Can’t make Thailand’s Wonderfruit? There’s a new festival on Koh Samui instead

Besides the Wonderfruit festival, Thailand’s festival season will also be welcoming a new two-day arts and music event dubbed Paradise Island Festival, taking place on Koh Samui’s Big Buddha Beach on Jan 7-8 next year.

Organized by Soundcrash, the UK-based party organizers known for events such as Croatia’s Soundwave Festival, the festival promises a line-up of both international and Thai artists. They’ve already announced some heavy-hitters in the form of De La Soul (pictured),  LTJ BukemGoldieMaribou StateAnchorsong and Mad Professor with more to come.

Alongside the music, organizers promise a variety of art workshops and classes covering Thai performance and traditional art, yoga classes, massage, cooking and more. The festival aims to be a more eco-friendly alternative to the notorious Full Moon parties, with organizers also pledging to launch a scholarship fund and education program for rural Thai children.

Early-bird tickets are priced from $84++, and will be on sale from Aug 12, 11am via the festival’s websiteBangkok Airways flies twice every day directly to Koh Samui, offering a round trip itinerary for $559++.

Check out the teaser video below: