Thailand is a country with plenty of attractions that receives around 35 million tourists yearly. From the stunning natural landscapes, and all the way to the vibrant culture, there’s plenty to explore here. One thing that’s less known about this country is its list of spectacular festivals.
These festivals are deeply rooted in Thai culture and traditions and are celebrated throughout the year. They provide a unique way for tourists to experience the local culture, sample traditional cuisine, and feel the extraordinary Thai hospitality. Here are some must-see festivals to add to your itinerary for your next visit to Thailand.
Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival is Thailand’s most popular festival. It’s celebrated across the country and even in Thai communities worldwide. It lasts three days and takes place in mid-April to mark the traditional Thai New Year. The festival is traditionally celebrated by spraying water on one another in a process that is believed to wash away bad luck and welcome a clean and fresh New Year. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a great way to experience the warm hospitality of the Thai people.
Loi Krathong Festival
Another exciting Thai festival is the Loi Krathong. Also celebrated annually, this one takes place in November, during the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar. To mark this event, locals and festival participants release small banana-leaf boats, known as “Krathongs”, into the water. The belief is that the boats will float away bad luck and, at the same time, pay respect to the water goddess. The festival is a feast for the eyes as the rivers where it is celebrated get decorated with thousands of beautifully-lit Krathongs illuminating the water and the sky.
Yi Peng Festival
If you’re all about light and watching the glowing magic of flames, you’ll love this one. Yi Peng is celebrated annually in November and is actually linked with the Loi Krathong festival. To cover all bases, the locals also release thousands of lanterns into the air, not just on the rivers.
The lanterns signify the release of negative energy and the ushering in of positivity. Made of rice paper, the lanterns are released into the sky while making a wish that comes true if the flight is long enough. The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm and is a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand.
Vegetarian Festival
The Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held in Phuket and other parts of Thailand. If you’re a foodie and love street food, this will feel like heaven for you. It is a nine-day festival that is celebrated by the Chinese community in Thailand.
During the festival, participants observe a strict vegetarian diet and abstain from consuming meat, dairy, and other animal products. Of course, this doesn’t mean you won’t find thousands of delicious treats, skillfully prepared by Thai and Chinese cooks. The festival is also marked by various processions, firewalking, and other traditional rituals.
Phi Ta Khon Festival
Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, is celebrated annually in the Dan Sai district of Loei Province, Northeast Thailand. Among many other things, it marks the beginning of the rainy season and is characterized by elaborate masks, costumes, and parades.
You’ll have a unique chance to observe the costumes across the three days of the festival. It takes place every year between March and July, but the exact dates are selected by the town’s mediums (they come into contact with the spirits to decide the date). The festival is a unique experience and is a must-see festival for anyone visiting Thailand.
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
This celebration takes place every year in Bo Sang, a small village located just outside Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand. The festival showcases the art of umbrella-making, which has been a traditional craft in the region for over 200 years.
The festival is characterized by a colorful parade, beauty pageants, and various contests related to umbrella-making that attract many visitors and tourists. It gives foreigners a unique opportunity to peek into the local culture and craftsmanship.
Other Entertainment Opportunities in Thailand
Tourists looking for top-quality entertainment in Thailand have plenty to choose from. From nightclubs to watching live Muay Thai matches, to partying on the streets, there’s something for everyone. The only thing lacking in Thailand from an entertainment perspective is casinos. However, the local government is considering changing the legislation to open some integrated resorts available for tourists. In the meantime, anyone that wants to enjoy some slots or table games is welcome to do so at thaibets365.com. A top-tier website with popular casino games and helpful articles for all player types. So, until you will be able to visit the integrated resorts and enjoy gambling on the streets of Thailand, you are well taken care of.