Discover the Magic of Chak Phra Festival on Koh Samui! - this October/November!

“Only in this region of Thailand! Chak Phra is more than a festival; it's a tapestry of tradition, community, and spirituality. The heart of the celebration beats in Surat Thani province, along the picturesque Tapi River. Smaller yet equally lively festivities grace the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, and our very own Koh Samui."✨
- Misty Dowling

Introduction:

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience? This October/November, the island of Koh Samui is graced by the vibrant Chak Phra Festival, a celebration of community, faith, and tradition that's exclusive to the region (Southern Thailand)! 🏝️

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar:

Chak Phra Festival ushers at the end of the three-month Buddhist Rains Retreat, and it unfolds on the first day of the waning moon in the 11th lunar month. This means the festival date varies from year to year, but it typically falls in October or early November, this year its held from the 25th of October until the 2nd of November on Koh Samui. 🌕

What's Chak Phra Festival About? 🤔

Chak Phra is more than a festival; it's a tapestry of tradition, community, and spirituality. The heart of the celebration beats in Surat Thani province, along the picturesque Tapi River. Smaller yet equally lively festivities grace the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, and our very own Koh Samui.

Visitors can expect the following activities when attending the Chak Phra Festival:

✨Traditional Thai performances

✨Donating “money trees”

✨Parades of ceremonial land or river floats to local temples

✨Long-boat races

✨Colorful displays of Lord Buddha’s life

✨The serving of a traditional boiled rice snack representing religious faith and generosity

Despite the festivities, the ceremony is not about the carriages or boats themselves but rather a chance to gather, work together, and form bonds within the communities and their local temples.

Now, you might be thinking, "Sounds fun but isn’t this a really bad time to visit Koh Samui?"

🌦️ November Unveiled:

November is low season on Koh Samui and its neighboring islands and is indeed not the most popular time of year to visit. The main reason is the fact that it’s the peal of the rainy season (although our recent days have been kissed by sunshine and we haven’t seen much rain). Yes, rain is to be expected this time of year! Occasional showers (at the least) are part of the charm this month. Some years more than others, like in most parts of the world, the weather can never be 100% predicted but it is kind of a given that YOU WILL BE SEEING RAIN while you’re here this month although the downpour typically peaks in November. 🌧️

But it isn’t all bad, there are definitely some advantages to visiting the region during this time of year.

So, here's why it's an intriguing time to visit:

🍃 Lush Green Beauty: The island is resplendent in vibrant green hues.

🏖️ Beaches to Yourself: Enjoy serene shores with fewer travelers with the island being less crowded during low season.

🌊 Waterfalls Roaring: Nature's wonders are in full flow.

💰 Savvy Travel: Prices for flights, transportation, and accommodation typically drop.

If you want to witness this unique and lesser known Thai festival for yourself and you're still looking for an authentic stay on Koh Samui.. we currently still have availability from 26 October to 8 November at Baan Suay Bantai

Also read our blog: Rainy season on Koh Samui - what to expect