Are you planning to go on a vacation to Thailand soon? It is very important to plan the route of where and when you will go on a trip. However, you have to make sure the money and time you will spend on that trip will be worth it. One of the most important factors you have to consider is the timing of your trip especially if you plan to attend a festival.
In this article, we will help you plan your trip to Thailand. We will provide you with information on the best times to go there to make your trip worthwhile. But first, we have to consider environmental factors that affect the timing of your trip.
The Impact Of Weather On Tourism
The weather during certain periods of the year can greatly affect your travels. It can cause transportation disturbances, a lot of inconveniences, and even trip cancellations. Though it is not always the case, there is still a possibility you will encounter extreme weather. To be safe, you can go there in the months where the weather is in much better conditions.
These months range from November to March or April. April is the start of higher temperatures, which may not be suitable for some tourists. However, April still has more forgiving weather and is a very eventful month for Thailand. These months are described as having cooler yet dry weather.
Some of the months to avoid are October and September. Although rain can happen at any time, these months are more prone to heavy rainfall. That should not stop you from going to Thailand at your earliest available time, though. You can go any time of the year, but the previously mentioned months are the best ones. This is because, besides having fair weather, they are very eventful months.
Eventful Christmas And New Year Celebrations
The end of the year and the start of a new one have exciting and memorable events. Thailand is no exception, especially when it comes to its cosmopolitan cities. Despite the prevalent religion being Buddhism, they are accepting of Christian traditions such as Christmas. You will see Thai cities illuminated by the ever-familiar Christmas ornaments. Spending Christmas in Thailand is sure to bring the spirit of Christmas straight to your core.
The New Year is also a bedazzling event to experience in Thailand. It is very festive, as the people celebrate it with music, fireworks, and a touch of tradition. Make sure to dress modestly during this time because there are religious events that are also happening. You can witness the ceremonies that Thai locals and monks conduct at the temples.
Still can’t get enough of the New Year? Thailand celebrates it three times a year. The first one is the 1st of January; the second is the Chinese New Year, and lastly, it’s Thailand’s own New Year. For those who have an interest in the event, Chinese New Year usually takes place in February. The event is very colorful and displays an appreciation for Chinese culture.
Experiencing Thailand’s Exclusive Festival
On the 13th and 15th of April in Thailand, people celebrate the Songkran festival. This is the previously mentioned third New Year that represents the Buddhist New Year. Songkran is one of the most well-known and anticipated events every year in Thailand. It involves tradition, colorful sights, and a whole lot of water.
Songkran, also known as the “Water Splashing Festival,” lives up to its name. Many locals and tourists alike are sure to get splashed with water. Whether you’re using a bucket, a water gun, or water balloons, you are able to join this water splashing event. There are also float parades consisting of Buddhist statues involved.
Remember when it was mentioned that April has hot weather? This festival is sure to keep the heat away with its water-filled activities. Songkran is also being celebrated in all parts of Thailand, making it widely accessible. So, if you want to attend this festival, you can rearrange your schedule to make your trip in April.
Still Can’t Decide When?
Here is a rundown of some of the events in Thailand within those best months.
🎆 Loy Krathong (19th of November)
This is a colorful event where people let their designed baskets float in the water. Thai locals celebrate this event to pay homage to the river, specifically to Pra Mae Khongkha, or the river goddess.
Thai locals set out to create a Krathong to revere and beg pardon. The locals also regard it as a day to bid farewell to hardship, sweep away transgressions of the previous year, and express aspirations for the next year.
🎆 Yi Peng Lantern Festival (mid to late November)
This festival is known as the Festival Of Lights, in which floating lanterns fill the sky. It is conducted to attract good luck and negate negativity for the upcoming new year. It was historically observed to commemorate the conclusion of the rainy season and the start of the cold months. Locals visit temples to do Buddhist rituals such as presenting lanterns to monks, showing respect to monks who pray, and meditating. The most well-known activity, however, is the launching of khom loy up above the sky at night.
