Let us tell you about the most interesting and iconic activities and events in Thailand that you should definitely visit.
One of the most unforgettable experiences in traveling is usually attending a local holiday or festival. By participating in local events, every tourist gets to experience the traditions of the country they are traveling to. And the emotions experienced during this time are some of the most powerful and unforgettable.
Thailand's festivals are incredibly colorful and intriguing. Let's find out where and when the festivals in Thailand take place and what you need to know.
Thailand's Festivals
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Held Period: April 13-15. Location: All of Thailand
The tradition of celebrating Songkran comes from India and actually signifies the arrival of spring. The holiday itself is celebrated not only in Thailand but also in neighboring Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Thais are very fond of this holiday and they celebrate it for almost a week. As Songkran is all about joy and exuberant fun, it's not a holiday to relax in Thailand during this period.
Traditionally, it is traditional to douse oneself with water for the Thai New Year. This symbolizes internal and external cleansing before the new year. Nowadays, all kinds of dousing methods are used, including water pistols. Thais and visitors alike are being targeted.
Chinese New Year
Holding Period: Late January to early February Location: Thailand
10% of the country is Chinese, so Chinese New Year is celebrated in the country in a big way. The festivities last for a week. Dragons and tigers parade through the streets, there are fairs, firecrackers, and fireworks in the squares.
Loy Kratong
Period of Celebration: In November (full moon) Location: Thailand (especially Chiang Mai)
It is arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic celebrations in Thailand. The event is held in honor of the goddess of water and translates as "floating boat of leaves". Thais build such a boat, put beautiful flowers in it, light a candle, and float it in the water. This symbolizes both an offering to the goddess of water and the release of sins.
Makha Bucha or Buddha Day
Period of Celebration: Late February to early March Location: Thailand
Thai people have the day off on this holiday. They go to temples early in the morning to thank Buddha for his teachings and to pray. In each of the temples in the country, Rites in honor of the Buddha are held. There are no jolly festivities and colorful shows on this day.
Vishakkha Puja
Held Period: Late May to early June Location: Thailand
On this day, all Thai people honor the birth and death of Buddha. This day is a symbol of liberation from all temporal and worldly things. In the morning, Thais go to the temples to leave their gifts to the monks. In the evening, a procession is organized around the temple, during which the temple goes around three times. Candles, flowers, and incense are carried in their hands. This day is also a day off in Thailand.
Birthday of Queen Sirikit
Period of Celebration: August 12 Location: Thailand
On this day, Thailand honors not only its former queen but also every mother in the country. In fact, it is the day that Thailand has a double holiday - Queen's Day and Mother's Day. In honor of the Queen, all the streets of cities are decorated with flowers and flags. And mothers are given gifts decorated with jasmine flowers, which are considered the royal flower in Thailand.
The King's Birthday
Held on: December 5 Location: Thailand
The King's Birthday is one of the most favorite holidays among Thais. This day is traditionally a day off. In downtown Bangkok, there are bright ceremonies, a parade of guards, and a fancy fireworks display at the end.
National Elephant Day
Period of Celebration: Mid-March Location: 80 kilometers from Bangkok
Holiday guests travel to a specially equipped site near the capital. This holiday will be especially interesting for children because here the owners bring their elephants decorated with festive ponchos. The main entertainment is eating fruit with the elephants.
Festival of Colors
Period: The festival starts on the first Friday of February. Its duration is 3 days. Location: Chiang Mai
If you love flowers, this is the place to be. After all, the festival marks the start of Thailand's blooming season. Horticulturists from all over the country come to the festival and compete in their art. There are colorful shows, fairs, gardening competitions, a flower parade, and the selection of the most beautiful girl.
Full Moon Festival
Period: Every month on the full moon. The festival lasts for 3 days. Location: Koh Phangan
The festival is held on one of Thailand's most mysterious islands. Here, a big dance party begins on a large beach by the light of the moon (which, by the way, is especially beautiful here). The festival features several dance floors running simultaneously, with DJs playing a variety of styles of music.
Vegetarian Festival
Period of holding: The ninth month of the lunar calendar (late September - early October). The duration is 9 days. Location: Phuket, Pattaya
During the festival, participants subject themselves to a kind of torture in order to "purify" themselves: walking on burning coals, piercing their skin, pouring hot oil on themselves. To endure all these tortures, the participants use light drugs. It is forbidden to eat meat, drink alcohol, or have sex during the festival.
Rocket Festival
Period of holding: End of May Location: Northern Thailand
Every year before the start of the rainy season, farmers in Thailand launch thousands of rockets so that the sky will send heavy rains in return. And while the rockets were once a message to the gods, now they are competitive in nature. Before each rocket launch, the owner of the rocket gives a short speech. Various shows and fairs are held during the festival.
The festivals in Thailand are bright, colorful events that you will surely remember. Go to this amazing country, attend a festival or celebration, and experience the real atmosphere of the country. After all, when we learn the traditions of other nations and let something new into our hearts, we begin to look at the world with our eyes wide open.
