Top [9] Events to Look Forward in Phuket [2023]

Phuket is a beautiful island located in the south of Thailand, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush mountain ranges, captivating culture and exciting events.

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket in 2023, you’re in luck!  2023 is set to be an exciting year in Phuket. From traditional Thai festivals to international sporting events, Phuket offers a diverse range of events throughout the year that cater to all interests. Or if you’re a Phuket villa owner, you can take advantage of these events to promote your property and attract more visitors.

 So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 9 events to look forward to in Phuket 2023.

1. Phuket International Boat Show

The Phuket International Boat Show 2023  is a highly popular four-day event that will take place at the award-winning Royal Phuket Marina between 12 – 15 January 2023, with over 6,000 visitors and more than 100 exhibitors expected to attend.

It is the perfect place to shop for your dream yacht. The show features a wide range of luxury boats, from superyachts and performance boats to fishing vessels and classic sailing boats. You can also enjoy a range of activities at the show, from live music and dancing to gourmet food stalls and educational seminars.

2. Phuket Old Town Festival

Phuket Old Town Festival is an annual event in the historic heart of Phuket Town, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island with traditional food, music, dance and performances. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations and lanterns during the festival, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. You can explore local markets, sample Thai delicacies, and watch street parades, live music, unique and wonderful costumes.

3. Phuket Food Festival

The Phuket Food Festival honors Phuket's exceptional cuisine. Visitors can savor diverse local Phuket dishes. Taking place in the heart of Phuket Town. The festival also hosts a cooking competition where local chefs compete to invent appetizing and creative dishes with traditional Phuket ingredients. Besides, the festival offers live music performances, cultural exhibits, and workshops that showcase the essence of Phuket's thriving culture. The festival takes place during warm and sunny weather in April or May, providing the ideal opportunity to explore Phuket's stunning beaches while enjoying the festivities.

4. Phuket Bike Week

Phuket Bike Week “Cowboy on the beach”, the legendary event in Asia, will celebrate the 27th anniversary on 28th – 30th April 2023. This event will be the large gathering of motorcyclists, expecting to draw over 10,000 motorcycles, 50,000 visitors from 30 countries to Phuket. The excitement will take place in Patong Beach. 

5. Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival in Phuket typically takes place from April 13 to April 15. Participants, both locals and tourists, gather on the streets to celebrate the Thai New Year by participating in traditional festivities. The event is characterized by water fights, viewed as a representation of cleansing oneself of misfortune and transgressions from the preceding year. People splash water on each other using buckets, water guns, and other creative means. It is also frequent to see individuals cruising around in trucks, soaking others with water as they pass by.

 

6. Laguna Phuket Marathon

The Laguna Phuket Marathon, a highly popular running event in the region, is scheduled for 10-11 June 2023. Taking place at the stunning Laguna Phuket Resort, the event features a range of distances, from 2 Km to 10.5 Km races. 

The race begins and ends at Laguna Phuket and takes runners through local villages, pineapple and rubber plantations. It is a fun and family oriented experience and a great way to explore the beauty of Phuket and challenge yourself at the same time.

 

7. Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day festival that celebrates the Chinese community's belief in abstaining from meat and other stimulants for spiritual and physical cleansing. The festival will be held for 10 days from 13 – 22 October 2023 to be celebrated with a range of extreme rituals, from prayer ceremonies to colorful processions. The ceremonies of the Vegetarian Festival take place in six Chinese temples scattered throughout Phuket.

One of the festival's most noteworthy events is the "Fire Walking Ceremony," in which devotees step across a bed of burning coals as a proof of their faith and purity. Another important event is "Bladed Ladder Climbing," in which participants ascend a staircase made of sharp blades without any safety clothing.

Visitors to the festival can experience a unique blend of Chinese and Thai culture, enjoy traditional vegetarian food, and witness some of the most fascinating rituals and ceremonies.

8. Laguna Phuket Triathlon

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is one of the most successful triathlons in Phuket. Taking place in the stunning Laguna Phuket Resort, the 29th event will be held on 19 November 2023. The event features a range of distances across the famous Laguna Phuket destination race course from swimming in the Andaman Sea and fresh water lagoon, biking through the picturesque Phuket countryside and local villages, including the challenging Naithon hills, and running through the entire Laguna Phuket destination, with the climax finish back on the stunning beachside.

9. Phuket King's Cup Regatta

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, one of the most prestigious sailing events in the region, was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Rama 9 of Thailand, who was an avid sailor and helped promote sailing in the country. The 35th Phuket King's Cup Regatta will be held from 2nd to 9th December, 2023. The event features a range of races, from dinghies and keelboats to classic yachts.

Aside from the races, the regatta boasts a lively social program that includes daily awards ceremonies, cocktail parties, and cultural events highlighting Thai hospitality and culture. Participants can also enjoy Phuket's beautiful beaches and warm waters, known for their world-class diving and snorkeling spots.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation experience in Phuket, make sure to add these events to your calendar. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience! But that's not all - if you're searching for luxury villas in Phuket, then we've got you covered too! Phuket is home to some of the most stunning and luxurious villas offering the perfect accommodation option for those seeking a truly indulgent vacation. So why wait? Start planning your dream vacation in Phuket, and discover the best of what this amazing destination has to offer!