subject: Festivals In Thailand For The Summer Season [print this page] A staggering twelve million tourists flood to Thailand every year, drawn by the promise of the bright lights of Bangkok and the serenity of some of the most beautiful islands in the world. A vivid culture is what makes Thailand tick, and what unites its varied landscapes, as north turns to south and cities turn to beaches.
Thailand is known for its bright celebrations of festivals throughout the year. June is a particularly good time for holidays in Thailand, with great weather and an array of festivals to soak up the Thai lifestyle.
Celebrated throughout the country this year on 4 June - Visakha Puja is a day dedicated to the highly revered Buddha an important date in the calendar for a predominately Buddhist nation. The day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Buddha. In celebration of the religion, you will find temples, or wats, across the country buzzing with people who come to listen to sermons about Buddhas teachings. As night falls, there are often candlelit processions around the outside of temples containing Buddha statues: quite a sight to behold, and the most atmospheric and photogenic part of the day. Although celebrations take place all over the country, the most spectacular place to be is in Bangkok try Wat Benjamabophit, known as the Marble Temple, where King Rama Vs ashes are stored.
Many travellers make sure to include a few days on Koh Phangan in their itineraries to coincide with the monthly celebration of the Full Moon: a long night of fire throwers, UV paint and decks spinning until dawn on the beach.
Where Koh Phangan here has been well established as the party capital of South East Asia, the festival of the full moon is still an important tradition in Thailand. Elsewhere, locals and travellers alike gather to toast the full moon, and celebrate the importance of the lunar calendar in Thai life.
Also taking place throughout June, the Hua Hin jazz festival sees musicians from across Thailand, as well as international artists, playing free jazz concerts. With music emanating from various outdoor locations along Hua Hins sparkling five mile beach, one of the oldest and most traditional destinations in the country, this is a particularly special way of listening to jazz.
