Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival

This important local celebration is sometimes known as the Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn Festival, but most people simply call it the Two Sisters Festival as it commemorates the selfless and brave acts of two eponymous and revered sisters that helped rebut a Burmese invasion in 1785. In Phuket, just about everybody knows the story of the sisters (see our history of Phuket article in the General section) who have become local legends, and immortalised at the prominent Heroine Monument in Phuket.

The festival is one of the main events on the island, and even though it's mainly attended by Thais it's a fascinating experience and there's plenty to see and do. Activities at several locations are included in the day's events such as shadow puppets, bicycle racing, a fun run, and an outdoor cultural show with hundreds of participants that re-enacts the invasion. As with most festivities in Thailand, there are masses of local food and products to buy at the temporary market stalls. The festival takes place annually on March 13th, which happens to be the anniversary of the attempted invasion.