Thaa Yai Festival

Even without the presence of the interesting and exciting Koh Samui attractions, the island’s tourism would still be going strong, thanks to its abundance of white sand beaches and exotic first-class accommodations. Regardless, special annual events and other crowd-drawers make this tropical destination even more worthwhile.

A yearly event known as Thaa Yai is celebrated throughout various parts of Thailand to commemorate the dead.  Although in other parts of Thailand the festival may be called something else besides “Thaa Yai”.

In Koh Samui, the special occasion takes place every September, and follows the exact same rituals practiced annually – families prepare a certain meal, and bring it to their local temple as an offering for their departed loved ones.

The meals are then gathered to create a grand fiesta for all of those who have passed away and are no longer with us. In addition to this, the locals also prepare additional offerings in the form of food, which are given to the temple’s monks.

Moreover, the islanders believe that the dead are actually present for approximately two weeks during Thaa Yai. During this span of time, people frequently return to the temple to offer more food for their deceased blood relatives, and as well as the monks.

What makes this annual affair even more interesting (which is also probably why it was included in the list of Koh Samui attractions) is the inclusion of wooden skewers with each meal prepared. Attached to these objects are messages written by the families for their departed loved ones. And at the end of the two-week event, a big feast is held, which is often thought of as a last supper with the lifeless and monks.

Seasoned travelers who’ve been to several parts of Asia will notice a wide range of annual events bearing close similarity to Thaa Yai. In Japan, the locals celebrate the return of their dead family members during an event known as Obon. While this special affair is generally held during the month of August, the celebration date may vary from region to region.

Aside from this festivity, there are other occasions, which belong to the long list of Koh Samui attractions. More and more tourists and vacationists are now spending their holidays at this tropical paradise for plenty of good reasons, wherein one includes a rare opportunity to witness many cultural attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

MUST SEE KOH SAMUI EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Picture above is a Kratong, used to celebrate the Thai festival Loy Kratong in Koh Samui. 

The festivals and events of the island should be included in your Koh Samui things to do list. The Thai love festivities and enjoying parties. Their festivals and events are among the most unique and extraordinary in the world. There are so many festivals and events in Koh Samui. These festivals and events are among the long list of Koh Samui things to do.

The Songkran is a festival celebrated from April 13 to April 15. Songkran is derived from Sanskrit words that mean “New Year” but in Thailand, “Songkran” is known as the Water Festival. It is a day to celebrate new life and new beginnings symbolized by cleansing using water. Usually, the Thais celebrate it by pouring small amounts of water on themselves or on their family and friends. Nowadays, the celebration has evolved into a whole day water fight on the streets. One of the many Koh Samui things to do is participating in the water fights.

Traditionally, Songkran was a religious holiday and the Thais would travel back to their hometowns and visit relatives. Families would gather together and have a feast. Their homes would prepare for the New Year celebration by cleaning and washing the holy artifacts in their homes. The religious tradition of Songkran is not popularly known to most people but the water fights are known worldwide.

People, both locals and foreigners, look forward to the water fights during the Songkran celebration. They would aim water pistols on passersby and some even have buckets and hoses of water prepared. Though the celebration is quite wild and rowdy, foreigners should be mindful that the uniformed police, the elderly and the injured should not be included. Also, drivers of motorbikes and bicycles should not be aimed at with water pistols and the like. If your idea of Koh Samui things to do includes water fights and getting drenched on the street, then you should join in on the fun! It is a great way to experience a unique festival in Koh Samui island.

The Loy Kratong is among the many Koh Samui things to do as well. It is celebrated during the full moon of the 12^th lunar month. Usually, the festival is held in the month of November. It is also popularly known as the Festival of Light. Among the other festivals, the Loy Kratong is perhaps, the most anticipated festival in the Thai calendar aside from the Songkran.

If you want to include the Loy Kratong in your Koh Samui things to do list, then you should prepare your offerings. The kratong will carry them into the sea or the local river. The Loy Kratong comes from the combination of the Thai word “loy” which means “to float” and kratong which is a name of a small craft that locals make. Traditionally, the kratong is crafted from strips of the trunk of the banana or the leaves of the banana. Nowadays, the materials are far more creative and advanced. The kratong contains the offerings such as money, flowers, incense sticks, food and candles.