Thailand Festivals - The Best Time to Visit Thailand And Enjoy Their Famous Festivals

Thailand is abundant with festivals and quite honestly there is no time of year when you cannot find a festival to enjoy, however here are some of the more popular festivals around Thailand throughout the year.

Beginning the year, the month of January offers the Chiang Mai Winter Fair in Chiang Mai and the River of Kings Festival in Bangkok. The Chiang Mai winter fair offers booths, music, competitions, and even beauty pageants, while the River of Kings festival is a bit more formal with a theatrical production describing the history of Thailand.

February continues the year by offering the Chiang Mai Flower Festival complete with flower covered parade floats and the Bangkok China Town Festival which celebrates the Chinese New Year.

As the peak season begins to wind down, March brings about the Asean Barred Ground Dove Festival where dove owners from around the country gather in Khwan Muang Park, in Yala Province to display their doves and compete for prizes.

April celebrates the Thai New year with the Pattaya Festival, followed by the Songkran Festival which also takes place nationwide but is particularly colorful in Khao San Road, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

May is a particularly celebratory month with the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok which celebrates the beginning of the rice planning season and the Visakha Bucha, a religious celebration of Buddha celebrated nationwide and the Yasothon Rocket Festival which awards the most explosive rockets. It's an eye and ear opening festival sure to please both young and old alike.

July brings about the well known Candle Festival in Tung Sri Muang, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Visitors will find tall, beautiful, candles displayed and presented to local temples.

August celebrates the nationwide Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

September is the world famous Phuket Vegetarian Festival (famous for the gory displays of people impaled by a variety of objects and not for the faint of heart) and the significantly less gory Phichit Boat Races along the Nan River.

October celebrates the Wax Castle Festival celebrated nationwide but is particularly spectacular in Sakon Nakhon, the Chon Buri Buffalo Races, and the Illuminated Boat Procession Festival along the Mekong River.

November begins the peak travel season by being another celebratory month with the Loy Krathong celebrated Nationwide, the Surin Elephant Roundup, the River Kwai bridge week in Kanchanaburi, and the Phimai Festival.

December ends the year with a nationwide celebration of the King's birthday and the Phuket King's Cup Regatta.

Festivals in Thailand are planned on the lunar calendar. Check for the exact dates of each festival before you make your hotel reservations and travel plans.

Budget Travel in Thailand: Thailand in style as in default and without travel

Thailand was my first tourist destination outside Europe and North America. Based on the sage advice of my Thailand-experienced friends, I was sure that this paradise vacation would be carried out on ridiculous costs. However, back home, I have found out too late, that during my little Thailand adventure I have spent almost the same amount of money as one of my regular surges to Europe. If only I knew that carefully planning your trip to Thailand can manifest itself in huge savings. The following list includes some solid advice that can help those novice Thailand visitors to save significant amounts of cash and still enjoy their vacation:

1. Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard - not luxury - accommodation). Similar to many other world locations that are based operate seasonally; there is a significant price fluctuation across seasons. Not less important is that fact that the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant even during the low season. The temperatures' difference between the "hot season" and the "peak season" is miniscule, and during the "wet season" one can experience only a mild occasional rain. Therefore, in Thailand one can lower accommodation costs by avoiding the peak season without paying the price of suffering from unbearable cold or coping with endless monsoon.

2. Transportation. Getting from Bangkok to your final destination in one of the Southern Islands by train or bus instead of by plane can save you up to 80$ each way. You can save a bundle if you arrive to Bangkok International Airport in the evening. In this case you save, besides the gap between relatively expensive airfare and train or bus ticket, the first night's accommodation cost as well (40$ - 100$ per bungalow per night in high standard - not luxury - accommodation).

