Hat Yai Events Calendar 2016
Events by Month
1st January 2016
New Year
Over the New Year period some roads in the downtown area are closed to traffic and lots of stalls are set up. It's quite a festive atmosphere and it's good being able to wander around with fear of being flattened by a pickup truck.
2nd January 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
9th January 2016
Children's Day
Known as
wun dek in Thai. Children's Day in Thailand takes place on the second Saturday of January every year. Many Thai kids are quite underprivileged and this is one day where they are made to feel special. They can play on fire engines and do other things. The local municipality and private companies lay on various activities. The kids can get their hair cut for free, and local hospitals carry out free health and dental checks.
Events take place at lots of locations, but a major activity centre in Hat Yai is Jiranakorn Sports Stadium on Niphat Songkhro 1 Road.
Return to top of page
6th February 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
6th - 10th February 2016
The date varies from year to year because CNY is based on the lunar month. CNY can occur in January or February and in 2016 it falls on 8th February. Hat Yai is a big Chinese town and CNY is a big event.
Book your hotel well in advance and bring your earplugs for the firecrackers.
A lot of events take place along Supasarnrangsan Road (Map 2) around the vicinity of the Siang Theung temple and rescue centre, and this is where you can see acts of self-mortification.
A number of events are also scheduled at Srinakorn School (Map 4) over the CNY holiday period and this is where you will be able to meet some Thai celebrities (daa-raa).
22nd February 2016
Makha Bucha Day
The date varies from year to year because Buddhist holidays are based on the lunar month. This one falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month, which can be in late February or early March. On this day during the Buddha's lifetime, 1250 Buddhist monks went to pay homage at Veluwan Vihara. They went of their own initiative and none had prior knowledge. All Buddhist temples will celebrate this event. You can join in by lighting candles and incense, and walking around the temple.
Return to top of page
5th March 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
30th March - 3rd April 2016
Hat Yai Motor Show
The inaugural event was held in 2012, and 2016 will see the 5th Hat Yai Motor Show. The location is in the big International Conference Centre behind the Prince of Songkla University. It's quite easy to find.
If you are a dedicated petrol head, don't get too excited. There won't be any Porsches or Ferraris on display - just the usual pickup trucks and family saloons that can be seen everywhere in Thailand.
Political correctness and feminism never made it as far as Thailand (thankfully) and thus beauty competitions are still very popular in the country. In addition to the cars, there will also be lots of pretty Thai girls on display in the Miss Hat Yai Motor Show 2016 beauty competition.
I attended the first event in 2012 and don't remember there being an entrance fee. I think that it is all free.
Return to top of page
2nd April 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
13th April 2016
The traditional New Year in Thailand, and now the world's biggest water fight. Living in Thailand, you either love it or hate it. You can act like a seven year-old all day and squirt water at strangers, or you can do what I do. If I can't manage to be out of the country for Songkran, I stock up with food and stay indoors all day. I'm sorry, but I don't like this festival at all and find a lot of the behaviour quite obnoxious.
At least it only lasts for one day in southern Thailand. If you have the misfortune to be in Chiang Mai during Songkran the juvenile antics go on for an entire week.
Since 1940 the New Year in Thailand has commenced from 1st January (like most of the rest of the world), but the start of the traditional New Year in April is still one of the biggest festivals (probably the biggest) in Thailand.
Return to top of page
7th May 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
20th May 2016
Visakha Bucha Day
This Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth of the Buddha, his death, and also his enlightenment. All three events occurred on the same day. It's another day when Thai temples see a lot of activity and if you haven't been before it's a good experience. Thais walk around the temple carrying three flowers, three candles and an incense stick as a reminder of the Triple Gems. The actual date varies each year because it falls on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month.
29th May 2016
10th Hat Yai International Marathon
This event is being held for the following reasons (quote):
- To celebrate and give an honour to Queen Sirikit
- To stimulate tourism and economic within Hatyai
- To encourage people to be healthy by working out
- To create affection, harmony, and stability to the nation
There are various categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, Mini Marathon, Fun Run, Student Event and the start and finish is at Jiranakorn Stadium on Niphat Songkhro 1 Road (Map 1).
Regitsration is required and this can be done on-line via the Go To Race website. The registration fee varies between Bt50 and Bt800 and depends which category you want to run in and how early you register. You will receive a running number and a timing chip.
