The complete guide on when to visit Thailand for their breathtaking festivals

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 2:06 pm

If you’ve ever wanted to explore unique festivals in Asia, Thailand’s the place to be. The country has celebrations that take place all over the nation, while others are related to certain provinces and cities.

When is the best time to drop by into Thailand? And where do you head over to sample on the vibrant festivals?

I’m about to make life easier for you. Sit back and sip your coffee while I lay out the top 5 festivals in Thailand.

This is pretty much the only guide you’ll need to plan your festive travels.

Songkran

Image: songkranday.com
Image: songkranday.com

Water fights are the best thing to get into, and Songkran is just that. The festival indicates that the Thai New Year is in, and it’s celebrated on April 13th. The water symbolizes a cleansing ritual. Expect to soak, and be soaked as you walk the streets for the 3 days of the festival celebrations.

Phi Ta Khon

Image: kruuweeteachthai.com
Image: kruuweeteachthai.com

This festival pays homage to ghosts, and reflect the beliefs of the locals at the Dai San segment in Isan. I’d say that it’s pretty much the most colorful festival Thailand has.

The festivities take place around June or July. The men of the district take charge of vividly colored masks and costumes.

Dance away as you blend in with the folks and rejoice at the festival.

Loi Krathong

Image: phuketdir.com
Image: phuketdir.com

Loi Krathong refers to the floating of small objects. What kind of small objects? Well, it’s usually banana leaves shaped into a lotus flower.

The festival is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the lunar calendar, and is celebrated for the entire night.

Thousands of locals walk to canals or rivers to make a wish in the evening. The wish is made by lighting the krathong’s candle and setting it off to float away in the river.

The Monkey Buffet

Image: telegraph.co.uk
Image: telegraph.co.uk

This does not involve eating monkeys. Animal lovers will get a special kick out of this. The Monkey Buffet occurs on the last Sunday in November, where the mammals are served a long buffet of delicious food.

Photo time, everyone! And don’t forget to monkey around.

Ubon Ratchatani Candle Festival

Image: bookthailandnow.com
Image: bookthailandnow.com

The candle festival is a match in heaven for art enthusiasts, so head on over if you’re one. It’s held at the beginning of August at the time of the Buddhist Lenten festivities. Local artists come together and create gigantic wax sculptures as part of their offering to Lord Buddha.

The fantastic creations are paraded through the streets of Thailand to the delight of tourists and locals.

Now that you’ve got the top picks of festivals on your fingertips, go ahead and plan your Thai holiday today.

Top Image: 501room / Shutterstock.com