5 Must-Experience Festivals in Thailand
Thinking about visiting the amazing land of Thailand soon? Lets Go Sago was able to visit the recent Philippine Travel Tour Expo (PTAA) held at the SMX Exhibition Center in Pasay City last week!
We explored a number of both Asian destinations and local booths, but what caught our attention, among others, was the “Open to the New Shades” booth of Tourism Authority of Thailand and Amazing Thailand where a traditional cultural Thai dance and a short program was held.
Moreover, TV host – Robi Domingo also graced the event as attendees were given a taste of what’s instore during their next Thailand adventure.
Thai Festivals
Aside from their famous food, one of the other highlights of the campaign were Thai Festivals where there’s always a time and place where you can immerse yourself in a fusion of sights, sounds, and experiences.
Whether you’re headed for a summer adventure or a year-end retreat, there’s a festival in any corner where you can experience the best of Thailand’s people, culture, and way life. Festivals combine the best of Thailand’s arts, music, cuisine, hospitality, and other aspects of everyday life to give each traveler a full experience of the ‘Land of Smiles.’
5 Must-Experience Festivals in Thailand Year-Round
For you next Thai adventure, here are five must-experience festivals that will offer you a glimpse of the Southeast Asian kingdom’s long history and vibrant culture:
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Pattaya International Music Festival (March 14-16, 2019)
- When this international music festival starts swinging, pop, rock, hip-hop and R’n’B artists from Thailand and around the world perform for celebrating crowds at the stretch of the Pattaya beach road. If you’re headed to Thailand to party with friends from sundown to midnight, you might as well be in one of the world’s largest beach festivals.
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Songkran Festival (April 13-15, 2019)
- The Songkran Festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year, where people all over Thailand engage in the ultimate water fight. If you’re taking part in the Songkran Festival, you can expect to stay drenched for three days, so you better be armed with a bucket or a water pistol. Among the best places for Songkran celebrations are Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya.
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Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival (July)
- This festival commemorates a Buddhist event called Asahna Bucha, when Buddha delivered his first sermon. Held at the beginning of the Buddhist lent called Khao Pansa, the festival puts the spotlight on the work of local artisans: elaborate candles, wax carvings, and decorated floats. For art and history junkies, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is one that cannot be missed.
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Loy Krathong (November 13, 2019)
- Known as the Thai Festival of Lights, the Loy Krathong Festival is held during the first full moon of the traditional Thai Lunar calendar’s 12th month. At this festival, you can join the crowd in letting lotus-shaped, candlelit containers float down the river, relish the visual spectacle that follows, and share an unforgettable memory with loved ones. One of the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong is Chiang Mai, where it coincides with the lantern festival called Yee Peng.
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Wonderfruit Music and Arts Festival (December 12-16, 2019)
- An annual arts, music, and lifestyle festival that made its debut in 2014, Wonderfruit brings together the arts, eco-living, and music at The Fields at Siam Country Club in Pattaya.
- During the four-day long festival, you can watch musical acts, visit art installations, attend wellness activities, and feast on local cuisine by renowned chefs. If you’re looking for a year-end trip worth remembering, this might be the festival for you to attend.
While these festivals can be your top choices for a Thai getaway this year, there are still a lot more choice of months and places to go to. Whether you’re on a solo trip, an adventure with friends, or a family holiday, there’s a festival to provide the setting for your #THAIMazing story.
All photos in this article were captured from the “Open to the New Shades” booth of Tourism Authority of Thailand and Amazing Thailand at the Philippine Travel Travel Tours Expo (PTAA) 2019.
