Wonderfruit Embraced its Uniqueness for a Fantastic Ninth Edition

Wonderfruit attendees at The Fields of Siam Country Club enjoyed five days of amazing music, art, culture, and incredible food.

I consider Wonderfruit one of Asia’s most unique festivals. Taking place this year from December 12–16 just outside Pattaya, Thailand, this five-day event is a great example of what happens when music, art, sustainability, and local culture come together.

While many Asian festivals bring big-name, commercial acts, Wonderfruit is different. It embraces a diverse mix of genres and a distinctly Thai flavor. Now in its ninth year, it remains a safe, welcoming environment that offers not just music but a variety of experiences that help attendees feel a genuine connection to local and regional culture.

This was my second time at Wonderfruit, and the atmosphere still felt exactly how I remember. Despite around 25,000 people attending over the course of the event, the festival never felt overcrowded. There was plenty of space to move, dance, or simply lounge in one of the many chill-out areas spread across the grounds. The vibe was overwhelmingly positive; people were friendly, eager to chat, and respectful of each other’s personal space. Not having to worry too much about belongings or potential theft is so underrated as it is often a concern at larger festivals around the world.

Held at the Siam Country Club, Wonderfruit offered multiple accommodation options, from simple camping to luxurious glamping setups and even onsite RVs. There are plenty of other hotels and housing options nearby as well. Compared to the last time I went in 2022, traffic management and entry to the festival seemed much smoother. We barely waited at all, and there was rarely any bad traffic.

The festival prides itself on eco-consciousness, and these efforts were evident everywhere you looked. Organizers encouraged attendees to bring their own cups to reduce waste. Single-use plastics were nearly impossible to find, replaced instead by biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Waste disposal and recycling centers are set up throughout the grounds, and staff are always on hand to ensure everything remains clean and tidy. All of the water stations and bathrooms were impressively well maintained, with short lines and consistently clean facilities.

Photo by @capturedbypeter

Wonderfruit’s lineup is very well curated. Instead of trying to stick to an hour-by-hour schedule, it feels natural to wander from stage to stage, stumbling upon new artists.

The festival boasts a remarkable variety of stages, each with its own personality. Forbidden Fruit was a lakeside stage serving up some of the grooviest house music all five days. Over at The Quarry, tucked away in a lush jungle, you could get down to synthy grooves, deep house, and techno, with a laser and light show this year that really wowed everyone. Meanwhile, 428 was for minimal fans. Whether it played house or techno, the sound system was fantastic, and the art near the stage was really well done.

The Polygon Stage, a Wonderfruit favorite, featured a 360-degree immersive setup and an impressive light show. Âme in particular delivered a standout techno set. Molam World brought the energy of Thailand’s Isaan culture front and center, showcasing local folk music and traditional instruments.

That’s only a handful of the 13 stages at Wonderfruit. Creature Stage, Ancestral Forest, Wonder Kitchen, Enfold, Dhyana, Ziggurat, Neramit, Solar Village, and The Unconditional Space all came with their own unique blends of music, workshops, art installations, and chill areas. Whether you were curious about Thai rituals, exploring medicinal gardens, diving into interactive art labs, or just enjoying the open-air beer garden, each space had something unique.

Photo by @capturedbypeter

For me, some of the most memorable sets came from artists who fused creativity with performance art.

Electronicos Fantasticos, a band from Japan, stood out for their unique use of old electronic appliances as instruments, CRT TVs as a drums, a house fan acting as a guitar, and a barcode scanner used as a kickdrum. Another highlight was Wildealer, who’s been crushing it globally with performances in Ibiza at DC10.

Wonderfruit isn’t just about the music, though. One of its strongest draws is the multitude of workshops and wellness activities scattered around the festival grounds.

From ice baths and ecstatic dance to meditation and coloring sessions, there was never a shortage of things to do if you wanted to take a break from the dancefloor. While the hosts of some of these activities charged a fee, most were priced reasonably, and the cost felt justified by the unique experiences they offered.

Photo by @capturedbypeter

Wonderfruit does not disappoint when it comes to food, either.

Vendors offered everything from traditional Thai dishes to cuisine from across Asia. The festival also organized sit-down culinary experiences featuring fine dining from notable local chefs. Given its location in Thailand, prices were reasonable for a festival setting, especially considering the quality.

Although Wonderfruit is still one of my favorites, I felt like when I went in 2022, the festival leaned more into global music, even featuring a Latin and Caribbean stage. Imagine dancing salsa, then wandering over to a Rainbow Disco Club takeover, and then stumbling on some Thai happy hardcore. This year felt slightly more focused on electronic music overall. I hope Wonderfruit keeps its unique lineup curation going forward.

Wonderfruit may not attract the same level of hype as some Western festivals, but its atmosphere is second to none. The sense of safety, community, and creative freedom sets it apart, and it’s really cool to see so many Thai locals embracing the event. Next year will be Wonderfruit’s 10th anniversary, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. If this year was any indication, the festival will continue to be a place where music, art, and sustainability intertwine to create something truly special.

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