Experience Thailand's Cultural Festivals this Fall

  • July 15, 2015
Experience Thailand's Cultural Festivals this Fall
Ranging from the lighthearted and quirky to the serene and tranquil, travelers of all ages will find something to enjoy this fall in the ‘Land of Smiles.'

Below is a sampling of events throughout Thailand in 2015. Additional information on all of the events taking place in “The Land of Smiles” can be found at www.tourismthailand.org.

Vegetarian Festival – Phuket, October 15-23

Held over a nine day period every year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, this colorful festival celebrates the belief that abstinence from eating meat will help participants obtain good health, peace of mind and a purified soul. In addition to a range of vegetarian fare, visitors will have a chance to enjoy many sacred rituals and processions throughout the streets, including devotees walking barefoot over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs.

Illuminated Boat Procession – Nakhom Phanom, Oct 1- 31

The illuminated boat procession or ‘Lai Ruea Fai' event is a tradition related to the legend concerning the end of Buddhist Lent. To pay respect and welcome the Lord Buddha, Ruea Fai or “fire boats” will be decorated with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and will be launched on the Mekong River in the evening.

Elephant Round-Up – Surin Province, Third Week of November

The Surin Province is well known for its domestic elephant village and to honor this beloved animal, the ‘Surin Elephant Round-up' is hosted annually. More than 100 elephants will take part in the festival, displaying their grace, strength and intelligence in games of soccer, log carrying and tug-of-war, and the highlight of the festival will be a dramatic mock battle. The festival tour also takes visitors to the old capital of Siam, Ayutthaya and allows visitors to spend a day at an elephant center learning the skills of the elephant mahouts.

Loi Krathong – Nationwide
November 25

Recognized as one of Thailand's most picturesque and romantic festivals, this celebration is based on Buddhist lent and pays respect to the Goddess of Water. Throughout the country, people gather around bodies of water to release lotus shaped rafts (krathongs) which are decorated with candles, incense and flowers, creating a beautiful display of tribute for visitors to enjoy. Loi Krathong is also a time when tourists can enjoy many cultural activities such as traditional Thai dance performances, local games and krathong-making contests.

Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, “Amazing Thailand” is one of Southeast Asia's premier travel destinations and home to well-known tourist locations including the capital city of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi. Known as the “land of smiles,” Thailand features some of the world's finest luxury hotels and resorts, and offers visitors a rich tapestry of exotic architecture, culture, cuisine, traditions and adventures.

For more information on Thailand, visit na.tourismthailand.org.