The phone numbers are: 081 599 0731; 089 455 4060; 081 608 1084; and the special phone number for foreigners is 086 488 3909. More information is available at the Hatyai Runner Club website.
Return to top of page
4th June 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
Return to top of page
2nd July 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
3-12 July 2016
Food And Fruit Festival
A food festival is held at least once a year at the mini park on Suphasarnrangsan Road. This is also the main venue for the big Hat Yai Vegetarian Festival that will be held in a few months' time.
Some of the food and fruit on sale at this festival will come from one of the Royal Projects sponsored by Thailand's revered monarchy. The food and fruit on offer will come from all over Thailand and will include Halal food. No alcohol is available.
The advertising poster didn't include any times. From previous experience I have found food to be available at lunchtime, but the festival is quiet during the day and gets busy in the evening.
You can see the location of the mini park on Map 2, near the Siangtheung rescue centre.
19th July 2016
Asaan-ha Boo-chaa Day
Today is the 15th day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month. It was this day during the Buddha's lifetime that he delivered his first sermon to five disciples at the deer park in Benares, India.
Tomorrow is the start of the Buddhist Lent, or Rains Retreat, which lasts for three months. Traditionally, Thai males ordained as monks during this time. In addition to learning about Buddhism, keeping the men in temples also kept them from walking on and damaging crops. Nowadays, it is still traditional for Thai males to ordain as monks, but the ordination period is often less than a week.
As usual for these important days in the Buddhist calendar, there will be ceremonies at all temples involving processions with candles and incense sticks.
20th July 2016
Kao Punsaa Day
The start of the Rains Retreat or Buddhist Lent.
Return to top of page
6th August 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
12th August 2016
Mothers' Day
HM the Queen's birthday and Mothers' Day in Thailand.
??? August 2016
International Alms Festival
Once a year in August, Niphat Uthit 3 Road (
Map 3) is normally closed to traffic early on a Sunday morning for a massive merit-making ceremony that takes place involving 10,000 or more monks. In addition to local Thais, lots of Malaysian and Singaporeans attend. When the monks are ready to receive their alms, it becomes a bit of a scrum as everyone tries to get their offerings in the alms bowls.
The date is normally the first Sunday after Mothers' Day in Thailand, which is 12th August (the Queen's birthday). In 2016 the first Sunday after Mothers' Day is 14th August, however, it didn't follow this convention last year - possibly because of the big 'Bike For Mom' event in 2015.
What normally happens is that signs advertising the event appear in Hat Yai just before the event happens and once I know the date from the signs I post it here.
However, this year I have seen no signs. This could simply be because I haven't been anywhere where there are signs. Or it could be something else. I have been told that many of the monks who normally attend come from Phra Dhammakaya temple - the controversial temple in Phatum Thani. Possibly this is causing a problem, but it is only speculation. It just seems strange this year that I have seen no signs.
There have been more accusations of fraud and money laundering this year at Phra Dhammakaya temple, and yet more controversy. Monks at the temple were in trouble again recently for putting military-grade razor wire around the temple to keep the Thai authorities out.
The bottom line is simply that I don't know whether the ceremony will take place this year or not, and, if it does, I don't know the date. I have also tried asking some locals for information, but so far no one has been able to give me an answer.
If I see any signs advertising the event and can confirm the date I will add details here.
Sorry.
12-21 August 2016
Agricultural Fair
This is a regular event at the Prince of Songkla University every August and it attracts tens of thousands of people from all over southern Thailand. It's actually very good and caters to a wide variety of people. Farmers can buy a new tractor, while members of the public can buy a new car, truck or motorbike. There are lots of plants, pets, and handicrafts on sale. Many of the handicrafts are from Chiang Mai and they are not available in Hat Yai at other times of the year.
To be completely honest, a lot of the fairs and festivals in Hat Yai aren't really worth going to, but this is an exception. I have been attending since 2004 and each year I like to visit the fair at least once.
17-19 August 2016
PSU Science Week
This event is also referred to as PSU Open Week. For a few days in August the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) opens its doors to the public and coach loads of school kids arrive in Hat Yai from all over southern Thailand. The idea is for them to get a taste of university life, but instead many sneak off and spend their time in Tesco Lotus or, since it opened, Central Festival. Many come from very rural areas and a trip to the 'Big City' of Hat Yai is exciting for them. It seems a waste spending the whole day inside a boring university so they go off and have fun elsewhere. This is an event that's really intended for high school kids, but anyone can attend. Thais have an obsession with ghosts and you will find the longest queue outside the department of pathology where there are real cadavers on display inside. The kids look terrified when they see dead bodies, but this is one thing that they don't want to miss.
