As the commercial and cultural centre of Thailand,the city of Bangkok is nothing short of spectacular. It is one of the most cosmopolitan,intriguing,and vibrant cities of the entire continent,and offers a mixed palette of activities,events,festivals,and parties. However,it is the many festivals that hold most of the allure for international travellers and locals alike. Now is an ideal time of year to take advantage of cheap flights to Bangkok,and if you are planning on visiting the city,the following festivals are almost certainly must-see events for you to consider.
Although Songkran takes place in April,one of Thailand’s hottest months of the year,this does not deter people from annual house cleanings,family re-unions,and the many visits to temples that take place during this celebratory period. Most banks,family-run businesses,office buildings,and restaurants shut down during this festival. The second day of the festival is National Family Day,which begins with families giving alms (a religious rite of giving materially to another) to monks,followed by spending quality time with the family throughout the rest of the day.
Chinese New Year
Yaowaraj is the Chinatown of the city,and home to the exhilarating celebration of the Chinese New Year. We were amazed at how the entire street turned into a crowded party featuring dragon dancers,exploding firecrackers,and Chinese families gathering to participate in the fanfare and dining at a myriad of Chinese banquets. The event is typically held annually in either January or February,depending on when it falls on the Chinese lunar calendar.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok
If you want to experience some truly magical moments along the canals and rivers of the region,this is a festival you definitely won’t want to miss. Loy Krathong is usually held in November,during the night of full moon in the 12th lunar month. During this time,the full moon illuminates the night sky,and the rivers are at their deepest,filled with lit “krathongs” (small rafts) to thank the Goddess of Water for her blessings and to seek her forgiveness for misdeeds of the past.
Christmas in Bangkok
Christmas is the merriest time of the year,and this is no exception in the city of Bangkok. As with many other nations in the world,Christmas is big business in Thailand’s capital city –but it’s also the start of a week-long party that culminates with the numerous New Year celebrations that take place. The real focus of Christmas in Bangkok are the impressive displays of lights,so be sure to take advantage of one of the numerous Christmas light walking tours that take place during the festival.
New Year’s Eve in Bangkok
For many locals,this is the highlight of the Lunar Year,and most try to take advantage of the last guilty pleasures available to them in this hedonistic holiday celebration. The streets are packed-full with locals trying to squeeze in one final party before carrying out their New Year’s resolutions. Celebrating this event in Bangkok is nothing short of spectacular –people indulge in culinary delights and participate in a citywide celebration – certainly a party to behold!
Loy Krathong,Bankok by Robert Polloai
