Thais are serious about having fun and enjoying life, a trait that is best seen in the many and varied festivals that go on throughout the year. But not all may be worth planning a trip around. Festivals usually give off a better understanding of the country’s culture and enthusiasm, so there are a few in every country worth a visit.
Songkran
13th-15th April 2016
The most well known of all Thai festivals, Songkran is for those who love a good water fight. It’s the official Thai New Year landing on April 13th each year and lasting around 2 to 3 days. During the festival, the streets fill up with people looking to soak and get soaked with super-soakers in hand! Water is used as a symbol of cleansing, which is exactly what the Thai want to do to start the New Year.
- The festival of throwing water to each other
To the untrained eye, it may seem nothing more than an all-out, three-day water war between you and every other person you see, but it actually comes from a much deeper tradition than merely blasting your neighbor with a super-sized water gun.
Officially the festival is a way to pay respect to your elders by pouring scented water over their cupped hands which signifies humility, a cleansing of past transgressions and the beginning of a new year full of opportunity. Families also pour a bit of water down the back of the neck of elders.
It’s also a time to wash/bathe Buddha images which are most important to you, usually those at home or at a nearby temple. While these traditional acts still play out at serene family gatherings, it’s the waterlogged partying that brings out the crowds. Festivities take place all over the country, but the biggest and best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Phi Ta Khon
19th-21st Jun 2016
Phi Ta Khon is a tradition of the Dan Sai district of the Loei Province in Isan. It is better known as the ghost festival since it reflects the regions beliefs on ghosts and spirits. It occurs each year around June/July and is probably Thailand’s most colorful festival. Men dress up as spirits in bright colorful costumes and masks. Along with the costumes, there’s plenty of dancing and rejoicing.
There’s a legend that says when the Buddha returned to his home after many years away, there was a party so big that even the spirits joined in. And thus goes the increasingly famous Pee Ta Kon, or Ghost Festival, which takes places in Loei province in July.
- There will be many masks of ghost in Phi - ta - khon festival
Possibly the wildest celebration in Thailand, revelers dress up in large, elaborate ghost masks and stream up and down the streets parading giant phalluses like trophies through the dancing, cheering crowds. On the last day, homemade bamboo rockets (some of them startlingly large) are launched into the sky in the hopes of bringing rain.
The fun is underscored by serious introspection, and on the last day many attend sermons that delve into the teachings of the Buddha. And there’s a bit of alcohol consumed along the way.
Balloon Festival
4th-5th March 2016
During the Balloon Festival, they have a daily launching of a massive number of balloons creating a breathtaking spectacle. During the festival their are a number of concerts and firework displays. The festival organizers also have a tethered balloon, that takes visitors up for a ride.
- Huge balloons with various colors flying in the sky would be awesome
Annually, the two-day event starts with a balloon mass launch before 7:30 am followed by model balloon display. There are workshops and family activities. Nevertheless, one of the main highlights of the event is the balloon tethering. The participants of the activity are picked through lucky draws. Balloon Night Glows start at 6:30 pm. The day usually ends with a concert.
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