If you're considering a trip to Phuket then you're probably questioning when the very best time to go to the island is. Everything boils down to what you seek. Depending upon when you choose to go to Phuket, you could wind up fighting it out with the residents in a water battle, sitting alone on a secluded beach or captured in the middle of the yearly torture fest.
By far the most interesting time to visit Phuket is during Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. What was when a traditional gesture of pouring https://holidayparrots.com/best-time-to-visit-phuket/ a little water on one another has morphed into the world's most extreme water battle. It goes on all over Thailand and the islanders in Phuket give everything they've got.
If you don't like getting damp, don't even bother going outside. Songkran happens April 13 to 15, with April 15 being the big day for the water battle. It's insane. People line the streets all round the island, equipped with water guns, containers and hose pipelines. Some individuals ride around in the backs of pickup trucks normally with a barrel or more full of water. Patong is where the action is wildest and the madness goes on well into the night. Everyone plays: residents, foreigners, guys, women, young, old. It has to be seen to be believed.
For something totally out there, you have to take a look at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It's like absolutely nothing else you will ever experience. Entranced males and females (maa tune) are said to feel no pain as they walk around the streets with their cheeks pierced with needles, knives, spears and all sort of interesting items. If you're squeamish, give this one a miss. The festival happens every year in October.
The festival is also a good time to go vegetable and you'll find that most of the local restaurants strike meat from the menu. Get yourself a map and travel to the Chinese temples to see events and other interests. On the last day, head to Saphan Hin, where the celebration climaxes with individuals lining the streets and throwing firecrackers into the roadway as the maa tune stroll the final procession through Phuket Town.
Chinese New Year is likewise a fun time to visit Phuket, particularly if you're a fan of Chinese food. The festival isn't rather as intense and flashy as in Bangkok, however it's still worth seeing if you take place to be in the area. It occurs in February.
New Year's Eve in Phuket is best enjoyed in Patong. Everyone heads to the beach before midnight to watch the splendid fireworks display. Street sellers constantly have a variety of fireworks available, although due to many people being drunk, these frequently wind up shooting into crowds of bemused onlookers, so look out.
Obviously, if you simply want a quiet vacation, the very best time to go to Phuket is from May to October throughout low season when visitor numbers are way down however the island is still simply as stunning.