Don’t Miss These Amazing Festivals in Thailand

Amongst the key aspects of Thailand’s heritage are the many cultural festivals that take place through the year each with their own distinctive customs and festivities. Here are four such events that are well worth experiencing when visiting this enchanting destination.

Songkran

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration is from the 13th to the 15th of April each year and features one of the nation’s biggest cultural celebrations; while it’s a time for family reunions and renewal, this event is also known for something else… fun-filled water fights across the country! This ‘splashing’ of water symbolizes purification and the washing away of bad luck, though in a more memorable manner of course. Those staying at Bangkok accommodation providers like Pathumwan Princess Hotel can easily access the key areas of the capital where one can view and take part in the water fights too.

Chinese New Year

Picture streets adorned with scarlet lanterns, the crackling sound of firecrackers, and the tantalizing aroma of delicious feasts – welcome to the Chinese New Year in Thailand! Celebrated with great festivity by the Thai-Chinese community, this event, usually in January or February, marks the beginning of the lunar year with a whirlwind of activities. Amongst the best places to experience this would be Chinatown in Bangkok; 5-star hotel deals can be found at nearby properties from where you can visit this locale (Yaowarat Road) to enjoy everything from dragon dances to delectable dishes and more.

Loi Krathong

Known as the Festival of Lights, Loi Krathong is another captivating cultural event that offers a visually stunning spectacle. It takes place on the evening of the Thai lunar calendar’s 12th month which usually falls in November. While it honours Buddha, this festival also celebrates the goddess of the river which has led to one of its most alluring aspects; at waterbodies across the country, people release small floating vessels called ‘krathongs’ which have candles and flowers. As you can imagine, the sight of thousands of candlelit krathongs floating away on rivers or lakes will be truly magical.

Yi Peng

Interestingly, Loi Krathong coincides with another popular cultural event in Thailand, Yi Peng, which is celebrated mainly in Chiang Mai. Called the Lantern Festival, it features the tradition of releasing candlelit paper lanterns into the sky as a symbol of letting go of any bad fortune. The prime spot where this takes place is at the banks of the Peng River and seeing thousands of paper lanterns taking flight and lighting up the night sky is truly awe-inspiring. Apart from this, the event is also known for religious ceremonies, parades and fireworks which all add to its allure.