Think of Thailand and you probably think of beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery.
Or maybe you think of backpackers, busy Bangkok streets and the legendary Full Moon Parties on the island of Koh Phangan.
But if you take a different path in this incredible country you’ll discover a whole world away from the regular tourist trails. From immersing yourself in the history of this proud and independent nation to experiencing life with the locals, their traditions and their world renowned hospitality there’s something for everyone who wants to go a little deeper on their holiday.
Whether travelling alone, with your other half or with children, you’ll create memories you’ll treasure forever ensuring you’ll want to return again and again.
Get to know… the culture
Thailand has a whole calendar of festivals big and small and as well as food and music events, there are some truly spectacular cultural and annual festivals worth planning your trip to Thailand around.
Here are three of our favourites.
Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival
Thailand’s new year celebration (13th – 15th April) is a brilliant sight to behold. If you enjoy getting wet that is.
It’s essentially a huge water fight which takes place in towns, cities and villages right across the country with revellers using water pistols, water bombs and buckets to give each other a good drenching (all in good fun of course).
New year is seen as a time for cleansing and renewal and this rather literal interpretation is as exhilarating as it gets. Plus, there are processions, floats, parties and colourful decorations to entertain when the water fight is over. Just don’t arrive empty handed…
Chiang May Flower Festival
Perhaps one of the most famous Thai festivals is the Chiang May Flower Festival. Taking place over the first weekend in February, it’s a riot of unbelievable colour thanks to the incredibly intricate floral displays and floats which take part in the legendary procession.
There are street markets, concerts, food stalls, vintage cars, marching bands and those taking part wear beautiful costumes in a rainbow of colours.
You can also witness the crowning of the Flower festival Queen as you mingle with thousands of locals and tourists alike.
Don’t forget your camera because you will definitely want to capture every fabulous detail.
Loi Krathong
If you’re in Thailand in November then taking part in the Loi Krathong festival will be a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
The exact dates vary as it’s based on the lunar calendar, so be sure to double check before you book as you really won’t want to miss it. And while it’s celebrated in many places around Thailand, seeing it in Sukhothai, where it was said to originate is a must.
There’s a lot of romance and meaning in this 700 year old tradition where worries, wishes and prayers are placed into a basket and floated away on the river. Incense sticks and candles are also placed alongside before you watch it drift off into the night. And it all takes place against a backdrop of a full moon and fireworks, so you can see why Loy Krathong is often referred to as Thailand’s most beautiful festival.
Get to know…. the people
Thai hospitality and service is legendary, but you don’t need to stay in 5 star luxury to experience it.
The Thai people are renowned for their generosity, their kindness, their openness and their non-judgmental approach to life, all qualities you’ll encounter in spades from spending even a short amount of time with the locals.
But there are plenty of opportunities during a holiday in ‘the friendliest nation on earth’ to really experience the traditional way of life still lived by many people and to be fully immersed in the culture. Here are just two places you’ll enjoy a very warm welcome.
Ban Nam Chiao
If you want to experience many sides of life in a small Thai village, then make your way to Ban Nam Chiao, a humble fishing village in Trat, on the eastern side of the country.
Here you can not just observe the locals going about their daily business, you can actually get involved in some very hands on ways too. One of the things you’ll notice first is that while the villagers are all proudly Thai, this place is home to a culturally diverse population who all live and work alongside each other in peace and with respect for the differing religions.
Your first stop should be to take part in a class learning how to weave the distinctive palm leaf hats (called ‘ngop nam chiao’) from the senior women in the community, using a technique passed down through the generations.
Then why not head out on a longtail boat with the village’s fishermen to see if you can help bring in the catch of the day or watch them at work on a walk along the waterways, getting a great view of the area from Birdwatcher Tower.
And there are local specialities to try too once you’re back in the heart of the village. The rice cracker in Ban Nam Chiao has been adapted using coconut and shrimp and for those with a sweet tooth the caramel treat called ‘tang may’ is not to be missed.