3. Food. In Western style countries, the more you pay for your dinner the better it is, so everyone can make a personal decision about getting an appropriate cost - benefit balance. In Thailand, and especially in the Southern Islands it is much simpler: in most cases, the cheaper the better. Expensive restaurants in Thailand Islands usually specialize on Western food that is neither authentic nor of superior taste; a Standard Dinner costs $ 10 - $ 30 in a restaurant like this is a dinner alternative to a cheap restaurant with plastic chairs cost $ 3 - $ 8, and is usually so pleasant and genuine. My most disappointing Thai dinner was had in a posh restaurant in Bangkok and cost $ 120 for a pair, while my best dinner was served in a cheap family restaurant in Koh Phangan. The owner - a young mother named Mam - prepared the meal for us exactly as we wanted, it would have paid andus with measly 5-6$ per person.

4. Air Conditioning. The presence of air conditioning in your room can make a huge difference in accommodation rates. For example, the same room rates in the same resort can vary from 15$-30$ for a bungalow with a fan to 40$ - 100$ for an air-conditioned bungalow. Although choosing an air-conditioned room during the hot season (such as March - April) is crucial, if you visit Southern Thailand during the rainy season - a bungalow with a fan can both satisfy your needs and cut your expenses in more than a half.

5. Location choice. Similar to the principle held in most places in the world, the accommodation rates in Thailand Islands depend on your location choice. The bungalow in the central beach, close to the airport or seaport full of thriving nightlife will probably be twice as expensive as the same bungalow in a remote quiet beach. However, accessibility is an issue in the Thailand Islands, and the taxi fares and taxi boat fares operate under the same principal as the accommodation rates. So there is a rule you may adopt: if you are looking for social activities and busy nightlife- stay close to the airport or seaport; otherwise make a little effort and move after your arrival to a remote beach. You will save up to 60% on the accommodation rates this way.

6. Communication. It will probably not come as a complete shock, but the use of cellular phone from outside of Thailand could be extremely expensive. To save on communication costs you can either buy a local cellular phone with prepaid SIM card or use the Telephone & Internet centers services. Mind you that the cost of these services may vary. As usual, if you're calling overseas from your resort's office - it will be more expensive than using a call center in the town. The cheapest solution is probably giving your phone number to your friends or relatives overseas since every call center has a Phone numbers that can be used for a callback.

Seventh hearing of the award. In tourist resorts in Thailand is negotiating a necessity or a way of life. Similarly, in the less touristy islands and territories also accept price negotiation. Trial - in Thailand price negotiation is not considered an embarrassing behavior, so you have nothing to lose.

psychology 8. Even though Thailand is perceived in all cheaper than at homecountry, don't be fooled by the seemingly low prices and control your expenses. Buying an enormous amount of inexpensive things can really add up to a surprisingly large sum of money.

During my last visit to Thailand, I followed these guidelines with persistence and I was happy to disclose, that budget travel in Thailand can be more than just an economical issue, it can also be enjoyable. Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the less you spend - the closer you get to the local authentic experience.

Discover the Best Vacation Spots in Asia

Most tourists from around the world find Asia as their perfect haven and the best place to spend their long planned vacation. Aside from its rich cultural heritage and magnificent beaches, it is much cheaper to travel in Asian countries too. Here are top Asian destinations you would love.

Thailand

Even if Thailand is unstable politically right now but still it doesn't stop millions of tourists every year to come to Thailand and spend their vacation in one of their beautiful islands. Phuket and Bangkok is the most visited place in Thailand because of its magnificent beaches. Not only that, people who love to shop can shop their hearts out in Bangkok.

Visitors enjoy their vacation not just from the things they see and do but because of the food too. They just love Thai cuisine, it is delicious and cheap as they say. Anywhere you go in Thailand you will find a place to eat especially in Bangkok. The streets are full of different types of restaurants offering a variety of Thai dishes. You can also world-class restaurants, Thai cuisine and other international dishes. The food is definitely a big thing in Thailand.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of 17,508 islands. If you see nature at its best, then Indonesia is the best place to spend your holidays. There are several possibilities ofattractions to boast couple with the best modern amenities to make your holiday a comfortable one.

Indonesia is world renowned tourist destinations for their beaches, museums and temples and of course for its magnificent scenic beauty. Travelers, historians and other visitors never miss to stop by and take pictures in their famous towering temples and grand pagodas.

But of course one can't possibly miss their beautiful beaches most specially the spectacular white ones of Bali. Bali has become a world class tourist destination. Famous Hollywood movie stars often spend their vacation here. Perfect place too for newly weds who are spending their honeymoon in the island.

