Celebrations and Festivals in Krabi

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Krabi Although Krabi is a fantastic part of Thailand to visit at any time of the year, the diverse ethnic groups that make up the Krabi population celebrate so many wonderful local festivals, that it is worth coinciding your Krabi trip with at least one of them. Some are specific to Krabi province, whilst others are enjoyed the length and breadth of Thailand and often embrace elements of Thai Buddhist, Chinese or Islamic traditions.

Laanta Lanta Festival

Held in March this annual celebration in Lanta Old Town, the historic part of Ko Lanta, is an exciting opportunity to glimpse traditional Krabi culture during vibrant ceremonial displays, folk dancing and sporting competitions. You can also sample some delicious Krabi cuisine from a multitude of stalls that waft so many tempting aromas, that your mouth will begin to water!

Songkran Festival in April 13th - 15th

The entire Thai nation enjoys this party period that represents the Thai Lunar New Year and is believed to have originated from an Indian celebration. It was traditionally a religious occasion, when images of the Buddha were meticulously cleaned and Buddhist monks shown extra respect by all those in the community. Today it is more commonly marked by animated processions and people throwing water to represent both the end of the dry season in Thailand and the washing away of bad spirits. So, if you are out and about during the Songkran festival, don’t be surprised if you are drenched from head to toe by a bucket full of colored or fragranced water, hurled by well meaning Krabi locals!

 

Sree Budhdha’s Birthday

This is commemorated on the 15th May with religious parades (encompassing the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha) in Budhhist temples all over Thailand. It is a time when devout Buddhists make a special effort to bring happiness to those less fortunate such as the sick, handicapped or the elderly.

Sat Duean Sip Festival

This highly spiritual event takes place throughout Thailand in the tenth lunar month to honor the ancestors by offering food to Buddhist monks.

Chak Phra Festival

Another religious festival celebrated in October, when images of the Buddha are placed on elaborately decorated boats and dragged along a river by a lively procession.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival

This is one of Krabi’s most anticipated festivals, also known as the ‘Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsies’ celebration. It occurs on the full month of both the sixth and the eleventh lunar month (usually May and October). At this time the sea gypsies gather on the beach at Ban Saladan to dance the traditional ‘rong ngeng’ (an ethnic dance) and cast adrift boats of misfortune to encourage prosperity and future happiness.

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

This festival is held every November to mark the official start to Krabi’s tourist season. There is plenty of entertainment for all the family, including boat races, kayak competitions, cultural events and musical shows, in addition to the sale of typical Krabi products.

Loi Krathong Festival

This is a particularly emotive Thai celebration which takes place on the full moon of the 12th of November. Thai’s float individual ‘Krathong’, originally made from banana leaves (now often made from bread) which carry tiny lanterns along the river. This ‘festival of lights’ is one of Thailand’s best preserved rituals and is not to be missed.

The Thai King’s Official Birthday

The Thai people are extremely devoted to their King and commemorate his birthday every December 5th with a nationwide holiday. Houses are decorated with colorful flags and royal portraits and the streets are awash with yellow bunting and marigold flowers. The day climaxes with a spectacular firework display in the evening.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on one of these fun celebrations, check with your Krabi hotels or resort manager for information on local events taking place during your stay.