Calendar of Events

Koh Samui hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, with something to suit everyone. The events can attract visitors from around the world, creating a diverse and exciting atmosphere.

Buffalo Fighting Festival

This is one of the best known events on the island. It is held on special occasions, such as New Year's Day. The buffalo are sprayed by monks with holy water, and they are decorated with bright ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Buffalo fighting is a centuries old tradition, and is one of the most popular pastimes on the island. The buffalo are not injured during the fighting festival, they simply display natural behaviour that would be exhibited in the wild.

Samui Regatta

The regatta is a tournament held yearly on Koh Samui. It attracts international competitors and spectators from as far as Japan, Australia and China. It is a week long tournament, that hosts some of the biggest yachts in the world. Usually held in May, the event has been running since 2002, and gets bigger and better every year. It is the biggest regatta of its kind in Asia, and is one of the islands most spectacular events. Evening parties are held once the racing has finished, allowing spectators and tourists the chance to connect with the sailors and other sailing enthusiasts.

Ten Stars Samui Art Party

The Art Party is an annual event, bringing together local and international art lovers. Original artworks are displayed by world renowned Samui artists. All proceeds from the Art Party are donated to charities on the island, that work to support environmental awareness projects, leading to a more beautiful, natural and sustainable island.

Samui Triathlon

Organised by the International Triathlon Union, this yearly event attracts over 500 participants from all over the world. It is an ideal way to take in the beauty of the island, with a 4 kilometre swim in the pristine azure waters off the island. This is followed by a 120 kilometre cycle and a 30 kilometre run. Held in April each year, it is not an event for the faint hearted, and participants are advised to prepare adequately for the hot and humid conditions that the event is held in.