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Festival hopping in Thailand

2/9/2016

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Enjoy a holiday with a difference by attending one of these cultural events
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THAILAND may be most famous for its beautiful beaches and lush National Parks, but if you’ve had your fill of taking trips based simply on sand and sea and leafy retreats, and fancy a vacation with a bit more cultural nourishment, it’s time to check out one of the nation’s annual festivals or sporting events.
    
From Buddhist Lent Candle Processions and the Phi Ta Khon ‘Ghost’ Festival, to the Yasothon Bung Bang Fai Rocket Festival and Thai Dove Cooing Contests, Thailand’s cultural calendar is packed full of intriguing happenings. From North to South, East to West, and even right here in Bangkok, there’s always something amazing going on. And visitors are always welcome.
    
Tapping into the rich history of each location, and presenting a wide range of local delicacies and crafts during each event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has played a key role in promoting many of these festivals, details of which can be found on its website (tourismthailand.org). Simply navigate to the site, scroll down the homepage, and you’ll find a month-by-month round-up of the most fascinating festivals, plus full details on how to attend them.
    
Listed here are just some of the highlights rounding out the rest of 2016.

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September: Phuket Tasty Food Festival
Phuket

 
EVERY year, a collection of popular local and international restaurants around Phuket join forces to host the Phuket Tasty Food Festival. A celebration of Thai cuisine and its regional influences, this event attracts foodies from all around the world who take great delight in being able to sample dishes from all five regions of Thailand in one location. The fact they have easy access to the beach, as well as Phuket’s renowned nightlife and lifestyle attractions, is another big draw. This year’s festival will be held from September 9 – 11. Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment add to the fun.

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October: Naga Fireball Festival
 Nong Khai

VENTURE to Nong Khai on the border with Laos between October 14 – 17 and you can witness a mind-blowing spectacle. Each evening locals flock to the riverbanks to witness balls of flaming gas erupting from the surface of the water. A natural phenomenon or the work of the Phya Naga (mythical serpent-like creatures which lurk in the murky depths)? You decide!

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December: International Long Boat Race & New Year’s Eve Celebration
 Nationwide

During the monsoon season when water levels are high, provinces around the kingdom host traditional long boat races which are colourful spectacles for racers and spectators alike. Alongside the main event, for example, you can expect to enjoy Thai musical performances, decorated boat processions, and traditional merit-making ceremonies. In Bangkok, this year’s Traditional Long Boat Race will take place in December. Teams from around the country will gather to compete on the waters near the Rama VIII bridge. The year will then end on a high (on Dec 31) with countdown celebrations all around the country. In Bangkok you can expect stunning light decorations, live jazz concerts, and a fireworks display.

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November: Loy Krathong
 Nationwide
 
TAKING place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar for over 700 years, this annual festival is steeped in history and tradition. Translated into English, Loy Krathong means ‘to float a basket,’ and this is exactly what locals do. Early in the evening they flock to rivers, lakes and other bodies of water to float handmade baskets (usually made of banana leaves or bread, and decorated with candles, incense, and jasmine garlands) to pay respect to the Water Goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, ask for forgiveness, and ward off bad luck. The festival is most notable in provinces with main rivers such as Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Samut Songkram, Tak, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Ratchaburi. Many of the areas also organize Krathong competitions and beauty pageants.
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