As we come into our busiest holiday season here in the U.S from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and the New Year, we have family, friends, and celebration on our minds. Travel can get a little more hectic around these times, but a good way to get into the celebratory mood is to travel during other countries festivals and holidays. One country at the top of our list to travel to for unique, wild, and enlightening festivals is Thailand. Some of these festivals focus on ancient culture and tradition, while others are just pure fun! From water gun fights and rockets to vegetarianism and floating lanterns, these celebrations in Thailand should not be missed!
Loy Krathong (Yi-Peng)
When: November
Possibly one of the most beautiful festivals in the world is Loy Krathong. Tens of thousands of people descend on Thailand to release their worries and bad thoughts. People light candles and place them on tiny banana leaf floats and release them down nearby rivers. While this takes place all over the country, the best place to be is Chiang Mai. Here the main attraction is the lanterns that float into the sky. Watching a dark sky illuminate from thousands of lanterns being released at once is spectacular and mesmerizing.
Vegetarian Festival
When: October
This is a highly religious festival that takes place on Phuket, where participants observe a 10-day vegetarian diet. This isn’t the most interesting part of the festival though. Things get interesting, and a bit graphic, when participants walk on hot coals or cut their faces to pass objects, such as umbrellas, through the newly made holes. It is believed that these actions will bring good luck to those who participate. Thailand is a top destination for older kids and this festival would be an enriching experience for them. It should be attended with an open mind and background knowledge on the customs of participants and the expectations of spectators.
Songkran
When: April
Have you ever wanted to participate in a nationwide water gun fight? That’s what you’re getting with Songkran. Older kids, adults, grandparents, and younger kids will all love and have fun at this festival. What began as a splash of water to give good will and fortune to others for the New Year has evolved into a full-fledged water fight. Some towns celebrate only for a day while others celebrate for an entire week. Make sure you pack your super-soaker!
Monkey Buffet
When: Last Sunday in November
Lopburi is famous for its monkey population and to show the monkey’s their appreciation for being good neighbors and helping bring people to the area to visit. Once a year, the town sets out a buffet of fruits, lollipops, soda, and vegetables for the little animals to eat. This creates some incredible photo opportunities!
Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
When: April
One of the stranger events in Thailand is the Rocket Festival in Yasothon. Celebrated in the Northeast region of the country, this festival is fully equipped with all the party essentials: music, concerts, parades, regional cuisine from pork salad to fried insects, and of course, rockets. The rockets are fired off during a special show and are then judged based on height reached, straightness of flight, and how attractive the smoke trail is. The winning team earns $1,000 USD as a prize. If your rocket fails to launch, you must spend the rest of the contest in a mud bath— the Thai people really know how to throw a proper festival!
Experiencing other cultures together is one of the best parts of taking a Thailand family vacation. Visiting any of these celebrations in Thailand will be a family vacation you’ll always remember!
