Sawatdee party, a Malaysian's guide to Thailand’s music festivals
There are plenty of music festivals to enjoy in the meantime before Tomorrowland hits Southeast Asia.
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
As we eagerly await Tomorrowland's arrival in the Land of Smiles, there are plenty of music festivals to enjoy in the meantime before the big party hits Southeast Asia.
If you didn't know already, Thailand is the place to be for world-class music festivals, with exciting multi-day lineups that include award-winning performers, DJ sets, and creative concepts.
Whether you're keen to expand your genres, grow your social circle, or show off some gorgeous fits, let this be your guide to start your music festival journey.
Rolling Loud Thailand
After last year’s Rolling Loud debut in Pattaya, the iconic hip hop festival is making its grand return to the city. With a lineup featuring icons like ASAP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, and grammy-award winning Tyla, this is surely the place to be young, wild, and free for any hip hop fan.
A fair warning though, as much as this is a huge party, Rolling Loud has very strict bag guidelines, like most festivals. We recommend studying their extensive list of banned items (sorry hula hoopers, but you may want to sit this one out).
We recommend adding a few days to your trip to explore Pattaya’s many attractions, like the Sanctuary of Truth, a wooden museum and castle that features intricate traditional Thai wooden carvings. Keep the party going with a day trip to Koh Larn on a yacht as you surf and snorkel your worries away.
Travel Tip: When booking attractions, always look out for the best prices, whether in-person or online. Making online reservations ahead of time may offer better deals and you may save even more by considering exchange rates.
Be sure to stay up to date with exchange rate fluctuations through a tool like Wise’s exchange rate alert, and receive updates so you can stay informed ahead of your holiday.
Date: Nov 22-24, 2024
Location: Legend Siam, Pattaya City
Maho Rasop
Reignite your Tumblr phase and discover new, independent artists at Maho Rasop, an independent festival that brings the very best underground artists to their uniquely crafted stages. You don’t have to know an artist’s entire discography to have a good time, because Maho Rasop is the perfect place to unlock a new favourite genre.
As expected from an indie event, art installations will be part of the festival. Capture the best pictures for your Instagram stories and show your followers your cultured side. Slip on some Doc Martens, grab your tote bags, and enjoy the music!
Travel Tip: The festival will be held in November at ESC Park, Rangsit. While it might be tempting to stay in the city centre for some shopping, we recommend booking accommodation close to the venue, such as ESC Park Hotel, Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit, or The Sky Loft Hotel.
Consider extending your trip by a day or two to enjoy activities at the nearby sports complex – try golfing, wakeboarding at Thai Wake Park, or skateboarding at the skatepark.
Date: Nov 23-24, 2024
Location: ESC Park, Bangkok
Wonderfruit
If you’re not too keen on a big party, but still like the idea of a toned down festival experience, we recommend heading to Wonderfruit. More than a typical music festival with huge lineups on multiple stages, Wonderfruit has wellness activities, art displays, and cultural workshops for you to participate in.
Meanwhile, expect some fruitful encounters because you can book accommodations available on the festival grounds itself, allowing you to dance the night away at the many performances and DJ sets.
Travel Tip: While carrying cash abroad might seem convenient, it's not always the safest option, and some festival vendors only accept digital or contactless payments. To avoid being stuck without a way to pay, diversify your payment methods.
Carry some cash for emergencies, and keep money on a multi-currency card like the Wise card. Exchange your money ahead of time when the exchange rate is favourable and hold onto it until your big trip!
Date: 12–16 Dec 2024
Location: The Fields at Siam Country Club, Chonburi
Make friends from all over the world, create memories, and take cute photos. There’s so much you can do when you become part of Thailand’s world-class music festivals. Let this be your guide to find the right party that suits your vibe. Have fun and chok dee!
