Songkran Festival photo courtesy of samuipedia.com

What is Songkran?

Hailed as one of the highlights on the island’s calendar, Songkran in Koh Samui is marked with an unforgettable array of aquatic antics enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Songkran is the biggest and most memorable festival you’re ever likely to experience in Thailand, held in April, the month that marks the end of the Buddhist lunar cycle and therefore Thai New Year. Originally celebrated with locals splashing their loved ones to spread good fortune, Songkran in Koh Samui now includes more modern forms of revelry with visitors and locals alike gathering in the streets to soak one another with buckets of water, hose pipes, super soakers and more!

When is Songkran?

The Songkran holiday usually runs over the weekend of April 12th-14^th. In some parts of Thailand the water throwing lasts longer, but in Koh Samui the festival takes place over one weekend around this date, with locals enjoying a full weekend off work to take part in the shenanigans.

What to Expect?

Expect lots of water! Songkran takes place during the hottest time of the year, so the festival is a welcome way to cool down from the hot Samui sun. Visitors should attend the festival events armed with plenty of water-filled devices, from buckets and water balloons, to super soakers, water pistols and more. Typically crowds of people fill the local streets and soak one another in a water fight scenario. Others head to first floor windows of their apartment, hotel or Koh Samui villa to throw gallons of water on passers by. It may sound raucous, however the festival is enjoyed in the best of spirits with everyone except the police, monks and elderly joining in the fun.

Where to go for Songkran in Koh Samui?

Where to celebrate Songkran in Koh Samui depends on how involved you want to get. There are endless things to do across the island during Songkran, with something to suit every kind of traveller. Head to one of the many pool parties, street soakings or busy beaches if you’re up for a serious sopping. These may seem a little on the wild side however Songkran in Koh Samui is a lot more tame than Bangkok or any of the larger cities and islands. Head to Chaweng for foam parties, live DJ’s and large buzzing crowds. Nathon and Koh Samui’s west coast are much quieter, and offer a more authentic and gentle expression of Songkran. Choeng Mon and Maenam are both great options for families with children. While in Bophut and Fisherman’s Village you’ll find a great atmosphere offering a mixture of everything for everyone. Wherever you are in Koh Samui during Songkran you wont need to look very far to find the festival. We recommend staying off the roads and away from the boozy beach bars, with a good supply of dry towels within easy reach in our Koh Samui villas.

Should I Visit Koh Samui During Songkran?

Yes. Songkran is one of the most fun-filled events you’re ever likely to experience in Thailand. It is an occasion where the whole community is united with well wishes and good cheer. Despite the hot weather, holidays to Koh Samui during Thai New Year are popular, with many visitors enjoying the cool water being thrown around in abundance. If you are thinking of booking a vacation to Koh Samui for Songkran then don’t hesitate. Any visit that coincides with Thai New Year is a great chance to experience Thailand at its very best.

Top Tips for Songkran

• Songkran takes places in April, one of the hottest months in Koh Samui, so be prepared for the heat
• Don’t just throw it around. Drink plenty of water during Songkran
• Slather on the sunscreen, temperatures will be in the 30’s
• Book accommodation with air-conditioning, all of our Koh Samui villas are equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans
• Wear casual clothes with swim wear underneath, be aware that temple dress codes apply if you visit any religious sites
• Keep you phone and money in a waterproof case
• Keep off the roads. Cars, trucks and scooter usually get soaked so accidents can happen

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New Year’s Eve is synonymous with celebrations across the globe, whether you’re partying with a large group of just having a meal with friends and family. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Koh Samui…

Jahn in Conrad Koh Samui

With wine, thai music and a seven course dinner, Jahn restaurant in the Conrad resort is a great place to be on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant is on a cliff overlooking the ocean, so those who arrive early will be able to start the countdown with the sun slowly descending over the horizon.