But for the ultimate induction into this Thai community, take part in a homestay. This brilliant scheme allows visitors to spend the night in the home of a local family. What better way to really feel at home?
Ban Na Ton Chan
If you’re already planning a trip to Si Satchanalai and its wonderful historic park, then up the level of interaction you have with the residents of the area with a homestay in the village of Ban Na Ton Chan.
Here, you’ll see Community Based Tourism working at its absolute best. These initiatives ensure visitors experience the unfiltered culture first hand while encouraging the Thai people to preserve their traditions.
With a homestay in Ban Na Ton Chan you’ll receive an evening meal and breakfast as well as a bed for the night.
And there are plenty of memorable experiences to have during the waking hours. Climb up to the viewpoint where you can gaze across at some of the most breath taking scenery in Thailand, before exploring the village itself and stepping out onto the rice fields on a bamboo walkway.
There are also community workshops where you can learn skills like Thai massage and a specialist form of weaving where textiles are soaked in mud to increase their softness.
There’s no doubt about it, there’s no better way to be fully immersed in the culture of a country than staying right at the centre of a small community away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities and the majority of other tourists.
So why not give it go?
Get to know… the history
When it comes to the history of Thailand, what sets it apart from its neighbouring countries is the independence from outside rule it has managed to retain. The fact it has never been colonised by the British or French means the country’s heritage, customs, culture and folklore are all its own, free from any external influence.
And with historical monuments dating back thousands of years, it’s no wonder many have been named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are just a few of the must-see spots that’ll take you on a journey back in time.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was a flourishing city filled with palaces and temples and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was a major centre of global diplomacy and commerce, attracting traders and merchants from around the world, some even calling it the ‘Venice of the East’. The city fell in the 18th century when the Burmese invaded, but despite their attempts to completely destroy it, there are still many truly astounding remains still standing.
A day spent among the haunting ruins will give you an idea of the size and previous splendour of this ancient city and you’ll develop a greater understanding of Thailand’s historical and cultural background. Only 50 miles from Bangkok, you can cycle or walk around Ayutthaya, taking in the iconic remains of the tall conical ‘prang’ towers and the awe-inspiring (and enormous) Buddhist monasteries.
In the Ayutthaya Historical Park, make sure you stop by the Wat Phra Si San Phet temple, before seeing one of the most intriguing sights in the city; the famous Buddha head in tree roots. Located near the Wat Mahathat temple you’ll enjoy imagining how it found its way there…
And there are dozens of stone Buddhas to take in at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, while the huge reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutha will leave you open mouthed in wonder.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
For fascinating ruins set amongst the beautiful countryside of Northern Thailand, you can’t beat Si Satchanalai Historical Park. It’s an absolute must for lovers of both nature and history.
And one of the best things about this stunning destination is it has somehow avoided becoming a major stop for tourists so your visit won’t be hindered by crowds and you may even find that at some points it’s almost as if you have the whole place to yourself.
So a day of exploring here is also relaxing and you’ll be able to view the ancient monuments and temples at your own pace.
Founded in 1250, Si Satchanalai, like Ayutthaya, has gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its importance as part of the original Thai kingdom and its many examples of well preserved Thai architecture.
For more inspiration for your Thai adventure go to www.fanclubthailand.co.uk.
Win a dream holiday to Thailand
Enter your photo online into one, two, or all three of the categories (Beach, Culture, Food) by 13:00 on 18 February 2020. A winner in each category will be picked by a panel of Metro’s picture experts, and these three winners will be invited to a lunch in London on 24 February 2020, where the ultimate winner of the trip will be announced.
The prize includes return flights and five nights for two adults sharing one room at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, to be booked and completed by 31 October 2020.
Full Ts & Cs apply, see metro.co.uk/picturedesk
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/17/festivals-food-and-the-friendliest-nation-on-earth-put-this-destination-at-the-top-of-your-travel-wish-list-12148091/
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