings.
12. Can you recommend a good street market that sells crafts and souvenirs during festivals and events?
There are many great street markets around the world that sell crafts and souvenirs during festivals and events. Some options include:
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand: This is one of the largest markets in the world with thousands of stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
2. Marché des créateurs in Paris, France: This market takes place during the Christmas season and features local artists selling unique gifts and crafts.
3. Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, Spain: Held during the holiday season, this market sells traditional Catalan items such as handmade nativity scenes and Christmas decorations.
4. Diwali Bazaar in Mumbai, India: This street market is held during the Diwali festival and offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and traditional Indian goods.
5. Artisan Market in Oaxaca City, Mexico: This market features indigenous crafts from local artisans including ceramics, textiles, and folk art.
6. Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey: This iconic market offers a wide range of Turkish souvenirs including rugs, ceramics, spices, and other handcrafted items.
7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival Crafts Market in Edinburgh, Scotland: During the popular Fringe Festival flea market vendors sell unique handmade goods from Scotland’s artists and crafters.
8. Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico: This festival occurs three times a year showcasing over 200 artists from all over the country selling high-quality arts and crafts.
9. Bondi Markets in Sydney, Australia: Held every Sunday at Bondi Beach this market boasts locally made jewelry made from shells as well as a variety of handcrafted items from Australian designers.
10.Bazar del Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) in Mexico City: Located at San Jacinto Plaza every Saturday visitors can find everything from traditional Mexican pottery to colorful textiles made by indigenous communities across Mexico.
13. Are there any sporting events or competitions that take place in Surat Thani throughout the year?
Yes, there are several sporting events and competitions that take place in Surat Thani throughout the year. Some examples include:
1. Surat Thani Marathon – This annual marathon is held in January and features a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km) and a mini-marathon (10km).
2. Khao Sok International Trail Challenge – This trail running competition is held in February at Khao Sok National Park and offers 3 different distances for participants to choose from.
3. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Race – This open water swimming race takes place in March at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, featuring distances of 3.5 km and 7 km.
4. Surat Half Ironman Triathlon – Held in April, this triathlon event includes a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run.
5. Surat Open Golf Tournament – This golf tournament takes place in May at one of the many golf courses in Surat Thani.
6. Samui Regatta – Held every summer in Koh Samui, this international sailing regatta attracts sailors from around the world.
7. Queen’s Cup Pink Polo – This charitable polo event is held annually in August at the Siam Polo Club in Surat Thani province.
8. Koh Phangan Colourmoon Festival Footvolley Competition – Part of the Koh Phangan Colourmoon festival celebrations, this beach volleyball-like game is played with only feet and head touches allowed.
9. Nakhon Si Thammarat Half Marathon – Taking place every September, this half marathon starts from Nakhon Si Thammarat city center and ends at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan temple.
10. Full Moon Party Volleyball Tournament – Held on Haad Rin beach during the famous Full Moon Party, this volleyball tournament attracts players and teams from around the world.
11. Khao Sok Bike & Run Challenge – This challenging event takes place in October at Khao Sok National Park and involves biking through the park followed by running a 5 km or 10 km trail.
12. Surat Thani Junior Golf Open – This annual golf tournament for young players is held at various golf courses in Surat Thani in November.
13. Suratthani Marathon Festival – Held every December, this marathon includes a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km) and a mini-marathon (10km) and offers scenic views of Surat Thani city and its surroundings.
14. How long do these festivals and events typically last for?
The duration of festivals and events can vary greatly depending on the specific event and location. Some may last for only a day or two, while others can span over the course of a week or more. For example, music festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo typically last for three days, while cultural events like Mardi Gras in New Orleans can last for several weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Other events, such as Renaissance fairs and state fairs, may have a longer run time of several weekends or even a month.
15. Are there any renowned artists or performers who regularly attend these local events?
It is possible that there may be some renowned artists or performers who attend local events, but it really depends on the specific event and location. It is best to check with event organizers or do some research beforehand to see if any well-known figures are confirmed to attend.
