Hello everyone! 🎡

Living on Phuket🇹🇭 means that there’s always something exciting happening beyond the island’s stunning beaches, majestic temples, and other beautiful places to explore. Phuket isn’t just a destination for relaxation; it’s also a hub of festivals and events that bring people together in celebration. From the vibrant Phuket Bike Week to the Thai Gastronomy Festival and the High Season Parade, there’s always something to see and experience.

Today, I’d like to take you along with me to a funfair that recently took place just five minutes from my home. This lively event was filled with games, rides, and delicious street food, exactly the kind of experience that makes Phuket such a fun place to live. So, let’s dive into the colorful world of this local fair and explore the joy and excitement it brought to my neighborhood!

The funfair wasn’t just an ordinary event, it was combined with a large night market, making it a vibrant hub of food, shopping, and entertainment. The market offered something for every taste, with stalls serving everything from grilled skewers and Thai street food to sweet treats that could be enjoyed on the spot. But food wasn’t the only highlight, there were also clothes, accessories, and quirky trinkets to browse through.

The entire area was illuminated by countless neon lights, casting a colorful and flashy glow that gave the event a lively vibe. Adding to the festive atmosphere was the Thai music playing in the background, accompanied by live concerts that brought people together in a truly warm and cheerful ambiance. As if that wasn’t enough, the fair also featured various attractions and shows, ensuring there was always something exciting to see or do, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

As I walked through the lively crowds with my son, I could see his eyes sparkle with excitement at the sight of all the rides and games around us. His attention was immediately drawn to the Ferris wheel, which stood proudly above the other attractions, its bright lights twinkling against the night sky and carriages spinning gracefully.

The Ferris wheel quickly became the highlight of our evening. It was my son’s first time seeing one up close, and he was practically bouncing with joy as we made our way towards it. The thought of soaring above the entire fair for a bird’s-eye view of the bustling market below filled him with anticipation, making this moment even more magical.

After much pleading and excited bouncing, I finally gave in and agreed to take him on the ride. As we climbed into the cabin and it slowly began to lift off the ground, I could feel my son’s excitement build with every second. He held tightly onto the railing as we soared higher and higher, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked down at the bustling market below.

From our bird’s-eye view, the entire market stretched out beneath us, a sea of twinkling lights and vibrant colors. The lively sounds of the crowd and the distant hum of music drifted up to us, creating a magical atmosphere that made the moment even more unforgettable.

As the Ferris wheel gradually came to a stop, we stepped out of the cabin and made our way back down to solid ground. My son was still buzzing with excitement, his face glowing as he chattered non-stop about the ride and everything he had seen from up high.

As we continued to wander through the market, I couldn’t help but notice the joy and excitement on the faces of the children around us. It was heartwarming to see how the event had brought people together from all over Phuket, fostering a true sense of community and celebration. The fair had been a wonderful success, filling the night with laughter, connection, and shared memories.

In the photo above, you can see a dunk tank girl. The rules of the game are simple: the player is given three balls and aims to hit a target pad. If successful, the girl sitting on the platform in the middle of the water tank gets dropped into the water. The thrill for participants is in the laughter and excitement when they hit the target and watch her fall.

This game is quite popular and has been around in Thailand for many years, though personally, I find it to have an uncomfortable undertone that borders on objectification. While it's seen as lighthearted entertainment, it does raise questions about how such games reflect certain cultural norms and perceptions.

In the photo above, you can see a snake and crocodile show. Personally, I’ve never attended any of these shows, as I believe they involve animal mistreatment. Unfortunately, Thailand still has a long way to go in improving animal welfare standards. This issue is not limited to these shows, many tourists, for example, happily ride elephants without considering what happens once the ride is over, when the animal is chained up again in harsh conditions. Raising awareness is essential to help shift attitudes toward more ethical tourism and better treatment of animals.

This night market also featured a haunted house for the bravest visitors. Its entrance was decorated with creepy ghost puppets, setting an eerie tone right from the start. To add to the atmosphere, haunting music played in the background, evoking a sense of loneliness and unease. I have to admit, I didn’t dare go inside!

Haunted houses typically rely on jump scares, loud noises, and unsettling visuals to create a sense of fear and tension for visitors. While many enjoy the thrill, I preferred to keep my distance this time.

It’s worth mentioning that Thailand, besides loving a good scare, has built a strong reputation in the horror genre. Whether through films, TV series, or even video games, Thailand has proven its talent for creating eerie and spine-chilling experiences that captivate audiences both locally and internationally.

The night market is a bustling hub of activity, alive with vendors selling a wide array of products and food. From grilled squid to savory snacks and steaming plates of pad thai, the options seem endless, and the enticing aromas fill the air, tempting every passerby.

As my son and I make our way through the crowded stalls, we take in the vibrant sights and sounds of vendors calling out to customers, the sizzling of grills, and the chatter of excited visitors. We stop at several stalls along the way, sampling treats and picking up some of our favorite goodies to bring home.

The grilled squid was a highlight, with its crispy exterior and savory seasoning that made every bite a delight. The snacks we tried were equally addictive, bursting with bold flavors. And of course, no visit to a Thai night market is complete without a serving of pad thai, its perfect blend of noodles, vegetables, and spices delivering a taste of classic Thai cuisine.

As we finally reached home, tired but content, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple joys this funfair brought us, delicious food, lively ambiance, and quality time spent with my son. Events like these remind me why I love living in Phuket, where every corner holds something new to discover and enjoy.

If you ever find yourself on this beautiful island, make sure to explore the night markets and funfair, they offer an experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re here for the food, the community, or the unique atmosphere, you’ll leave with memories to cherish and a taste of Thailand’s vibrant culture.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed coming along with us on this little adventure!

See you soon for a new adventure!

Feel free to follow me and drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you—and resteem/reblog it if you liked it 🌸

Sawadee kha! 🙏
@Baiboua