Agenda: Samui Festival 2017 is going to be big this year!
The 'Samui Festival 2017', which will be held on Koh Samui from September 7 – 11, will be a spectacle, coinciding with the island's 120th anniversary celebrations. The program includes two sporting events, including a full marathon. Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will personally present the prizes to the winners.
According to Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, the festival is one of the most important events in Thailand's tourism agenda this year. It will be a celebration of the culture and style of the southern region.
The five-day festival includes, in addition to the sports competitions, a diverse and family-friendly events program: something for everyone. There are cultural events, concerts by famous Thai singers and bands and 'Samui Fight' kickboxing competitions. Most of the events take place on Koh Samui's beaches, including Nathon, Bophut and Chaweng:
- Opening: a 'Flower Float' parade nearly 7 kilometers on September 7.
- Marathon (42 kilometers, 10,5 kilometers and 5 kilometers) on September 9.
- Bicycle race (25 and 50 kilometers) on September 10.
- Art Lane showcases works by famous Thai artists and local crafts.
- Street food: Seafood and Thai dishes from Surat Thani (Southern Region).
- A 2,5 kilometer beach buffet (free and open to the public).
Now I live on Samui but it is quite difficult to find out what starts where when and at what time. Today at one o'clock I received a line message from my wife that there was a parade in Nathon that would start at two o'clock (opening of the festival). I was there a little later, quite a crowd but almost only Thais. If I'm correct the 2,5 kilometer beach buffet starts at 5am. A website largely in Thai is not really useful right now.