16. Which festival or event would be ideal for families with children?
A family-friendly festival or event would be ideal for families with children. Some examples include:
– A community fair or carnival with games, rides, and activities suitable for all ages
– A food festival featuring kid-friendly options and hands-on cooking demonstrations
– A cultural festival celebrating traditional customs and offering interactive workshops for children
– An outdoor music festival with a designated kids’ zone and performances tailored to younger audiences
– A holiday-themed event such as a Halloween festival or Christmas market with festive activities for children.
17. Are there any free public events or do all require tickets for entry?
It depends on the specific event and location. Some public events may be free of charge, while others may require tickets for entry. It is best to check the event’s website or contact the organizer for more information.
18. Can visitors participate in traditional activities or workshops during these festivals and events?
It depends on the specific festival or event. Some festivals or events may offer workshops or activities for visitors to participate in, while others may not. It is best to check with the organizers of each event for more information on what activities and workshops may be available for visitors to participate in.
19.Has there been an increase in international visitors attending these local events over the years?
There is not enough information available to determine if there has been an increase in international visitors attending local events over the years. Factors such as changes in marketing and promotion strategies, economic conditions, and global events could have an impact on the number of international visitors attending local events. It would require detailed data analysis of attendance records from multiple years to determine any trends or patterns in international attendance.
20.What makes the festivals and events of Surat Thani unique compared to other parts of Thailand?
1. Chak Phra Festival: Held during the 11th lunar month, this festival celebrates the end of Buddhist lent with a colorful boat procession on the Tapi River.
2. Khanom Festival: This event showcases the local delicacies and desserts, including the famous Khanom Chin noodles.
3. Surat Thani Red Cross Fair: A traditional fair held in January to raise funds for the Red Cross Society and promote local products.
4. Songkran Festival: The Thai New Year is celebrated with water throwing, parades, and traditional ceremonies like bathing Buddha images.
5. Buffalo Racing Festival: A unique event where buffaloes race through muddy fields, attracting both locals and tourists.
6. Hae Floating Market: This market takes place every Sunday morning, where vendors sell fresh seafood from boats floating on Khlong Hae canal.
7. Loy Krathong Festival: One of Thailand’s most picturesque festivals, Loy Krathong involves floating decorated baskets on waterways to pay respect to Mae Kongka (mother river).
8. Vegetarian Festival: Observed by Chinese-Thai communities, this festival features spectacular processions and street food that cater to vegetarians.
9. Naka Market: Located near Ban Don port, this night market offers a mix of local products and specialty street food from across southern Thailand.
10.Vajiravudh Memorial Day: Celebrated annually on November 24th, this day honors King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who contributed significantly to modernizing Surat Thani.
11.Thekkasattri Street Fair: Colorful food and craft stalls line up along Thekkasattri Road every Friday night offering everything from handmade souvenirs to mouth-watering street food.
12.Pohnpetch Temple Fair: This annual fair celebrates Chinese New Year with cultural performances and delicious Chinese cuisine in Baan Takua Pa neighborhood.
13.Ao Thong’s Durian Fair: Held in July, this popular festival features various durian varieties, eating contests, and a spectacular firework display at night.
14.Golden Oyster Festival: A must-visit event for seafood lovers, this festival in Don Sak district celebrates the area’s abundance of oysters with cooking competitions and cultural performances.
15.Khao Sok National Park Elephant Day: Celebrated on March 13th to honor Thailand’s national animal, the Khao Sok National Park Elephant Day features elephant rides, shows and educational activities on elephant conservation.
16.Ratchaprapa Dam Buffalo Fighting Festival: This unique festival held every October is a highlight of the highland community life with bull races and buffalo fighting much like Spanish-style bullfighting.
17.Lampi Waterfall Run: Not your average marathon, this race is held during the rainy season where participants run through rivers and waterfalls in Khlong Phanom National Park.
18.Thungyai-Kui Buri Annual Bird Watching Festival: This international birdwatcher’s event offers nature trails through one of Thailand’s largest wilderness area, featuring rare wildlife such as leopards and tigers.
19.Muang Surat Mahathat Temple Fair: Held around February or March every year since 1924, this fair supports local businesses and promotes peace rituals performed at Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Roi Et.
20.Surat Thani Song Contest: An annual singing competition group divided into young adults (19 -35 years old) open for both locals and foreigners which takes place at Sanamchai market in Surat Thani City.