Thailand festivals and events Guide
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Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair
January 19- 21 Bo Sang
village,San Kamphaeng District 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. Come and see this festival for
yourself. Advance reservations are necessary.
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Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair February
6- 14 Phra Nakhon Khiri and around area, Phetchaburi
Phra Nakhon Khiri (City on the Mount), a hill on which are located
several religious structures and a nineteenth-century palace, overlooks
the city of Phetchaburi, some two hours drive southwest of Bangkok.
A light & sound presentation celebrating local history is one
of the attractions of the popular fair.
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Sweet Grape Week Fair March 23-31
Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi. This area known for its famous
floating market comes alive with a fair featuring some typical and
unusual activities, These include a Thai cooking competition, a
"sea-boxing" competition, boating competitions, as well
as local product sales.
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Songkran Festival April 12-15
Nationwide The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for celebration
throughout the country. This occasion is marked with religious ceremonies
as well as public festivities. Water throwing among the people in
a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main activity of this festival.
Throughout the city, Chiang Mai
To really enjoy Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, to its
fullest, one should travel to Chiang Mai where there is a variety
of religious and fun-related activities conducted along with parades
and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony May
16 Sanam Luang, BangkokAn ancient Brahman ritual,
conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast
the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a
series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed
by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony
was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is
considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
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Phi Ta Khon Festival June 23-24
Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei With origins from a well-known Buddhist tale,
the colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession features young
men who dress up as spirits to accompany a scared Buddha image and
taunt villagers. Monks relate the tale of Lord Buddha's last great
incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. Included are competitions
of masked dances and processions. Everyone is welcome to participate.
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Candle Festival July
Thung Sri Muang Park, Ubon Ratchathani Khao Phansa, or the Buddhist
Lent, is the time when all Buddhist monks must stay in their temples.
In Ubon Ratchathani, a unique festival that highlights the talented
skills of local artisans as well as displays of religious devotion
is held each year. Elaborately carved beeswax candles of various
sizes and shapes are exhibited in high-spirited processions around
the city before being presented to local temples.
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Rambutan Fair August
Around co/op , Surat Thani Surat Thani is known for its luscious
rambutans that grow throughout this province. Each year, a fair
is held to highlight this fruit that includes exhibitions of local
products and floats adorned with rambutans, as well as many other
exhilarating fun-filled activities.
H.M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration August
12 Nationwide To display their loyalty and to honour
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday,
the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around
Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace
and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights
and magnificent adornments.
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Phichit Anuual Boat Races September
1 - 2 Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang, Phichit
Boat racing has been a part of Thai culture for centuries, and regattas
are held in various parts of the country. This annual event takes
place on the Nan River, Phichit, one of the most naturally panoramic
parts of Thailand. The event features boats competing against each
other with great fervour and excitement of the cheers of the spectators.
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Phuket Vegetarian Festival October
Amphoe Kathu,Amphoe Muang & Amphoe Thalang,Phuket) It is not
known for certain when the first Vegetarian Festival was held in
Phuket. It is assumed that the custom started in the period of Thalang
Governor Jerm in 1825 when a number of Chinese came to work in tin
mines in Ban Get Hoe in Phuket. Legend has it that a Chinese drama
troupe turned vegetarian in the belief that by doing so malaria
prevalent on the island at the time could be driven away. Followers
must abstain from meat, alcohol and sex for nine days and night
as a homage to the Nine Emperor Gods (The Star Deities). The Chinese
community then sent an emissary to South China to learn more about
vegetarian rites.
During the festival which normally falls on the first nine days
of the ninth Chinese lunar month, thousands of participants turn
completely vegetarian to purify both body and mind in order to attend
ceremonies. Aesthetic displays are performed by participants which
include piercing the body and face with sharp objects and walking
barefooted on hot charcoal, all in the belief that good health and
peaceful mind will be attained.
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Northern Lantern Festival & Yipeng Loi Krathong October
31 - November 1 Chiang Mai Municipality Office and
citywide, Chiang MaiCreating a mesmerizing sight, an unusual ritual
of this northern capital's Loi Krathong Festival is the launching
of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is considered by locals to
rid them of their troubles. Traditional floats (Krathongs) are also
set adrift on the Ping River. In addition, there are various other
forms of fun and a glamorous beauty pageant.
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H.M.The King's Birthday Celebrations December
5 NationwideH.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's
longest reigning monarch. is well beloved and deeply respected by
all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides
his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for
him. All over the country. buildings and homes are elaborately decorated
and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
River Kwae Bridge, Kanchanaburi Each year in late November to early
December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge, which was built by
Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal
point of celebrations. Highlights include historical and archaeological
exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on
World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation
re-enacting the bridge's World War II history.
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