Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
May
Leading up to the rainy season, festivals encourage plentiful rains and bountiful har-
vests. Prices are low and tourists are few but it is still incredibly hot.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
This royal ceremony employs astrology and ancient Brahman rituals to kick off the rice-
planting season. Sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and part the ground of Sanam
Luang in Bangkok.
Rocket Festival
In the northeast, where rain can be scarce, villagers craft bamboo rockets
(bâng fai)
that are
fired into the sky to encourage precipitation. This festival is celebrated in Yasothon, Ubon
Ratchathani and Nong Khai.
Visakha Bucha
The holy day of Visakha Bucha
(wí·săh·kà boo·chah)
falls on the 15th day of the waxing
moon in the sixth lunar month and commemorates the date of the Buddha's birth, enlight-
enment and
parinibbana
(passing away).
