Joanna James
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to travel to in South East Asia. The country is renowned for its beaches, wildlife, and ancient temples. Thailand also has its fair share of festivals and visiting the country during one of these can be quite an unforgettable experience.
The Ghost Festival is one of the more unique and intriguing festivals held here in Thailand. In essence, it's a combination of religious tradition and joyful celebration with a sprinkling of local handicrafts. The festival takes place over a period of 3 days. Locals gather int their thousands – all garbed in colourful attire and fancy masks. On Friday, a large parade takes place full of colourful participants and raucous fanfare. On Saturday, a number of musical shores and art exhibitions are held, all of which celebrate local practices that have passed down through the generation. Sunday – the last day of the festival – is reserved for a number of Buddhist ceremonies.
Referred to locally as the Songkran Festival, the Water Festival is perhaps the most celebratory and fun festival you'll end up experiencing here in Thailand. The whole idea of this festival – as the name would imply – is a celebration of water. So, how do the Thai celebrate their love of water – why with a water fight of course! Indeed, for a period of 3 days, people all over the country will participate in this festival chucking bucket-loads of water at each other. On top of this, a number of musical shows and dances re also held. All in all, the Water Festival is quite the merry time and you should definitely join in if possible.
The Chinese New Year is one of the most exciting times to visit Thailand. If you're staying at one of the luxury Bangkok hotels – say, for example, the properties under Chatrium Hotels & Residences – be sure to head to Yaowaraj, the location of Bangkok's Chinatown. The entire area comes to life during the night – from fire-eaters to dragon dancers. Tons of firecrackers will go off and the sky will light up with elaborate fireworks. The iconic red lanterns will also light up the streets, shining a light on delectable Chinese banquets that are open to all. All of it will seem like scenes from a dream!
Also referred to as the Thailand Food Festival, this isn't just another celebration of Thai cuisine – it's a celebration that's cantered around some of Thailand's most notorious denizens. The festival takes place in Lopburi – found about 150km north of Bangkok. The resident monkey population is one of Lopburi's main tourist attractions. As such, every November, a huge banquet is held in honour of these wily primates!
The Rocket Festival is perhaps the most popular Thai festival of all. This festival is especially important to the country's farming communities. You'll find entire villages attending the festival as it is considered to bring good fortune for the upcoming planting season. Rockets are paraded around the cities for several days and then shot into the skies to encourage the gods to bless the lands with rain.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
