Thailand is a popular South Asian country for tourism. Famous for its cultural diversity and various ethnic communities, this country holds a strong cultural and heritage appeal. The calendar year of this country features a range of celebrations promoting the cultural richness of the nation. Thailand events and festivals featuring a range of religious, social, and regional celebrations strongly uphold the tourism appeal of the country. These celebrations attract a significant number of visitors to the country. You can opt to be a part of the festivities to get a real taste of the culture of this South Asian country.
JANUARY
WANGNAMKEOW FLORA FANTASIA
December 2010 Until February 28,
The Wang Nam Keow district of Nakhon Ratchasima is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and provides the perfect setting for the Wang Nam Keow Flora Fantasia flower festival. This magnificent tapestry of floral art, the vertical gardens and floral labyrinth created from more than 200,000 potted plants and flower beds.
BO SANG UMBRELLA FAIR & SAN KAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL
21-23 January 2011
Bo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas, which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant.
FEBRUARY
HAT YAI LANTERN FESTIVAL
December 2010 Until February 28, 2011
One of the most colourful festivals taking place at the moment in Thailand is the Lantern Festival in Hat Yai. Hat Yai is situated in Songkhla Province in the deep south of Thailand. A display of colourful lanterns from 14 southern provinces will feature goodies emphasizing on the forms of well-known fruits, animals, and culture.
CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR
February 3, 2011
The holiday is celebrated all over Thailand, especially in those areas with large populations of Chinese, such as Bangkok, where the city’s Chinatown area is usually the scene of a large block party. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
FLOWER FESTIVAL CHIANG MAI
4-6 February, 2011
The North is noted for its abundance of flowering plants, especially temperate zone species, which burst into full bloom towards the end of the cool season. Spectacular beautiful florals are the memorable feature of this 3-day festival in Chiang Mai also known as the “Rose of the North”. There are floral displays, local handicrafts sales, and enchanting beauty pageants.
HUA HIN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
February 12- March 6, 2011
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Stafford Edison International Classic Events will team up to host the inaugural Hua Hin Hot Air Ballooning Festival. The event begins daily at 6am. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is a 480-acre (194-hectare) plantation that produces grapes for Siam Winery’s main label, Monsoon Valley.
TRANG UNDERWATER WEDDING CEREMONY
13-15 February, 2011
Trang’s underwater wedding ceremony, must be one of the most unusual ways to tie the knot. This unique event is right at the top in the creative wedding category and has defied critics over the years to emerge as a firm favourite for those who want to make their Valentine day wedding extraordinary.
MAKHA BUCHA DAY
February 18, 2011
Makha Bucha day is a very important event in the Thai calendar as it goes on to signify the Buddhist teachings and philosophy. This day is a religious public holiday. Buddhists across the country flock to temples for candle-lit processions as part of activities on this religious day. Other activities include alms offering and listening to monks’ teachings.
MARCH
THAILAND INTERNATIONAL KITE FLYING FESTIVAL
Throughout March
Thailand International Kite Flying Festival – throughout March, a major event suiting all ages and including many open-air activities and trade stands, held in Suan Son Pradipat, located directly south of Bangkok and within driving distance.
PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
March
Pattaya City’s International Music Festival features food and floral floats, beauty contests, stalls selling local delicacies and a spectacular fireworks display on the beach. The free concerts are put on by a wide range of local and international talent.
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APRIL
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CHAKRI DAY
April 6, 2011
This public holiday commemorates the Chakri dynasty. The current King is the ninth King of the Chakri dynasty. A Royal ceremony is performed by the King to pay respect to King Rama I the Great, the
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
13-15 April, 2011
Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival is the traditional Thai New year and the most striking, for it is widely observed not only in this country but also in Burma, Cambodia and the Lao State. Water throwing and splashing and water gunning is a main event during Songkran.
POI SANG LONG, MAE HONG SON
April
The colorful festival is one of the most delightful in the north, attracting people from far and wide. The local authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand consider this festival to be unique to Mae Hong Son, the so-called ‘Province of the Three Mists.’ Poi Sang Long, the ordination of novices, is a religious ceremony of the Thai Yai. A spectacular colorful procession displaying the offerings for monks is paraded through the town.
MAY
VISAKHA PUJA DAY
May 17, 2011
Visakha Puja day is the day that Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. It falls on the full moon of the sixth month of the lunar year and is one of the most important days for Buddhists. Thais visit the temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset, candle-lit processions take place at major temples throughout the country.