1.3 Festivals

Thailand has a myriad of memorable events which can become a highlight of your clients' itinerary.

Here is just a sample list of many running through the year:d

• Chiang Mai Flower Festival, 2 to 4 February
  Living up to the name ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai organises the Chiang Mai Flower Festival to showcase it’s beautiful flowers and decorative plants which are in full bloom towards the end of the winter season in early February.

• Songkran Festival (Thai New Year), 13 to 15 April
  Songkran is a traditional New Year's celebration which involves anyone and everyone, tourist or local, in a giant water fight nationwide - whether in the city or on the beach or even travelling in a tuk-tuk you are likely to get wet.

• Phi Ta Khon Festival, 16 to 18 June
  Phi Ta Khon Festival is a grand merit-making festival that takes place over 3 days. Festival-goers dress up in ghost masks (the literal translation of the festival’s name), and parade and party through the streets of Dan Sai district, in the newly-trendy Loei province.
• Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, July
  Ubon Ratchathani hosts the Candle Festival to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. This festival shows the people’s devotion to Buddhist tradition as well as their skills in carving magnificent candles.
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival, October
  On the 9th lunar month of every year, October, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held for 10 days. This festival involves partaking in sacred rituals to bring fortune, merit and spiritual cleansing. The rituals are carried out at Chinese shrines and temples. Events such as people walking on coals take place.

• Loi Krathong, November
  A long-standing Thai traditional festival held every year on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month which is in November. It involves floating a small lotus-shaped boat - a krathong - to pay respect to Pra Mae Khongkha (The River Spirits). The event also represents community participation in krathong (decorated baskets) making and water conservation which is important to Thai lifestyle.

• BDMS Bangkok Marathon, November
  The Bangkok Marathon offers participants more than just a normal marathon experience as there are many beautiful sites and views to see during the race which takes runners past the Chao Phraya River.

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