Philippines

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines is indeed boated of its glory by showing lots of tourist attractions in their 7,107 islands. The country is popular for its beautiful islands, white beaches, diving spots and a lot more. That is why millions of people from all over the world are definitely enticed by it beauty. Fortunately it's not only the places that attract tourists to visit the Philippines but also with their people. Filipinos are certainly compassionate and very hospitable that even strangers will feel at home with the place.

It is home to the world famous white beach of Boracay Island. Other famous beaches are found in Panglao Island, Bohol, and Palawan. Famous diving spots are found in Cebu as well as Bohol. Other tourist spots like Taal Volcano and Taal Lake in Tagaytay safe to breathe. Other places to see are Negros, Panay Island, Siquijor, and more. The list is endless, and it is likely to be discovered in his life for the beauty of the Philippines.

It 's probably the reason why most foreigners choose to move here in the Philippines, particularly those in their heyday. Choose to spend your days of retirement in this country.

A holiday with the kids - fun for the whole family

When you bring up the subject of vacation with your kids, there is usually one of two responses; either they want to go to Disneyland for the third time or they want to take an exotic trip that Indiana Jones would consider an adventure. You don't want to take that repeat vacation; you want something different but also a vacation that is not stressful. As parents you have the task of figuring out what is best for the family while at the same time satisfying everyone's dream vacation. Since children don't have the experience or insight that you have, many times they don't know what they will like. Trekking through the jungles of Thailand sounds fun and exciting to your child but you know that the first night of sleeping in a jungle will be the last.

Cartoons with cute, talking animals such as Lion King spark interest in your children for an African safari. Some parts of Africa should be avoided but many areas are family friendly and can provide an adventure without needing machetes or trekking through miles of dense jungle. You can even sleep comfortably under the stars if you are willing to spend more money for fully catered meals and tents that are far from basic.

Even though Africa is a big safari draw, you should also consider Central America for a nature adventure. Costa Rica and Belize provide an amazing array of flora and fauna and the airfare is significantly less than a trip to Africa. The added benefit of Costa Rica and Belize can be a rest from the jungle at the many pristine beaches.

Asia is becoming a top choice for families seeking a holiday that is both interesting and affordable. Beijing, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are not only interesting and family friendly cities but they are inexpensive compared to western cities. The Great Wall and the temples of Thailand are impressive and so much more interesting in person. Sites in these big cities allow your family to enjoy the culture but also retire to your comfortable hotel room so your exploration is not too stressful.

European cities offer the best combination of family-friendly and culture however there is a higher price tag. Museums and tourist attractions in Europe offer family discounts and sipping an espresso after climbing the Eiffel Tour has a big draw for parents while keeping the children amused.

Since international travel requires passports and generally long flights, you may want to consider destinations that are closer to home. Hawaii, for example, offers sun, beach and hiking so while you're sipping your Mai Tai the kids can swim at the pool. As an added attraction there is no language barrier and flight discounts are often available to make your vacation more affordable.

It's often a compromise to find the vacation that suits your entire family but a holiday with children doesn't have to be the tried-and-true theme park. With some research and planning, exotic destinations that cater to families can be found to delight both you and your children.

Classical Dance Form Of Thailand

Thai people are extremely graceful in their movements and as a result their dances display elegance and fine movements. Traditional classical dancing is mixed with western culture nowadays but the old traditional elegance is still evident in Thai dances.

Thai classical dancing was a symbol which linked earth and god. It is said that they first acquired a dancing group in 1431. Later this dance form underwent a sea of changes and eventually formed a different dance style emerged with typical costumes and masks.

There are folk dances as well as regional dances. The two well known Thai classical dance forms are khon and lakon nai. In the beginning, these forms of dances were enacted specially for entertainment of the court and not for the common people. Later on a dance theater, Likay, another form of dance for the common people was developed which became extremely popular.

Khon and lakon nai are very stylist and strictly in the classical form. Where as the Likay dance form is not as elegant but depends on the common taste of the people and it is performed to humor them in a crude way.

