There’s no secret that I love music festivals and luckily for me, Thailand has many.
808 Festival, Together Festival, Maya Festival, Mystic Valley, Transmission festival and Wonderfruit to name a few along with some amazing solo artists visiting us frequently. There’s no end to the crazy line-ups coming here. Most festivals have a focus on music, mainly EDM, House or Trance, but Wonderfruit, along with the focus on music, also puts emphasis on so much more. There are talks, activities (yoga, meditation, art classes), culinary experiences and more, but it’s also the feeling of just stepping onto the grounds. It’s nearly a perfect experience from start to finish. A wonderland with something for us adults, youngsters and families alike.
Same same, but different
This year they changed the location of the festival, but it was still held in the same area, at Siam Country Club. There was much more land to play around at, but unfortunately the ground was still not in optimal condition. Some bumps along the way can get annoying once you’ve had a drink too many. Or are walking around half asleep waiting for the sun to rise. Because you do want to catch sunrise at the solar stage! I’m sure it’s going to get better next year. That’s one thing Wonderfruit never fails with, and that’s improving and evolving every year.
Life changing experience
I got to experience the festival with a new set of eyes this year, and it really made me appreciate the work that goes in to the details. Every structure is carefully planned out to make it the perfect trip through the wonderland we all know as Wonderfruit. This year’s entrance was grand, with inviting wooden letters reaching out for you as you entered the ground. From there on a path of adventure was laid out for you. Firstly, with dancing umbrellas welcoming you, waiving their arms at you. If you actually stopped to enjoy every structure at the festival, as we chose to do on Friday, it can take you hours before you actually get in to the main ground. Everything is just so beautiful. People dressing up in colourful outfits, full of glitter, having fun! Seeing the smiles on your friends faces… on everyone’s face. Pure bliss.
Solar stage for sunset and sunrise
Then, it’s solar stage for sunset. Sunset is the most beautiful thing about the festival. It has to be done at Solar stage. At least on the main days (Friday and Saturday). Sit down in the grass. Look at the structure that is solar stage as the sun sets. Amazing tunes to go to the beat of the sun slowly setting in the fields. It has to be experienced. Creatures of the night dancing in sync with the music. Fire show around the grounds. Thai dancers lurking around the stage. Dragons dancing at your feet. It’s like they are performing just for you and you are in the centre of everything. I tell you it is life changing.
Dance into the night and eat your heart out
From there on you just dance into the night. Eat at all the amazing food that is scattered at stands and food trucks around the grounds. Drink all the drinks you please. On the last day… typically.. I found my favourite drink spot there. In the Thai area there were some creative Thai infused beverages. It’s so crazy with Wonderfruit how every day is a new experience, and you always stumble onto something new.
Where to stay
We never stay overnight the premises though. As in we don’t sleep there, but we do stay until sunrise! Though I’m sure it’s a great experience if you are able to get the air-conditioned tents while they’re still available or bring an RV. We got a villa with a bunch of friends this year, which probably will be what we do next year as well. A lot of the people we’ve met were more than happy camping on the grounds as well, so if you are not like myself (who needs air-con to sleep) then you will be just fine. There’s showers and toilets at the campgrounds. Though, if you want a fresh bathroom, clean sheets, and cold air, just google the location and you’ll be fine staying anywhere in an approx. 15 km radius.
No plastic!
Sustainability focus
I also want to add that Wonderfruit has a large focus on sustainability and this year they upped the game with reusable cups that you could pay extra for at the entrance. And in return you get a 50 baht discount for drinks inside. As well as moving one step closer to saving the world of course. A great initiative that should be followed by other festivals too. If not that, at least no plastic cups. All those drinks that gets bought during festivals…
H a p p i n e s s
Best festival in Thailand
Of every event in Thailand, of any event I’ve ever been to in the world, this is definitely the best one. It’s something to look forward to all year. So thankful for the people behind Wonderfruit and the great people who participates in it. Really, if you haven’t been you have to go!
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