On the stroke of midnight, this will be a great place to watch the fireworks. Entertainment also includes live music on the water, a cabaret show and a complimentary glass of champagne on the countdown, although couples receive a bottle. There is also a New Year’s Day brunch served between noon and 3:30 on January 1st with a complimentary glass of prosecco.

Zazen Boutique Resort

Add a little glamour into the night at the Zazen Boutique gala. The evening starts with some pre-dinner cocktails and canapes at the Salon de Ti.

It continues with a seven course dinner, including foie gras, Wagyu beef roll, sea bream udon with caviar, Belvedere vodka and kaffir lime granita, Phuket lobster and more. The evening finishes with two Thai dance shows, a cabaret act and the fireworks at midnight. Start the New Year feeling like royalty!

SALA Samui

Another place to get dressed up for is SALA Samui.

Menu highlights include turbot crab salad with a glass of Albarino, Bresse chicken roulade with heirloom vegetables, Maine lobster with Alaskan halibut and King scallops and a“Valrhona” dessert – expensive, French premium chocolate. Entertainment includes a Bobby Parrs duo, cabaret shows, traditional Thai dance, fire show and Choeng Mon Beach fireworks.

There is less eating to do here but the fun is equal to anywhere else.

W Retreat Koh Samui

In the past the NYE parties at W Retreat have featured fire dances, local DJs and a complimentary glass of champagne for the countdown. This year guests can expect to feast on grilled tiger prawns, Australian prime rib of Wagyu beef and more.

A Casual Night on the Beach

If you want a relaxed evening in shorts and a t-shirt with a beach dinner and plenty of space to let your hair down, that’s a great option.

Reservations may not be necessary at local Thai places but, once you’ve found an ideal beachside venue, double-check that it will be open – many close or host parties for their staff.

A reservation is a good idea if you have a big group or want a prime beach-front table.

Fireworks Shows

The rule of thumb for New Year’s Eve in Koh Samui is this, the bigger the beach, the bigger the fireworks. Whether you’ll be on a beach at midnight, or somewhere with a view – Koh Samui’s New Year fireworks are a great way to ring in the New Year. 

At smaller beaches, like Choeng Mon, the show is usually over by  1 am. This is great for families with young children.

If you want a party with a capital P then head to Chaweng where you will find a raucous affair with celebrity DJs, huge crowds, lots of bars and a huge fireworks show.

Staying in a luxury villa?

Our Koh Samui villasare well equipped for all kinds of celebrations. If you’d rather not cook dinner, many restaurants do take-out or you could employ villa staff such as a Thai chef and butler for the evening.

Wherever you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Koh Samui it is tradition to light the khom lhoy, the Thai lanterns. Send it off as a couple, a family or a group of friends and welcome in the New Year in traditional Thai style

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The best way to capture the essence of Thai culture is with one of Koh Samui’s famed Thai dinner shows.

These exotic events are held at venues across Koh Samui. Here are some of the best options that combine an exceptional dining experience with entertainment that captures the heart of Thailand…

The Imperial Boat House Resort and Spa: A Taste of Thai Culture
The restaurant at The Imperial Boat House in Choeng Mon invites guests to experience the rich culinary and visual heritage of Thailand. Every Monday evening from 7pm the menu at Captain’s Choice offers a selection of authentic Thai cuisine and several themed buffet nights, but the after-dinner entertainment is the main attraction at this beach-side restaurant. What follows is a show of authentic Thai dancing as performed by professional dancers. This is a tasty and spectacular taste of Thai Culture!

Zazen Boutique Resort: Thai Dance Evenings
The Zazen Restaurant in Bophut is praised as a place of sophistication, romance and intimacy. It is bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles and serenaded by the gentle waves and smooth jazz music. The menu of authentic and exotic Thai cuisine is a food lover’s paradise and a true treat for the taste buds. Every Thursday and Sunday, trained dancers and musicians in dazzling costumes present an evening of traditional Thai dancing to complete your dining experience and demonstrate another spectacular aspect of Thai culture for the enjoyment of their guests.

