Bangkok Festivals and Holidays

Bangkok Songkran Festival

April 12-14 (in 2007 – changes slightly each year according to the lunar calendar)

The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.

Loy Krathong

November (usually – varies by the lunar calendar)

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, in the western calendar this usually falls into November.

“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions often use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.

H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration

August 12

To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

May

An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers is believe to be able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations

December 5

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.

Trooping of the Colours

December

Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

Bangkok Travel & Tourism Guide

Bangkok Festivals and Holidays

Bangkok Songkran Festival

Loy Krathong

H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations

Surin Beach Phuket
Accommodation [right]:

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Bangkok Travel & Tourism Guide

Bangkok Festivals and Holidays

Bangkok Songkran Festival

Loy Krathong

H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations

Surin Beach PhuketAccommodation [right]:

Surin Beach Phuket
Accommodation [right]: