Holidays, festivals, and major events in Phuket

Three New Years and two Christmases – and that’s just the beginning. Phuket’s population is a vibrant mix of locals, Thai people of Chinese descent, Muslim communities, indigenous groups, and a significant number of expats from all over the world – including the UK, Europe, Australia, Russia, and Kazakhstan. That’s why the island celebrates all the major holidays – both local and international. And thanks to the Thai mentality, no one really minds. After all, who doesn’t love a good celebration? You can find information about the most exciting events in the Phuket Events Schedule section. Now, let’s take a look at the holidays that are celebrated most widely on the island.

Catholic Christmas

Although Thailand is a Buddhist country, Catholic Christmas on December 25th is also celebrated in Phuket. Western tourists have been coming to the island for many years, and the peak tourist season coincides with the Christmas and New Year holidays in Europe and the U.S. After all, who would want to fly to a tropical island with no Christmas tree?

In the island’s tourist areas, the festive Christmas atmosphere starts to kick in by mid-December. Hotels, shopping malls, and popular restaurants are decorated with garlands and Christmas trees. Many venues host special Christmas dinners and entertainment programs for tourists.

New Year

The Western New Year, celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st, transforms Phuket into a massive festive venue. This holiday is celebrated everywhere — by both locals and the many tourists. Phuket’s beaches fill with people, music, and lights, and there are always fireworks — even in residential neighborhoods. Tables for festive dinners are set up right on the sand, and at midnight, the sky lights up with colorful fireworks. Hotels host special gala dinners with show programs, and nightclubs stay open until dawn. The liveliest celebrations take place in Patong, where thousands of tourists gather.

Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas on January 7th is also celebrated in Phuket, though on a much smaller scale than Catholic Christmas. The main place of celebration is the Holy Trinity Church — the only Orthodox church on the island, founded in 2011 by the Russian community. The church holds Christmas services with the participation of an amateur community choir. Interestingly, the liturgies are conducted by both Russian and Thai priests, and in the Thai language.

Many hotels and restaurants also organize special dinners in honor of Orthodox Christmas. We always publish announcements in the Events Schedule section.

Chinese New Year

Phuket is home to a large ethnic Chinese population, and Chinese New Year is celebrated here with particular grandeur. During this period, the island sees an influx of tourists from China — many of them are on holiday and choose to spend it in Phuket. Chinese New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so the date changes each year, usually falling in late January or early February.

During the celebrations, the island is adorned with bright red lanterns, and fireworks can be heard everywhere. The main celebration spots are Phuket Town, Wat Chalong Temple, and major shopping malls.

Songkran

And here’s another New Year that’s celebrated in a big way on Phuket — the Thai New Year. Songkran is a Buddhist holiday, and its name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “transition” or “movement,” symbolizing the shift from the old year to the new one. It’s one of the most important holidays in Thailand, when locals visit relatives, go to temples — and engage in massive water battles.

Songkran usually takes place in the first half of April. The holiday is tied to the Buddhist calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar, starting from the moment the Buddha reached nirvana.

On Phuket, the epicenter of Songkran festivities is usually Patong Beach. Other popular spots for water fights include Phuket Town, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.

Many tourists are pleasantly shocked by how joyfully Thais celebrate Songkran — it’s an all-out water war! Everything gets used: water guns, buckets, hoses, even fire hoses. During Songkran, there’s one rule: if you go outside, be ready to get wet!

If you happen to be in Phuket at this time, here are a few tips: buy a waterproof phone case, bring a rain poncho, or wear clothes that dry quickly (and that you don’t mind getting soaked). But most importantly — just have fun! You can read more about Thai New Year traditions in the article about Songkran.

Vegetarian Festival

A major Thai celebration held annually during the first 9 days of the ninth lunar month. It is also known as the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods. Thais celebrate this event in a very unique and unusual way.

During the Vegetarian Festival, “cleansing rituals” are performed in front of the gods. The central figures of the festival are the ma song – individuals who offer their bodies to be possessed by spirits. Like circus performers, they subject themselves to extreme trials: piercing their bodies with needles, cutting with knives, pouring hot oil on themselves, and walking on broken glass. It’s undoubtedly a spectacular sight, but definitely not for the faint-hearted!

We’ve covered the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in detail — be sure to check it out, it’s truly fascinating.

Loy Krathong

One of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand! This water and light festival is celebrated annually on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.

