Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ork Phansaa
The end of the Buddhist lent (three lunar months after Khao Phansaa) is marked by
the
gà·tĭn
ceremony, in which new robes are given to the monks by merit-makers. In
Mae Hong Son, the end of Buddhist Lent is marked by the Shan-style Jong Para
festival, in which miniature castles are paraded on poles to the temples. Localities
near rivers and the ocean celebrate with traditional long-tail boat races. Nakhon
Phanom's Illuminated Boat Festival electrifies an old-fashioned tradition.
King Chulalongkorn Day
Rama V is honoured on the anniversary of his death at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Crowds of devotees come to make merit with incense and flower garlands. It's held
on 23 October.
November
The cool, dry season has arrived, and if you get here early enough, you'll beat the
tourist crowds.
Surin Elephant Round-Up
Held on the third weekend of November, Thailand's biggest elephant show celeb-
rates this northeastern province's most famous residents. The event in Surin begins
with a colourful elephant parade culminating in a fruit buffet for the pachyderms.
Loi Krathong
Loi Krathong is celebrated on the first full moon of the 12th lunar month. The festiv-
al thanks the river goddess for providing life to the fields and forests and asks for
forgiveness for the polluting ways of humans. Small handmade boats (called
kràthong
or
grà·tong
) are sent adrift in the country's waterways. The
grà·tong
are
origami-like vessels made from banana leaves. They're decorated with flowers, and
incense, candles and coins are placed in them. Loi Krathong is believed to have ori-
ginated in Sukhothai, where it is celebrated today with much pomp. In Chiang Mai
the festival is also called Yi Peng.
