This past January, Insomniac celebrated a significant milestone in its history with the inaugural edition of EDC Thailand. This festival offered a unique take on the beloved Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Although smaller than other editions, it still captured the magic, incredible music, and vibrant energy we cherish when gathering under the electric sky.
Held on the stunning island of Phuket, the festival featured performances from renowned artists like Skrillex, 999999999, Subtronics, Dimension, Tiësto, Hamdi, Eli Brown, and many other talented musicians.
Having attended various international EDCs, we are excited to share our experiences in Thailand under the electric sky. Keep reading for all the details.
Vibes: ★★★★☆
The essence of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) creates an electrifying atmosphere wherever it takes place, and the debut of EDC Thailand was no exception. Even before entering the festival, attendees were trading kandi and admiring each other’s creative outfits, setting the tone for an immersive and unforgettable experience. The anticipation of attending the first-ever EDC in Thailand was palpable as festival-goers gradually made their way through the gates on the opening day.
EDC Thailand brought together a diverse crowd from around the world, attracting attendees from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The festival served as a meeting point for cultures, uniting people under a shared love for music and community. While English was widely spoken, the festival grounds were alive with a blend of languages, highlighting the truly global nature of the dance music scene.
One of the most notable aspects of EDC Thailand was the comfortable crowd flow. Even during the most anticipated performances, there was ample space to dance and navigate between stages. Unlike many major festivals in the United States, moving toward the front of a stage did not require squeezing through tightly packed crowds, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The event energized the artists, bringing contagious enthusiasm to their sets. Each performance reflected the artists’ and fans’ passion and dedication, creating a dynamic and engaging festival environment.
Beyond the music, the festival experience was enhanced by the affordability of food and merchandise. Compared to similar events in other regions, pricing at EDC Thailand remained reasonable, allowing attendees to enjoy the festival without excessive spending fully.
Adding to the immersive nature of the event, performers roamed the festival grounds, initiating dance circles and interacting with the crowd. Festival fashion ranged from elaborate rave-inspired outfits to comfortable, locally influenced attire, such as elephant pants and casual t-shirts, reflecting personal expression and Thai cultural elements.
Despite the high attendance, the festival maintained an atmosphere of mutual respect. Moving between stages was seamless, and the overall crowd energy remained positive and inclusive. EDC Thailand delivered an exciting and stress-free festival experience that left a lasting impression on those who attended.
As EDC Thailand establishes itself within the global festival circuit, its successful debut sets the stage for continued growth in the years to come.
Production: ★★★☆☆
Considering this was the inaugural edition of EDC Thailand, the overall production was well-organized and successfully transported attendees into the world of EDC. However, the festival’s interactive elements felt somewhat lacking. As the name suggests, Electric Daisy Carnival is known for its immersive experiences, and this edition could have benefitted from more rides and large-scale walkthrough art installations to enhance the festival atmosphere.
Visually, the festival was executed with precision. The main stages—Kinetic Field, Circuit Grounds, and Stereo Bloom—delivered an impressive display of fireworks, CO2 cannons, and lasers. Smaller stages like Bionic Jungle stood out with striking laser displays and intricate décor, creating an environment that truly felt like an escape into nature.
This version felt notably smaller after seeing the Kinetic Field stage come to life in various locations, from Mexico City to Las Vegas. Given the space available, there was potential to build it up further. Still, the spectacle of the stage awakening, with lasers stretching across the crowd as the music intensified, remained a defining moment.
Circuit Grounds delivered strong sound and pyrotechnics, but the speaker placement proved challenging. Much of the visual production was obstructed unless positioned directly in the center. Circuit Grounds is known for its immersive screen displays, so this aspect fell short of expectations.
With five stages, the layout was well-designed to prevent sound bleed, ensuring that each performance maintained clarity. Regardless of location, the sound was loud and well-balanced across the festival grounds.
The fireworks display, however, was a highlight that exceeded all expectations. The spectacle grew more elaborate each night, culminating in a breathtaking finale on day three. Even from the farthest points of the festival, the sheer scale of the fireworks made it feel like they were unfolding directly overhead. The final moments of the festival left an unforgettable impression, fully immersing attendees in the wonder that defines EDC.
Music: ★★★★☆
EDC Thailand’s debut delivered a diverse lineup, staying true to the festival’s legacy of bringing electronic music lovers together across genres. From the heavy bass of Subtronics to the melodic stylings of The Chainsmokers, and the high-energy sets from Dimension, Skrillex, and Nico Moreno, there was something for everyone.
