At dawn in Surat Thani, the streets come alive with temple drums, chants, and rows of golden Buddha images gliding past on shimmering floats. This is the Chak Phra festival, a southern Thai tradition where faith takes to the streets and rivers in one of the country’s most spectacular Buddhist celebrations.
Locals pull the ornate floats by rope, children scatter flower petals, and the sound of long drums echoes down the riverbank. Between temples, street food stalls, and river races, the Chak Phra festival 2025 captures everything beautiful about Southern Thailand: its energy, generosity, and deep devotion.
Province: Surat Thani
Event Date: 4-12 October 2025
What Happens During the Chak Phra Festival
The Pulling of Buddha Floats
The name Chak Phra means “pulling the Buddha,” and that’s exactly what happens. During the festival, locals pull beautifully decorated Buddha floats through the streets and along the Tapi River. Both land and river processions — known as Ruea Phra Bok (land boats) and Ruea Phra Nam (river boats) — symbolize spreading merit to 100 temples in a single day. The sight of more than a hundred shimmering floats moving through Surat Thani is simply breathtaking.
The Kathin Robe Offering and Home Ceremonies
Aside from the processions, families hang bright “Kathin robes” and cloth trees (Pha Pa) in front of their homes as part of a local tradition called Chak Phum Pha Pa Na Ban, meaning “pulling merit to one’s doorstep.” It’s an act of faith and unity that connects the community through shared generosity.
Festival Highlights You Can’t Miss
The Chak Phra festival 2025 overflows with culture and excitement. Visitors can join morning merit-making, cheer for longboat races on the Tapi River, and enjoy spectacular light and sound shows after dark. Don’t miss the drone light display — a dazzling new addition to the ancient ritual.
Street vendors fill the air with the aroma of southern food and desserts, while stages host music and cultural performances well into the night.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Chak Phra festival is more than a religious event — it’s a living celebration of Thai belief and creativity. From sunrise prayers to riverfront fireworks, it reflects the joy and unity that define Surat Thani. Whether you join to make merit or simply to feel the rhythm of faith, the Chak Phra festival 2025 will leave your heart as full as the boats that sail its shining river.
Chak Phra Festival
Surat Thani
03 Oct - 12 Oct
17:00 pm - 16:59 pm
Opening Hours
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |