Alcohol ban: On the five Buddhist holy days (Makha, Visakha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) a 24-hour nationwide alcohol sales ban applied in 2026, with limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, designated tourist zones). Check the current rules. Rules can change per year and province; check the current rules. nationthailand.com: 40069132 ↗ angthong.prd.go.th: 388517 ↗
When and where
When: Around Ok Phansa (October)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 23-31 October.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
Chak Phra, 'pulling the Buddha', celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent in Surat Thani. Buddha images are pulled through the streets or across the river on decorated floats (bot) or boats, with music and dance. Devotees offer food to monks. It is a colourful local festival celebrated in many places in southern Thailand, and especially lively in Surat Thani.
Getting there
Surat Thani has an airport and a railway station; ferries to Koh Samui.
Highlights
- Buddha floats Decorated floats through the streets.
- River boats Boats with Buddha images on the water.
- Gifts to monks Food and gifts for the monks.
Tips for Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
- Check local dates; they follow the lunar calendar.
- Alcohol ban on Ok Phansa.
- Combine with a visit to Koh Samui or Khao Sok.
Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Surat Thani where the Chak Phra procession takes place.
Frequently asked questions about Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
When is Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani) in 2026?
Chak Phra Festival falls in 2026 on 23–31 October, at Surat Thani town. Rule: Around Ok Phansa (October). This date comes from media or tourism sources and is not officially confirmed; check it shortly before you go.
Is there an alcohol ban during Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)?
Yes. The Buddhist holy day Ok Phansa falls on 26 October in 2026, inside the festival. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules. Highlight: Buddha floats – Decorated floats through the streets.
Where is the best place to see Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)?
Watch it best at Surat Thani town. Decorated floats through the streets. Surat Thani has an airport and a railway station; ferries to Koh Samui. Boats with Buddha images on the water. Highlight: Gifts to monks – Food and gifts for the monks. Chak Phra, 'pulling the Buddha', celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent in Surat Thani.
Festivals near Surat Thani town
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting 85 km as the crow flies
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan) 100 km as the crow flies
- Sart Duan Sip (Tenth Month Festival) 105 km as the crow flies
- Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat) 110 km as the crow flies
- Phuket Heroines' Festival 165 km as the crow flies
Also in October
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Chulalongkorn Day
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)