Phuket has a long tradition of festivals and many have now become world renowned with tourists planning their holidays around these events. Here are a few of the many festivals that can be enjoyed by all.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year falls within the month of January or February. The date changes on a yearly basis as it is depicted by the track changes of the moon. The celebrations are in Phuket Town and last for 2 days, where there are lively multicoloured dragon processions, traditional music and dance. There are also many firecrackers. Throughout Phuket Town Chinese houses are decorated. The living room of each house will have a vase of flowers, platters of oranges and tangerines and a tray of 8 varieties of dried sweet fruit. Entrances of shops and houses are festooned in red banners and decorations to encourage good luck and happiness for the coming year. Red is the colour that symbolizes happiness and it should be worn for a sunny bright future. It is said that appearance and attitude during the New Year sets the tone for the rest of the year. Traditionally, children, unmarried friends and close relatives are given “lai see” which are little red envelopes with money inside to wish good fortune. Food is also an important factor during the New Year celebrations. It is considered that tofu and bean curd are unlucky, so they are avoided. Oranges and tangerines are symbols of abundant happiness and should be taken as a gift if you visit friends or family. It will also ensure a long lasting relationship with the person you are visiting.

THAO THEP KRASATRI AND THAO SRI SUNTORN FESTIVAL 13^th MARCH

This festival is in memory of the two sisters Khunying Muk and Khunying Chan who led the defense of the Island against the Burmese in 1785. The celebrations include fun fairs and stage performances throughout the week.  There are a variety of food stalls offering mouth watering delights.  The sisters were bestowed the titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon by King Rama 1. A statue of the sisters was erected at a crossroads near the centre of the Island in recognition of their invaluable service to the country.

TURTLE RELEASE FAIR 13^th APRIL

This festival coincides with Songkran.  Turtles, both Hawksbill and Green are bred in captivity at the Phuket Aquarium. Once the turtles are mature enough they are released into the sea. The ceremonies are held at Cape Phanwa, Nai-Yang and Mai Khao beaches. The release of the turtles is a program that has been put into place to help preserve the turtle population.

SONGKRAN 13^th to 15^th April

Songkran has without a doubt become one of the major tourist attractions, however it is one of the most important of Thai festivals. Traditionally Songkran is a time for visiting family and paying respect to elders including family members, friends, neighbours and monks. It is also a time of cleansing and renewal.  Homes are often given a thorough cleaning. More importantly, it is an opportunity to clean Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at Temples. This is done by pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance gently over the images. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming New Year. The throwing of water is believed to originate as a way to pay respect to people. The “blessed” water that had been poured over the Buddha images is captured and is then gently poured onto the shoulder .

The Songkran festival has evolved into a huge water fight with the emphasis being on fun rather than the spiritual and religious aspects.  People in the streets are doused with ice cold water, which is quiet welcoming as this festival is at the hottest time of the year with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees!!

CHAO LE BOAT FLOATING FESTIVAL

This festival is performed bi-annually in May and October at the Sea Gypsy villages in Phuket. Small decorated boats are made which are set adrift by the villagers at night. Prior to the boats being launched into the sea the villagers place small wooden dolls, nail clippings and strands of hair inside. The gypsies also perform the Ram Rong Ngeng, a local dance, around their boats. It is said that this ritual drives away evil spirits and brings good luck. This festival is not attended by many tourists, so it does retain the rustic Thai ambience.

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

The Vegetarian festival is an annual event that takes place in Phuket Town during the 9^th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, so it normally falls late September to early October. The festival began in Kathu in 1825. This district at the time housed most of the migrant Chinese tin miners. There were so many that Chinese, performers came from China to entertain the population. However, during the 9^th lunar month Phuket was hit by a fatal epidemic and many lives were lost. After a while it was realized that during the first 9 days of the month no one had paid homage to the 9 Emperor Gods (Kiu Ong lah). A Chinese performer returned to China and invited the Kiu Ong lah to Phuket. During the next year the Phuket Chinese refrained from eating meat, drinking alcohol, sex, quarreling, telling lies and killing. The epidemic stopped and since that day a yearly celebration has taken place.

The Chinese population of Phuket will always wear white during the 10day festival and they will follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. It is also a time where sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese Temples and Shrines. One of the highlights of the festival is where people possessed by the Gods parade with various piercings on the body with sharp implements. The participants appear to have no pain or signs of injury. There are also aesthetic displays where people walk over hot coals barefoot and climb ascending ladders with bladed rungs. These entranced devotees are known as “Ma Song”.

PATONG CARNIVAL

Patong Carnival is an annual event at the beginning of November. This 3 day event marks the beginning of high season and offers a range of activities and street parades. The Beach Road is fringed with food and beverage stalls. This gives tourists and locals a chance to sample a variety of fine cuisine from the various regions of Thailand. There are also a many stalls selling local products which are unique to Thailand.