Poppies: Thai Night
In a romantic tropical garden overlooking the sea, Poppies in Chaweng is pure paradise. Their extensive international and Thai menu is built on fresh ingredients and locally caught seafood. Guests can dine by the sea, under the stars or in the teak pavilion overlooking the pool. If the tempting menu and serene location was not enough, every Saturday at Poppies is Thai night. Professional dancers in elaborate costumes will perform the traditional dances of Thailand, all to the tune of traditional Thai music.

Siam Classic Bophut: Dinner and a Show
Siam Classic is a Thai dance and drama show in The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. The entertainment consists of six dramatic dance forms; Khon, a formal masked dance-drama depicting scenes from the Ramakian and originally performed only for the royal court; Lakhon, which covers several types of dance-drama (usually for non royal occasions) as well as western theatre; Li-khe, a partly improvised, often bawdy folk play featuring dancing, comedy, melodrama and music; Manohra, the southern Thai equivalent of Li-khe, but based on a 2000 year old Indian story; Nang or shadow plays, limited to Southern Thailand and Lakhon or Hun Luang – puppet theatre. To have the full Thai experience, this show includes a five course dinner so everyone experiences the sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of Thailand. This show includes a mini-bus pick up and drop off to any hotel in Koh Samui. The evening kicks off from 7:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The Thai Experience
The Thai Experience in Lamai will redefine the term ‘dinner party’. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail, then seated around a large communal dining table and provided with chef’s hats and Thai aprons. First on the menu is the selection of cocktails. Everyone is shown how to blend fruit juices, liqueurs and syrups to create Me Lychee Long Time, Electric Blue Gin Cocktail and Samui Sunrise Passion Fruit Cocktail. Once the bonding exercise has been completed and sampled, the chefs move on to the three course, fifteen dish meal. Dishes such as fresh crab wonton sandwiches, slow cooked pork leg stew and Thai Tea Tres Leche will enchant everyone and fill all the stomachs in attendance. Along the way, guests will learn how to mix and blend Thai condiments to create perfect dipping sauces and be given the opportunity to quiz the team on any aspects of Thai dining or culture that they have not yet experienced. This is experience is a great introduction to newcomers and a delightful way of making new friends.

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Koh Samui may be a picture perfect vacation destination but it’s also a living and working island with distinctive local customs and habits. Read on to learn more about Koh Samui culture including its markets, festivals, sports and more.

The very first settlers that landed in Koh Samui were Chinese traders and Muslim fishermen – both groups still inhabit the island living peacefully alongside their friendly Thai neighbours. In the early 1970s, Samui became popular with the hippie backpacking community as an unspoiled hideaway in the gulf of Thailand. This was the start of tourism in Samui and with impressive investment in its infrastructure, the island has since evolved into the popular vacation destination it is today.

A great place to get an authentic taste of Koh Samui life is at the local markets like the Nathon fresh food market, the Lam Din market and the Hua Thanon fishing village. Here you will find a proud and vibrant local culture without the hubbub of too many tourists.

Another important part of daily life on Koh Samui are traditional Thai festivals. The larger celebrations are Chinese New Year which takes place in February, Songkran, the Thai New Year, in April and Loi Krathong, which is also known as the festival of light, which takes place in November. These lively festivals involve parties, processions, food fairs, temple festivals and live performances all over the island. There are also regular food and cultural events staged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in the island’s capital Nathon.

Passing from village to village throughout the year are Koh Samui’s renowned temple fairs. Popular with locals and visitors of all ages these fairs combine live entertainment, local food, market stalls and plenty of fun. Expect to find flip flops galore, plenty of Kung Fu films on show lots of local delicacies including crispy deep-fried grasshoppers!

