Colourmoon Festival 2017 opens to showcase different sides of Ko Phangan life

Ko Phangan, Surat Thani – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with partners from the public and private sector, yesterday opened the Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 to a fun start by giving visitors a taste of the unique local Thai experiences offered by the five distinct regions of the island. The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanvrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Taking place until this Thursday (27 April), the Festival is aimed at boosting awareness of traditional way of life on Ko Phangan and to encourage visitors to discover the historical sites, natural attractions and local way of life to be found on this island. Themed "Coconut is Life," the Festival will also showcase the island's high-quality coconuts which are used in everything from local crafts and cooking to clothes.

H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports

H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn said, "It's claimed that the power of the moon that keeps so many tourists coming back to Ko Phangan. While the island is most famous internationally for its Full Moon parties, there is so much more to explore here: stunning scenery, waterfalls, jungle, friendly villages and local colours and crafts. So we hope this festival will help people to see another side of Ko Phangan."

Ko Phangan Colourmoon Festival 2017 opened with a show of respect to the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, followed by impressive stage performances where dancers and shadow puppets were used to show off some of the elements of local culture. After the festival was officially opened, visitors were treated to a fashion show with clothes inspired by and using local coconuts.

Over the course of the five-day event, there will be concerts with renowned Thai country singers; an international fishing competition; sports contests; a bird singing contest, a speed reading contest, and a Mister and Miss International Coconut pageant. There is also a food-fair which gives visitors the chance to enjoy Ko Phangan's tasty snacks from the five main regions of the island, many of which are made using, of course, local coconuts.

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