Phuket Events & Festivals : 2

November

Patong Carnival: 1st

The carnival is held in the first week of November to celebrate the start of the high season at Patong Beach. There are stalls selling crafts and food, colourful parades, watersports competitions and even a beauty pageant.

Loi Krathong: 5th

Loi Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon in November and is the most magical of all Thai festivals. Small lotus-shaped boats woven from banana leaves, called krathongs, are floated on water. These vessels contain small flowers, candles, incense and offerings to thank Mother Water for providing water for them to use. Thai people also believe that if they place a strand of hair or nail clipping in the krathong their troubles will be carried away with it.

In Phuket, many people go to Saphan Hin on the edge of Phuket City to launch their krathongs. The beach at Patong is also popular. There you can also float paper lanterns into the sky. Watching hundreds of these glowing lanterns drifting up into the sky over the sea is an enchanting way to spend an evening.

December

Laguna Phuket Triathlon: 3rd

This annual competition takes place in the Laguna Resort complex at Bang Tao Beach. It attracts professional and amateur triathletes from around the world. The event comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run through beautiful natural surroundings. (See http://www.lagunaphuket.com/triathlon for more details).

King's Cup Regatta: 5th - 10th

The King's Cup is Asia's premier regatta. The event takes place in the first week of December as it was inaugurated to honour the King's birthday, which is on December 5th. Sailing enthusiasts from around the world come to Phuket every year to take part in the regatta, which not only involve lots of sailing but plenty of parties in the evenings. (For more info see King's Cup Regatta).

Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX): 7th - 10th

The third Phuket International Marine Expo will be held at the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina. The event will feature around 100 national and international exhibitors, including at least 20 on-water displays. Superb luxury yachts; charter boats; the latest marine equipment; Phuket lifestyle and property. (For more info see Phuket Boat Show).