Skip to content

Koh Samui, by people who live here

Chaweng Noi beach on Koh Samui with the headland behind

Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy (CC BY 2.0)

Paradise Island Festival 2017

Source
  • 15 - 16 April 2017
  • Chaweng Noi
  • Festivals and culture Koh Samui

By

A two-day music festival on Chaweng Noi Beach on 15 and 16 April 2017, held during Songkran and promoted by the UK's Soundcrash.

About this event

Paradise Island Festival was a new boutique festival on Koh Samui, run by the UK promoter Soundcrash, known for Soundwave Festival in Croatia. It was first announced for 7 and 8 January 2017 on Big Buddha Beach, and the line-up changed between the early announcements and the final bill. Soundcrash pitched it as a calmer, more eco-minded alternative to the Full Moon parties.

Beyond the music, the organisers promised daytime workshops in Thai performance art, traditional art, yoga, massage and cooking. They also pledged a scholarship fund and an education programme for rural Thai children. The bill ran from hip-hop and drum and bass to electronic and live Thai acts. Asia City, Mixmag and Khaosod all covered the announcements. No later edition is listed in the sources used for this page, so it reads as a one-off in the island's calendar.

The facts

  1. UK promoter Soundcrash held the festival on Chaweng Noi Beach on 15 and 16 April 2017, during Songkran.
  2. The line-up included The Pharcyde, Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Krafty Kuts, Maribou State and DJ Kentaro, plus Bangkok acts such as The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band.
  3. The festival was first planned for an earlier date and was moved out of respect after King Bhumibol's death in October 2016.

Why it matters

One of the few Samui festivals with globally known hip-hop and drum 'n' bass headliners.

Line-up

The Pharcyde, Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Krafty Kuts, Maribou State, DJ Kentaro

More nights like this

Festivals and culture on Koh Samui

Samui's cultural calendar follows the Thai lunar and Buddhist year. Songkran, on 13 to 15 April, is a water fight on the east coast, in Chaweng and Lamai, while west-coast villages keep a calmer, temple-centred version with blessings and merit-making. Loy Krathong falls on the November full moon, when people float small baskets on lakes and ponds. Chinese New Year brings feasting and temple visits. The Samui Festival has held a parade ending at Pru Chaweng Park. Expect restricted alcohol sales on holy days, and check dates a few weeks ahead.

Around Chaweng Noi

Chaweng Noi, or Little Chaweng, is the small cove at the south end of Chaweng Beach, around a low headland. A source describes its beach as about 1.5 km long, quieter and more upscale than Chaweng, with clearer water. Evenings are quiet, and Chaweng's club strip is a few minutes' drive away. Coral Cove, a secluded snorkelling beach, lies between Chaweng Noi and Lamai. Events in the area tend to be hosted by hotels and beach venues, so check the venue's own page.

From the history of Koh Samui

Guides for your trip

The Samui69 letter

A free email about Koh Samui now and then: new guides, events and seasons.

Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime. Read our Privacy.

Dates and prices change, so check the source before you go.