Buffalo fighting is still a big local sport in Koh Samui, with champion buffaloes being worth more than one million baht. The fighting season varies according to customs and ceremonies so it’s impossible to predict when to watch a fight, but if you visit at the right time they usually take place at stadiums in Ban Makham near Nathon and Ban Saket. Unlike Spanish bull fighting, the animals fight one another, locking horns in a lively display of power and play.

As Thailand’s national sport Thai boxing is another part of Koh Samui life. The sport developed from the ancient Muay Thai martial art and fighters are faced with rigorous training before stepping into the ring. Visitors can see traditional Thai fights Mon, Wed and Sat nights at Phetch Buncha Stadium on in Chaweng or at Lamai Beach on Saturday nights for lady boxing.

Local bars or ‘country’ bars are the venue of choice for local people and are a perfect way to enjoy a typical Samui tradition. Local bars offer live local music, great food and plenty of drinks with the friendly local people. Visitors are just as welcome to join the party so come alone or bring Thai friends if you have them, to fully appreciate the local revelry. Country bars are mostly located around the main island ring road and are easy to spot with cowboy style logos and small stages by the bar.

Koh Samui is a stunning vacation destination with some of the friendliest local people in the world. With its culture of lively festivals, ancient temples and historic sites to sports, spas, restaurants and some of the best beaches in the world, there’s plenty to lure you to discover Koh Samui culture for yourself.

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For couples in search of the picture perfect wedding destination – look no further than the tropical island of Koh Samui. Weddings in Koh Samui are renowned for being idyllic.

This boutique vacation destination in the Gulf of Thailand offers idyllic beach backdrops, luxury wedding accommodation, a whole host of professional wedding planners and superb value for money.

Getting Married in Koh Samui 

The island is a convenient half-way point between Europe and Australia, making an ideal wedding location for couples with family living apart – it also offers more sun, sea, sand and spiritual charm than wedding venues at home.

Koh Samui villa weddings are one of the most popular options on the island, offering guests complete peace and privacy – unlike weddings elsewhere. Villas in Koh Samui can accommodate friends, families and large groups in sensational spots across the island, including remote beaches, stunning hillsides and lush tropical surroundings.

Villas in Koh Samui also offer friends and families more quality time together than a hotel where everyone typically stays separately. Villas are also a cheaper alternative to other venues, often charging only a small fee for extra guests or wedding events. Other villa pros include the luxury of private pools, full time staff, babysitters and close proximity to everything the island has to offer.

Every bride’s whim will be catered for with a wedding in Koh Samui, with its endless luxury spas, breath-taking locations and friendly locals skilled in everything from manicures and massages to dress-making and more. In fact a multitude of wedding parties opt to have their outfits made on the island using luxury lightweight fabrics available at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

A wide range of wedding ceremonies in Koh Samui are available with something to suit every couple. Choose from a western-style wedding, a traditional Thai service with monks or a combination of the two. Wedding planners in Koh Samui are happy to offer expert advice and cater for every request. An elephant dressed in wedding robes is a regular feature of nuptials on the island, as is getting married underwater, surrounded by tropical fish and scuba-clad guests.

Other wedding highlights include fireworks, traditional Thai dancers, local music, and traditional Thai cuisine. A spectacular effect can be achieved in the evening with the lighting of hundreds of well-wish lanterns, a popular island traditional and popular wedding feature.

Friends and family often travel a long way for a wedding in Thailand, planning the special occasion over several days to make the most of their time together. There’s an array of things to do in Koh Samui to keep guests entertained during their stay including boat trips, jungle tours, luxury spas, shows, restaurants, clubs and more.

Thinking of popping the question? Why not do it in Koh Samui?

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And while enjoying all that, how about helping to support local Koh Samui communities with their green projects?

Then you mustn’t miss The Samui Latin and Jazz Week from 29 September – 06 October 2013!!

All profits from this week of great sounds will go to the Green Island Foundation to help support sustainable community-run projects around the island.

