Koh Samui is a living, working island with distinctive local habits and customs. The first settlers that landed here were Chinese traders and Muslim fishermen and both of these groups still inhabit the island today, living peacefully alongside their Thai cousins. Tourism may be the main source of income on Koh Samui, but scratch beneath the surface and you will find a proud and vibrant local culture.
Thai festivals are an important part of daily life on Koh Samui. The larger celebrations are Chinese New Year in February, Songkran (Thai New Year) in April and Loi Kratong (Festival of Light) in November. These all involve processions, temple festivities, food fairs and live performances.
Temple fairs take place throughout the year, passing from village to village (this week our village is the lucky winner). Popular with locals of all ages, the bigger ones combine a fun fair with live entertainment, market stalls and local food. The temple fair is probably the only place where you can buy a new pair of flip flops, watch a Kung Fu movie, have your fortune told and indulge in a bag of deep-fried grasshoppers all in one evening. Unfortunately the live entertainment of last night was not of real star quality and one can only hope and pray that tonight will be of better tunes.