🎆 The Monkey Banquet Festival (28th of November)
It is a festival celebrated in Lopburi city specifically for the local monkeys that live alongside the people. It is said that the monkeys bring good fortune to the city, so the festival becomes a sign of appreciation.
🎆 Christmas (December)
The various lights and ornaments are around Thailand to bring out the Christmas spirit. Most Thai households do not gather to celebrate Christmas with house decorations, and gift-giving. They participate in the Christmas season with shopping, ambient lighting, and ornamental trees. Thailand is primarily Buddhist, with only a few Christians. This is why Christmas Day is only an official holiday in a few areas.
Despite this, the attractions and melodies of Christmas may be seen across the country. Thai locals often prepare mango and sticky rice, salt-crusted fish filled with lemongrass, and pork belly simmered in 5 spice stock with soft boiled egg and fried tofu to round off the Christmas season.
🎆 New Year’s Eve (31st of December)
The eve of New Year is a colorful and festive ever-familiar event that people celebrate worldwide. A large number of Thais also attend temples in the evening or at night to celebrate the new year with great fortune and wealth. Making honor and offering donations to monks are both frequent practices.
It’s the Thai spiritual approach to starting the new year off right. Thailand’s New Year celebrations frequently include meals with local Thai cuisine. Families may have steamed chicken, mandarins, and sticky rice cakes for good luck.
🎆 Children’s Day (every 2nd Saturday of January)
The day for children involves festivities and activities for children in Thailand. They commemorate it to emphasize the significance of children, who will become the nation’s most vital human treasures in the years ahead. Carnivals and other playful events in which youngsters can attend to take part to provide true excitement. Some companies, such as zoos and museums, even participate in this day to give free entrance to kids.
🎆 Bo Sang Umbrella And the Kamphaeng Handicrafts Festival (third week of January)
This festival offers you colorful hand-crafted decorations that fill the streets of Thailand. Bo Sang is a haven for skillful craftsmen whose creations vary from amazing fans to colorful umbrellas and lanterns. Look for the exquisite umbrellas made of mulberry wood paper and customized by Bo Sang people that make it their trademark for the tourists.
Silk and cotton are the primary materials in the creation of these artistic works. Plenty of colorful umbrellas will light up at night, revealing an entirely other perspective of the overall design.
🎆 Chiang Mai Flower Festival (5th of February)
Thai locals celebrate this and they call it the “rose of the north”. Expect to see the breathtaking grace of the flower-filled festivity.
🎆 Trang Underwater Wedding (around Valentine’s Day)
This is a one-of-a-kind wedding experience where you will exchange vows underwater. Many couples go to Thailand for this unique experience. Many weddings and renewals of vows happen here and became one of the most awaited events for romance.
🎆 National Elephant Day (13th of March) –
The day for elephants is a festivity for the Asian elephants and their conservation. Some even prepare feasts just for the gentle giants. Chakri Day (6th or April) – a public holiday celebrating the Chakri dynasty, the current ruling dynasty of Thailand.
🎆 Wan Lai Festival (16th of April)
This is another way of celebrating Songkran in certain provinces of Thailand. Since earliest times, Songkran has been the traditional Thai New Year holiday. It is a commemoration of benevolence, love, and kindness. They express gratitude by using water as the main mode of expression. So many of the Thai locals celebrate by soaking Buddha figures in fragrant water with petals. The locals thoroughly clean their houses, and monks and elderlies receive courtesy by sprinkling them with water or perfumed water with petals onto their palms.
Some folks have not only a good time, but they also make some money. Because a major festival implies a lot of people in town, it’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. People that see chances put up mobile stalls to sell some souvenirs, food, and things to use at the festival. Because everyone requires at least a toy water gun to participate in the event.
Bottom Line
This shouldn’t stop you from going to Thailand at any time that you like. However, these are all the best times to experience the beauty and festivity of the land of smiles. Every aspect of their tourism is very welcoming, exciting, and well-known for leaving good memories. We highly recommend you consider adding Thailand to your list of future travels.