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Celebrated in many southern provinces, Chak Phra Festival is an outstanding annual celebration with its religious devotion, magnificent pageant and cheerful atmosphere. In October the festival celebrates the official end of the annual three-month Buddhist Rains retreat (Phansa). The Chak Phra Festival literally means the procession of pulling the Buddha images. The original stems from the Buddhist belief that during Phansa the Buddha went up to heaven to deliver a sermon to his mother who died after giving birth to Lord Buddha and was born again in heaven. The day of his return to Earth is called "Ok Phansa" and the festival marks that date. It is also an occasion for religious merit making and celebrations.

In Koh Phangan, the enchanting processions of revered Buddha images are carried out on land and water to represent the Buddha's return to Earth. The ceremony is highlighted by a float decorated in colorful Thai design made to carry the Buddha image. Local people also organize boat races in the sea with boats which carry up to 8 rowers, cheered along by shouting and laughing crowds on the beach of Thong Sala. At night, many shows on stage such as Thai dancing are provided mostly by local students.