Among the standout moments was Subtronics closing out Circuit Grounds on day one, setting the energy for the rest of the festival. Day two featured a stacked lineup, including a massive set from Hamdi at Kinetic Field, an unforgettable performance by DJ Heartstring at Bionic Jungle, and a grand finale with Skrillex, who delivered a set filled with signature bass-heavy drops and euphoric melodies.
Day three was a race between stages, with attendees trying to catch as many final sets as possible. The day kicked off with Honeyluv before shifting to Stereo Bloom, where Eli Brown and Nico Moreno locked the techno crowd in. Over at Circuit Grounds, Dimension delivered an emotional drum and bass set, which was even more potent as the festival’s final fireworks display erupted across the sky.
The weekend’s biggest surprise came in the form of a last-minute Levity set, filling in for Rezz. Despite the unexpected change, Levity delivered one of the most high-energy performances of the entire festival, dropping an onslaught of bass-heavy tracks and even teasing unreleased IDs. The crowd’s energy was electric, marking an unforgettable end to the first-ever EDC Thailand and setting a high bar for future editions.
Venue: ★★★☆☆
The spacious venue accommodated the five stages, multiple food areas, VIP sections, and brand activations. However, there was room for additional elements to enhance the carnival atmosphere. Large open spaces felt underutilized, with only a Ferris wheel and a carousel as the primary rides, leaving opportunities for more immersive experiences.
The food options, however, were a highlight. Inside the venue, attendees had access to various delicious, local, and affordable choices. One of the standout activations came from Aperol Spritz, which featured a spacious chill zone, a bar with a viewing deck, and even a ball pit for added entertainment. Other relaxation areas included Pixel Forest, complete with hammocks, and VIP lounges offering comfortable spaces to rest between sets.
The staff and security at the event were kind and helpful, though the language barrier was noticeable at times, occasionally leading to delays in communication. This became a concern in urgent moments, such as when someone nearby required medical attention. It took approximately 10 minutes to locate the right person to assist, and only then did a medic arrive to escort them to the medical tent. The response time in such situations could be improved for future editions.
Navigating the venue inside the festival was straightforward, with mostly flat terrain. However, excessive dust made moving around less comfortable as the night progressed. Outside the festival grounds, traffic became a major challenge. The narrow roads leading to and from the venue created significant congestion, often taking hours for attendees to exit the area.
When leaving the festival each night, crowds were met with standstill traffic as cars, taxis, buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes attempted to coordinate pickups and exits. Many attendees, including us, were fortunate enough to stay within walking distance, avoiding the transportation chaos altogether. For future editions, enhanced crowd flow management and transportation logistics could significantly improve the overall experience.
Food & Beverage: ★★★★☆
Experiencing local cuisine is one of the highlights of attending international festivals, and EDC Thailand was no exception. Festivals in Asia, in particular, tend to offer fresher, more flavorful, and reasonably priced food, making the culinary experience just as memorable as the music.
The food selection at EDC Thailand exceeded expectations, catering to various tastes. Whether craving authentic Thai dishes, fresh sushi, juicy burgers, or refreshing fruit, there was something for everyone. Dessert options and street food classics added to the festival’s diverse offerings, ensuring attendees never ran out of choices. Food stalls were also conveniently located near each stage, allowing festival-goers to grab a quick bite between sets without straying too far from the action.
Pricing was notably affordable compared to Western festivals. Most dishes ranged around 150 BAHT ($4.43 USD) for items like grilled kabobs or three duck tacos, while fresh watermelon slices or five pieces of sushi were available for 200 BAHT ($5.91 USD). Given the quality and portion sizes, the value was hard to beat.
While seating areas were available, there was room for improvement regarding additional resting spots. More seating could have enhanced the overall experience, providing attendees a comfortable place to enjoy their meals. Drink prices were also reasonable, making it easy to stay refreshed without breaking the bank.
Overall, the food at EDC Thailand was a standout element of the festival experience, offering a delicious and accessible taste of local and international flavors.
Overall
EDC Thailand was a vibrant and welcome addition to the Electric Daisy Carnival family. With a diverse lineup that attracted dance music fans from around the world, the festival delivered an impressive mix of talent and genres, creating an unforgettable weekend in paradise.
From affordable, delicious food to breathtaking fireworks and world-class music, the experience of partying in Thailand made for a truly spectacular event. The atmosphere remained positive and energetic throughout the weekend, a testament to the excitement surrounding the festival’s debut edition.
As with any first-time event, there are areas for improvement. Traffic congestion, as well as opportunities for more interactive art and carnival rides, stood out as aspects that could be enhanced in future editions. However, despite these minor challenges, Insomniac has successfully expanded its global footprint with yet another festival to be proud of.
With such a strong debut, EDC Thailand is already shaping up to be a must-attend destination festival. We’re already counting down the days until next year—see you in Thailand!