LOY KRATHONG

Loy Krathong is the most picturesque and beautiful of all the Thai festivals. It is celebrated every November on the evening of the first full moon. This beautiful festival is a festival of lights. Loy means to float and Krathong means leaf cup or bowl. The stunning floats are made of cellulose banana tree trunks and are decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candles, 3 incense sticks and coins. Once the candles and incense sticks are lit a wish should be made before letting the float drift away in the current of the sea, river or canal. It is considered that the flame is longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. It is also considered to be a romantic night for couples and it is believed that couples who make a wish together are thought to stay together forever.

There are different legends surrounding the origins of this festival. The most popular version is that it is an expression of gratitude to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Kongka for providing the people with water for their livelihood.  Some others believe that it originates from Buddhism and that the offering of the krathong is a tribute of respect to the footprint of Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India, as well as to the Great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater realm. The final thought is that it is possibly derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the God Vishnu, who meditates at the centre of the ocean. It is believed that the young Queen Nang Noppamas began the tradition in Sukhothai in the 13^th Century. It is an exquisite festival and should not be missed.

PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA

Phuket over the years has become a major venue for the sailing fraternity. The King’s Cup has become Asia’s largest and most popular regatta with the event being held during the first week of December. It was started in 1987 to celebrate the King of Thailand’s 60^th birthday. The event is organized by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in conjunction with Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, The Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket .It has continued to grow on a yearly basis and offers racing of many classes of boats, enabling sailors of all vessels to enjoy the regatta.

There are several places in Patong that are frequented by Scuba Cat Diving  Instructors and customers. Perhaps you want to come and join us after diving.

COYOTE

Coyote is a perfect place to meet up and have a few sundowners while watching the sunset over Patong Bay.

This popular bar and restaurant is found above Starbucks next to the Ban Thai Hotel. It has a lovely outside area as well as the air conditioned inside.

Coyote serves Mexican and Southwest US cuisine including the ever popular dishes such as quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, burgers, ribs and steaks to mention a few.

The bar is renowned for the extensive list of exotic margaritas, over 75 to choose from. If you want to indulge in fruit juices just ask for a virgin margarita..delicious! Happy hour is offered from 11am to closing time.

The décor is traditional Mexican with many of the artifacts being imported to give the authentic feel. The restaurant can cater for parties.There is also a special VIP room available for private events and parties. There are 2 American pool tables inside. Coyote offers good value, pleasant atmosphere and welcomes families.

The American chef, Matt  is extremely helpful and will cater for people with dietary requirements.

CHICAGO STEAK HOUSE

Chicago Steak House is situated above Coyote.

This luxurious, intimate restaurant with it’s rich mahogany and crimson leather booths offers great value. The restaurant offers finest quality imported lamb and beef. The beef is Australian grain fed dry aged Aberdeen Angus. With every main course there are different styles of potato, gravy and steak sauces to compliment. There is also a fantastic salad bar to accompany the meal.

The restaurant offers an extensive wine and cocktail list. The food is prepared by an American chef to the highest standard. He also offers a Chef’s special that starts at 295 baht.

Eat and drink whilst listening to the sounds of the big band era. All in all an experience not to missed.

MOLLY MALONE’S

Molly Malones, locally known as Molly’s, has become an institution in Patong being frequented by locals and tourists alike. It opened it’s doors on the Beach Road in Patong in 1999.

The Irish management have imported a huge amount of different beers and stouts including Guiness, Kilkenny, Heinken and Magners cider. The food on offer is traditional pub grub and Thai food. Beware… the portions are large.

Mollys is open from 10am till late, but you can buy an early bird breakfast at 99 baht from 9am to 12. The pub has 3 main areas, outside where you can watch the world go by, inside with the air conditioning and large flat screens that broadcast all major sports events and finally the dedicated pool hall.

One of the main attractions of Mollys is the live music that starts at 10pm every night. The versatile classic rock band has become a legend with an extensive selection of songs from the 70’s to the present day. They will even do requests. Molly Malones is also family friendly and welcomes children.

SCRUFFY MURPHY’S

Scruffy Murphy’s is the sister bar to Molly Malones. It is conveniently situated in the heart of Patong’s night life in Bangla Road.

The range of imported beers and stouts including Guiness, Kilkenny and Magners cider reflects the Irishness of the bar. The bar has many flat screens placed around the walls of the pub, which broadcast all the major sporting events from around the world. There is a small seating area outside which faces directly onto Bangla Road, a great place to “people watch”. Scruffy Murphy has an excellent range of pub grub and Thai food. It’s guaranteed that you won’t go hungry as the portions are huge. A 99baht breakfast is also on offer. Scruffys also offer a 99 baht happy hour on draught pints and cocktail specials as well as double vodka red bull everyday at 99 baht. There is a resident band that plays every night from 10pm.

This is a great pub with a great atmosphere.