Suffering from Wonderfruit withdrawals? This could be the island answer this Songkran in Koh Samui. After postponing its original dates in January, Paradise Island has confirmed it will now take place on Apr 15-16, with a new location at Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui (it was previously slated for Big Buddha Beach).
There are also a few big changes to the line-up. Legendary hip-hop act De La Soul will no longer be making an appearance, but they’ve got a very solid replacement lined up in the form of ’90s legends The Pharcyde (pictured). Replacing Anchorsong will be British electronic producer Krafty Kuts. Other acts confirmed are drum ‘n’ bass pioneer Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Maribou State and DJ Kentaro, joined by Bangkok talents The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, Unda and the Dope As Funk crew, DJ Dragon, DJ Orawan, High Time and Jam on Toast.
Paradise Island Festival is the first venture in Thailand for organizers Soundcrash, who are behind the Soundwave Festival in Croatia. Alongside the music, organizers promise a variety of art workshops and classes covering Thai performance art, traditional art, yoga and Thai Chi classes, massage, cooking and more. The festival aims to be a more eco-friendly alternative to the notorious Full Moon parties, with organizers also working closely with the community on reforestation projects.
Tickets are on sale now for $113 here. Several airlines fly direct between Singapore and Koh Samui, and flights that weekend are starting at $663 with Bangkok Airways, if you fly Friday. Steep, we know, but it’s that Good Friday long weekend.