Khon is a masked performance depicting the Thai version of the tales of Indian Ramayana, and lakon nai narrates different legendary stories. Earlier, khon dance was only performed by men and lakon nai was performed by women because of the vital distinction between the two styles. One form needed strength and quick movement and the other form required grace and restricted movement. Though, this rule is not maintained strictly in modern times.

Living in Luxury Beachfront Hotel Phuket

A luxury beachfront hotel Phuket can make your holidays in the 'Pearl of the Andaman' memorable. These upscale hotels provide quality accommodation in the most exclusive and sought-after locales.

Thailand, particularly Phuket has earned a place for itself in the world tourist map with its numerous picturesque beaches, tropical climate, mouth-watering cuisine and unmatched Thai hospitality. Phuket entices tourists of diverse interests and needs, including the affluent ones to its sun-kissed beaches.

It is natural for wealthy tourists to seek hotel accommodation to suit their taste and convenience. To cater to this clientele, scores of luxury hotels have sprung up all over the beach town. While many of them are located in the more popular beaches like Patong, Kata and Karon, there are others tucked away in less-frequented beaches like Bang Tao, Surin beach, Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Ao Por.

Some of the luxury beachfront hotels are JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Adamas Resort & Spa, and Mom Tri's Villa Royale Phuket. Bang Tao beach is home to some of the best luxury beachfront hotels like Amora Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Resort, and Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort.

Luxury beachfront hotel Phuket is the epitome of comfort and luxury. These hotels are famous for their lavish rooms, state of the art facilities, extravagant interiors and royal hospitality. The luxury hotels of Phuket have multi-cuisine restaurants, spas, saunas, fitness centers and swimming pools. Most of these hotels offer currency exchange facility for the convenience of their overseas guests.

Luxury hotels of Phuket offer the ideal setting to relax, rejuvenate, re-energize and even reinvent. These 5-star and 4-star hotels afford the ultimate in luxury together with the heady combination of Thai culture and warmth.

For those seeking to unwind completely from their high-stress daily routine in a place far away from the thronging tourist crowd, a luxury beachfront hotel Phuket is no doubt the right choice.

Holidaying in Thailand

Thailand shares its borders with Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia. It presents ample opportunities to discover to the tourist. One can travel and explore the country by any means sea, air or road, whichever means suit the traveler's pocket. Thailand is divided into four key regions, namely North, Central Plain or the Chao Phraya River Basin, North East (Korat Plateau) and South or Southern Peninsula. Thailand holidays are synonymous with complete freedom to live, learn and enjoy. So in Thailand you actually enjoy like a free bird. When a person comes to this beautiful country for a vacation, he can expect to see plethora of breathtaking sights and spots to behold such as the country's beaches, culture, and heritage areas. Well-known for its out of this world natural beauty, stirring temples, and the finest beaches of the world, Thailand is one of the best, most economical places for a seaside vacation. Thailand's beaches and islands offer a mixture of thrill, unusual locales, recreation, entertainment and leisure that one longs for. From Stupa-studded Mountains of Mae Hong Son to the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, from dance clubs of Bangkok to the tranquil villages, Thailand has enough to offer to every type of traveler.

A bountiful land replete with green rice paddy field, heritage palaces and well known temples, modern Thailand may come as a nice surprise for the international traveler. Thailand presents traditional architecture with a picturesque backdrop of beaches and islands. It has shop-till-you-drop kind of extravagant and budget malls and shopping centers. It offers amazing variety of local foods and gourmet cuisine. Exotic hills, tribe villages, age old ruins for the touch with history, it has everything what a traveler can ask for.

Air travel to Thailand is the chosen mode for most travelers with majority opting to arrive through Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, connected by daily flights to almost all-major airlines. Trains links are also present between Singapore and Bangkok with intermediary stops at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and major southern Thai towns.

Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet are favorite stops in this rich and vibrant country. Accessible by boat, places such as Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai offer beautiful landscape for photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination. Pattaya and Bangkok are famous for local and international products like hand-embroidered/woven fabrics, decoration pieces, jewelry, house hold items, souvenirs, exotic foods etc.