Presented by the Koh Samui Municipality, and organised under the auspices of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this is a serious coming together of great vocalists and musicians from around the world.

40 great Thai and international artistes will be performing at various locations for eight great nights, from 29 September until 06 October. So if you love jazz, Latino music, scintillating songs and great percussion sounds – just drop in!

Here are some of the musicians who will be performing – Deborah Brown (vocalist) from the States, Saskia Laroo (“Lady Miles Davies”) on trumpet and Peter Beets (pianist) from the Netherlands. Plus Judith Nijland (the Netherlands), saxophonist Rolf Delfos (Netherlands), Nadia Basurto vocalist, and Miquel Rodriques on guitar from Spain, Fabio Deldongo, singer and pianist, from France.

The programme starts on Sunday 29 September at Fair House Villas & Spa, Maenam

8pm preview concert with Deborah Brown;
9pm, Dina Medina & Cabo Cuba Jazz.

Then Monday 30 September at Rocky’s Boutique Resort, Lamai –
8pm Trio Peter Beets ‘Tribute to Peterson’;
9pm Judith Nijland & The Beets Brothers.

Tuesday 01 October – The Drink Gallery, Chaweng –
8-10pm Saskia Laroo with her quartet ‘Jazzkia’.

Wednesday 02 October – The Passage Samui, Laem Yai –
8-10pm Miguel Rodriguez and Nadia Basurto.

Thursday 03 October – Centara Grand Beach Resort, Chaweng –
8-10pm Salsa Night with Nando Vanin.

You can book online at www.samuilatinandjazzweek.com;
by emailing info@samuilatinandjazzweek.com
or in person at each venue.
All concerts have an entrance fee of 500 THB per ticket.

There will be great food available at the venues for these evenings.

Then on Friday 04 October and Saturday 05 October there are two evenings of free concerts at the beachfront main stage of the Amari Palm Reef at Chaweng. These evenings start at 6.00pm and go on until midnight.

Artistes will be numerous, and will include – Nils Fischer, percussion; Rolf Delfos, saxophone; Koran Daniels, saxophone; Kho Mr Saxman, saxophone; Cabo Cuba Jazz quartet; Amik Guerra, trumpet; Fabio Deldongo, vocalist and keyboard and Buntita Prachamorn, vocalist.

The last evening is Sunday 06 October, which starts at 6pm at the Secret Garden, Bang Rak. This Sunday ‘After Party’ session is with Fabio Deldongo, vocalist and keyboard.

Book that Ko Samui villa, your flights – and those jazz week tickets now!

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Landlubber or yachtsperson? No matter which, because if you are with us at this minute you won’t be able to escape the fun and thrills of the annual Regatta. It started today, 30th May and ends on 4th June, and it’s taking place right now, off the Chaweng Beach!

Described by some as ‘One of Asia’s top Lifestyle and Sport Events’, all the top yachts, crew and media will be in attendance, and there will be a lot of wonderful ocean racing to see, some terrific photo opportunities, and plenty on land to keep you all amused.

2011 is the competition’s 10th year, during which time it has grown and grown, and now many of the island’s top hotels, restaurants and resorts all vie to take part in organising special evenings and entertainment for the spectators and participants.  This year the landlubbery events include a golf tournament, a watch exhibition, a car show and two huge dinner events – Premiership Soccer Legends, and a Fashion Evening – as well as hoards of other attractions all around Ko Samui.

If you get bored just watching the possibly somewhat distant competitors from the golden sands of Chaweng, you could always get on one of the select spectator boats that will be cruising the seas for a closer view.   You can choose from a ‘chasing speed boat’ or the Regatta Spectator Boat.  Essential to book, of course, and the place to get your boat is Bangrak pier, at 9 am every race day.  Tickets cost 1,500 TB which includes a lunch and soft drink.  Or you can email apikard@gmail.com or phone to reserve on 086 503 9558.

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