The Land of Smiles or Thailand has many celebrations & festivals including Chinese New Year, Songkran and Loy Krathong. Visit Thailands beaches, mountains and parks too.
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, fine cuisine and impressive UN World Heritage Sights. Few countries are so well endowed with good beaches, spectacular national parks, pristine rain forests and friendly people.
From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.
When to Go
The dry cool period of winter from November to February is the best time to enjoy Thailand’s attractions. Temperatures are highest from March to the end of May when it can reach mid to high 30s Centegrade.
If you want to avoid crowds and to take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates consider travelling during May to October. On the other hand it's not difficult to leave the crowds behind even in the peak season.
Festivals and Public Holidays:
1st of January – New Year’s Day:
In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the first lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April.
Chinese New Year:
1st day of the first Chinese Lunar month, usually in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils".
Songkran - 13th to 15th April:
This is the celebration of the traditional Thai New Year. Buddhists visit the temple for the ceremony of Rod Nam Dam Nua. They sprinkle water on the Buddha images and on the hands of the monks as a sing of respect and as an offering to express confidence that the supply of water will be adequate to cover the dry season.
This holiday has now become secularised with exuberant merrymakers taking to the streets throwing water at each other by the cup, bucket and bottle or even with a hose.
To add to the fun, talc is mixed with the water and may be daubed on your face. Take it all in good part, as no one is exempt.
The cool water may even be a welcome relief as the festival coincides with the time when the sun is due overhead and the weather can be very hot.
Loy Krathong Full Moon 12th Lunar month:
Loy Krathong is a delightful, gentle and pretty festival where families, friends and lovers come together to wash away the sins and bad luck of the past year and to wish for good fortune in the coming year.
Krathongs are floats made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or two and beautifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits and a cleansing of sins.
Thalland is often called the 'Land of smiles' and rightly so because you will be greeted with more smiles per mile than in any other country
Alcohol
Alcohol is not sold between the hours of 11.00 am and 5 pm, neither is it sold during election days and on some Buddhist holidays.