The name “Loy Krathong” literally translates as follows: “loy” means “to float” and “krathong” refers to a small boat or raft. This meaning is at the heart of the celebration: when night falls, people gather to release handmade krathongs into rivers, lakes, and canals, with a lit candle placed in the center. It’s an incredibly beautiful sight — for one night, Phuket’s waterways glow with thousands of floating lights! According to tradition, as the krathong floats away, it carries with it all the bad things from the past, symbolizing renewal and letting go.

In Phuket, this festival is celebrated anywhere there’s water — even in hotel swimming pools. The most popular spots include Nai Harn and Karon lakes, Saphan Hin Park in Phuket Town, the Laguna area in Cherngtalay, Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu, and Patong Beach. You can read more about the celebrations in our article on Loy Krathong.

Visakha Bucha

Visakha Bucha is one of the most important religious holidays in Thailand — and for many Thais, it’s number one. This day commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and entry into nirvana. It’s a truly unique day in the Buddhist calendar when the entire country seems to pause in reverence.

The holiday falls on the full moon, usually in May. On this day, everyday life in Thailand essentially comes to a halt — government offices are closed, alcohol sales are banned, and many Thais head to temples from early morning to take part in Visakha Bucha celebrations, which visitors can also observe.

All around, you’ll see Buddhist flags, floral garlands, and traditional decorations. Temples take on a festive look, adorned with flowers and ribbons, and oil lamps are placed around sacred Bodhi trees — the kind of tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment — as symbols of spiritual light.

At twilight, thousands of devotees gather at temples for the “wian thian” ceremony — a candlelit procession around the temple’s main chapel. The sight is like a flowing river of light: each participant carries a candle, a lotus flower, and incense sticks, symbolizing respect for the Buddha, his teachings, and the community of followers.

On this day, many Thais try to perform good deeds — some temporarily take monastic vows, while others release animals into the wild as a symbolic act of compassion. Even the younger generation, despite the fast pace of modern life, finds time to visit temples and take part in these ancient rituals.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

The longest-running triathlon in Asia — held since 1994 — is the Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT). The event usually takes place in November on a unique course in the prestigious Laguna Phuket area. It includes a 1.8 km swim, a 50 km bike ride, and a 12 km run through scenic tropical landscapes. The swim segment takes place in both the Andaman Sea and a freshwater lagoon. The cycling course winds through picturesque Phuket countryside and local villages, with a dramatic climb over the steep Naithon hills.

This triathlon attracts athletes from around the world — and plenty of spectators too. It’s a highly visual sporting event, and watching the competition is completely free.

Royal Regatta

The Royal Regatta in Phuket is a true celebration of sailing and has become a landmark event for all of Asia. This tradition began in 1987 as a special tribute for the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and since then, the regatta has been held annually during the first week of December, coinciding with the King’s birthday.

This spectacular event brings together more than 160 sailing vessels of various classes and around 1,500 yachtsmen from around the world. From racing yachts to cruising catamarans, this fleet creates a unique festive atmosphere on the water off the shores of Kata Beach.

The regatta’s opening ceremony is traditionally very ceremonial — all participating vessels parade in front of a Royal Thai Navy ship, which displays a portrait of the King. This is a tribute to the royal patronage under which the event is held.

For many participants, it’s not just a competitive sporting event, but an opportunity to spend time with like-minded people, enjoying the sea, the sun, and the tropical paradise atmosphere. And watching the white sails glide across the turquoise sea is a beautiful sight, which is why the regatta always draws large crowds of spectators throughout the week.

Halloween

Halloween in Phuket is a vivid example of how a Western tradition has found its place in Asian culture — with a fun local twist. The island has eagerly embraced the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve.

The heart of the festivities, from the end of October through the big night on the 31st, is the famous Bangla Road on Patong Beach — the island’s main nightlife hub. Crowds of tourists and locals dressed as monsters, vampires, witches, and other spooky characters fill the streets. Bars and clubs are decked out with Halloween decorations, while musicians and DJs set the perfect eerie mood.

For families with children, many hotels and entertainment centers organize special programs. Parks host kids’ events featuring face painting and themed treats. Shopping malls and stores also join in the fun by decorating their spaces and launching special promotions. Even small cafés often display carved pumpkins with candles inside — the international symbol of Halloween.

As you’ve probably realized, Phuket loves holidays, festivals, and events that bring people together in a shared spirit. We cover all the most exciting cultural and entertainment happenings every week in the Phuket Events Schedule section. Stay tuned and keep discovering new sides of Phuket!