If you have any questions, there are two phone numbers:
+66 (0)74 287093
+66 (0)74 287111
26-27 August 2016
Hat Yai Music City Festival
The section of Sanehanusorn Road in front of Lee Gardens Plaza has been closed to traffic and a stage erected ready for some ear-splitting music and no doubt some dancing.
The entertainment is all free and if you are staying in this area after dark it should be good fun.
Return to top of page
1-10 September 2016
Water Park Festival
I'm not sure what will happen at this festival because it is an inaugural event. The water park only opened in July 2016 and this is the first festival that has been held there.
The advertising banners say that there will be OTOP products for sale, as well as products from factories. I'm not sure what kind of products. There will also be cars for sale, plus mobile phones and food from all regions of Thailand.
There will be a funfair for children, concerts and (judging from the advertising banners) maybe a beauty contest or two. In addition, the water park will be open so you can splash around in between all the other activities.
Here are the phone numbers to call if you have any questions:
+66 (0)95 960 5156
+66 (0)95 494 5298
+66 (0)98 014 9252
+66 (0)83 103 9444
Hat Yai Water Park is located on the airport road a couple of kilometres before you reach the airport.
1-11 September 2016
Hat Yai Hard Sale
I am very cynical about sales in Thailand because many department stores have 'sales' 365 days a year. As far as I am concerned, if something is sold with a supposed 50% discount every day of the year it isn't on sale at all. This is just the regular price.
Nonetheless, posters have gone up around Hat Yai advertising a big sale at the start of September. Many retailers are participating and it is happening all across Hat Yai.
It may just be a gimmick to attract more shoppers, or possibly you will be able to find some real bargains.
3rd September 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
30th September - 9th October
Although the Phuket vegetarian festival is much more famous, this is a major Chinese festival in Hat Yai and it goes on for nine days. It is another festival based on lunar dates and therefore the actual date changes each year. The venue is along Supasarnrangsan Road. Lots of regular restaurants close for the duration of the festival (or just serve vegetarian food) and lots of vegetarian stalls open on the street. You can watch devotees perform acts of ritualised mutilation by having their bodies pierced with various objects. There is a lot of blood and it isn't for the squeamish.
Return to top of page
1st October 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
16th October 2016
Awk Punsaa Day
The end of the Rains Retreat or Buddhist Lent.
23rd October 2016
Chulalongkorn Day
King Rama V was a very special king for the Thai people. He was born on 20 September 1853 and died on 23 October 1910. He is remembered every year on the anniversary of his death. In Hat Yai there is a large Rama V statue inside the municipal park and a lot of people attend early in the morning on 23 October. If you plan on going, get there before 9am.
Return to top of page
5th November 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
14th November 2016
This festival falls on the full moon day of the 12th month, which is normally in November. Thais float (loy) their 'gratongs' on the nearest convenient body of water. Inside the gratongs they place a nail clipping, some of their own hair and a coin. Ask around to find out where you can participate. At PSU in the afternoon there is a parade with lots of pretty girls. In addition to floating gratongs, there are also beauty contests staged to find 'naang nopamaat' (a Thai legend). Loy Gratong is a far more civilised occasion than Songkran and normally very enjoyable.
Return to top of page
3rd December 2016
Bullfights are held at the Hat Yai bullfighting arena once a month. These normally take place on the first Saturday of the month, but check first because the dates can change as a result of public holidays, etc. The bouts start at around 10am.
9 - 12 December 2016
Motor Expo
This will be held in the convention hall on the fifth floor of Central Festival.
25th December 2016
Christmas
Thailand is a Buddhist, and therefore atheist, country. However, Thais like receiving gifts and they like coloured fairy lights. The department stores are decorated with Christmas decorations in the run up to Christmas and Jingle Bells can be heard over the PA system while you are shopping.
31st December 2016
New Year's Eve
Thais make a big thing of New Year and there is a big countdown ceremony around Lee Gardens Plaza. You will also see and see a lot of fireworks.
Return to top of page
