Festivals In Thailand

By Author: Manya Manya
Total Articles: 74
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Thailand is undoubtedly a great destination for shopping, eating, sauntering and sightseeing. Its beaches, malls, water sports and myriad manmade attractions never fail to impress. But the great thing about Thailand tourism is that it also gives you a sneak peek into its local customs and rituals. As a serious backpacker, you couldn’t ask for anything more than to attend some of the local festivals which are observed in the country.

Here are the top 5 festivals of Thailand:

i. Songkran: Songkran is a 2-3 day festival which kicks off every year on 13th April. It signifies the commencement of the Thai New Year. In spirit and personality, this festival is similar to the Holi celebrated in India. People play with water and love to get wet. Using special toys & tools, everybody sprays water at everybody else. The festival blurs the gap between the rich and the poor, the old and the young, the local and foreigners. Symbolically too, ‘Songkran’ carries huge significance.

ii. Phi Ta Khon: If you have a fascination ...
... for the supernatural, then Thailand tour packages give you the wonderful opportunity to take part in ‘Phi Ta Khon’. The aim of the festival is to glorify traditions & myths which revolve around ghosts. People often get attired in bizarre and macabre costumes to lift the ambience from real to surreal. The festival is observed in the summer month of June or July and comes with a baggage of fun & excitement.

iii. Monkey Buffet: If you happen to visit the country during November, then consult your Thailand tourism guide to learn a bit about this weird festival known as ‘Monkey Buffet’. Observed primarily in Lopburi (a small town), the event is organized to commemorate the monkeys. Special buffet is also arranged for the impish creatures, much to their ecstasy!

iv. Loy Krathong: ‘Loy Krathong’ is a soulful festival observed during the full moon taking place in the 12th lunar month. It literally translates into ‘floating flowers’. As per the custom, locals congregate by the river and float away a ‘krathong’ with a candle lit over it. It is believed that their wishes get fulfilled in this way.

v. Ubon Ratchatani Candle Festival: Thailand tourism also makes sure that art finds expression and glorification through meaningful festivals like the Ubon Ratchatani Candle festival. It involves creation of wax figures related to Buddhist religion and their public exhibition on the streets.

About Author

Author is an inspired nature lover and loves to travel around the globe. Shopping and outdoor playing are few hobbies of author. As a writer and blogger she is working for V R Holidays, her responsibilities include managing Thailand tour packages and most of Asian countries.