This year Wat Chalong, Wat Chaiyathararam, is hosting the fair for the 116th year. The temple, regarded as among the most important on the island, began hosting the fair after the death of its long-revered abbot, Luang Pho Chaem in 1908.
The fair features a wide variety of stalls selling popular local dishes and sideshow games, as well as fun rides.
Every night there are Nang Talung puppet shows, cultural performances and Luk Thung concerts. Leading the entertainment last night were Thai rockers Fly and Kob Taxi.
Taking to the main stage tonight will be Ying Thitikarn and the Tamarind Band, and a performance by the Super Dance Ban Samkong School troupe.
Tomorrow (Feb 12) will feature Thai celebrity Toei Weeraya and and the Mahahing Band, along with Thai celebrity Aek Lekkhon.
Tree Chainarong and the Alcohol Band will perform on stage on Monday night (Feb 13), while Thai star Tai Orathai and her full band along with locally very popular band Kang Keng (the ‘underpants band’) will entertain visitors on Valentine’s Day on Wednesday (Feb 14)
Isan ‘luk thung’ singer Monkaen Kaenkoon and the popular Phatthalung Band will perform live in concert on the final night of the fair on Thursday (Feb 15).
The fair is open each day, with visitors arriving from sunset onwards. The fair officially closes at midnight each night.
Since the fair began on Thursday, there has been a marked increase in traffic in the Chalong area, mostly centred around Chalong Cicle.
To help alleviate traffic congestion in the area, Chalong Police have made Luang Phor Chaem Rd, which runs alongside Wat Chalong, one way eastbound past the temple from 5pm-11pm.
Chalong Police have already met to try to come up with solutions to help alleviate traffic further. Police urge motorists to exercise caution and patience while travelling through the area.