What It's Like To Be In Thailand During Holidays
The holidays are almost here! We are entering the last part of the year and you know what that means?
Holiday vacation!
But have you ever considered going on a holiday vacation in Thailand? Being in Thailand during holidays isn't the same as everywhere else. The majority of the population are all Buddhists, and with a less than 5% Christian population, Christmas isn't an official holiday there.
In Thailand, there are about 90% Buddhists. But with Buddhism being very accepting, they still allow and enjoy Christmas, as well as celebrate other Christian festivals during the holiday season.
So if you're going to go to Thailand for the holidays, don't expect a typical Christmas vacation. They have their own holidays, which are more important to them than Christmas, but that doesn't mean you get to enjoy Christmas any less.
What happens in Thailand during the holidays?
How do Thai people celebrate holidays? Well first of all, they do have a very special holiday in December, and that's the late King Bhumibol's Birthday – Father's Day.
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The Late King Bhumibol's Birthday – Father's Day
King Bhumibol was Thailand's ninth monarch Rama IX for about 70 years, making him the country's longest-reigning monarch. Despite that fact that the late King's official birthday is now celebrated on July 28 (following his death in 2017), December 5th is still recognized as a national holiday dedicated to him.
It's also Father's Day for them as well, as a day to honor him.
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Western New Year Holiday
Thailand is notable for having three New Year's celebrations. On January 1st, they greet the Western New Year, then there is the Chinese New Year, and lastly the traditional Thai New Year. Many of the traditional elements of the Western New Year are present in their celebrations.
Countdowns will be held across the country on the night of December 31st. Traditional Thai dance performances, current pop concerts, and the New Year's classic, fireworks, are all part of the festivities. “Sky lanterns,” which are paper lanterns that soar with candles, are also released around the festival.
Other than these Thailand key dates, the rest of the month is celebrated in nearly the same way as other Asian countries. This means that they have Christmas shopping, bar crawling, festivals, and prices skyrocketing high to match the season.
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Christmas Shopping
Buying presents during this time of the year is just as busy in Thailand as it is in America. Thailand may be a shopper's paradise but it's still a struggle with people trying to shop for their loved ones. Phuket is every shopper's dream and for those who love to go shopping, this is the place to be, especially during the holidays.
The famous markets are Pratunam Market and Chatuchak Market.
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The Beaches
Unlike in the West, it's warm and nice in the East whenever the winter season approaches. Instead of shivering in the cold and enjoying snow, you get to enjoy sand and getting a tan while soaking up at the beach.
A holiday vacation in Thailand means sun and tan lines instead of fur jackets and scarves.Spend your Christmas strolling around the nicest beaches in Karbi, home to some of the world's top beaches. Amidst the ocean waves and palm palms, the salty air and refreshing breeze, Christmas has never been so different.
The nicest beaches are Sunset Beach, White Sand Beach, Chaweng Beach and Bottle Beach.
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Bar Crawling
In Thailand, the nightlife is what really lures the tourists in. Start your Christmas holiday in Bangkok!
Khaosan Road is regarded as a backpacker strip, where the majority of partygoers gather to join the bar crawl and party like there's no tomorrow. Free shots, free beer, and plenty of drinking games are on the menu to keep the party going till Christmas Eve!
The famous pubs in Thailand are Khaosan Pub Crawl and Bangkok Pub Crawl.
Thailand and it's holidays
Thailand, like many other countries, has a number of national holidays throughout the year. Men and women from Thailand celebrate several important Buddhist events, especially as a nation deeply founded in Buddhism, which influences not only their beliefs but also their culture and way of life.
Additionally, as one of the few countries left with a monarchy, several of these holidays are associated with historic events involving the royal family.
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Makha Bucha Day
The phrase “Makha Bucha” comes from Pali, an Indian subcontinental language. The first word means the third Lunar month and the second refers to honor or respect.
Makha Bucha is one of Buddhism's most important festivals, taking place on the full moon of the third lunar month. This is the day when Buddha gave his pupils his main teachings, and the account describes four significant events that occurred on that day.
1,250 disciples came to see Buddha at Weluwan Wannaram without being summoned.
All of them were “Arahants” which means enlightened disciples.
All were ordained by the Buddha himself.
It was the day of the full moon.
This holiday is celebrated on February 8th.
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Asalha Bucha Day
On the day of the full moon in the eighth lunar month, Asalha Bucha Day is celebrated. It is the anniversary of Buddha's first sermon, the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,” which he gave to five ascetics. As a result, they all attained enlightenment, and Buddha designated them as the first Buddhist monks.
One of the reasons this day is so significant is that the sermon he preached at the time reflects the heart of his teachings, which are still taught around the world today.
This day is celebrated on July 4th.
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Songkran Day
The word “Songkran” is a Sanskrit word and it means change or transformation.
The Sanskrit term “Songkran” means “transformation” or “change.” Until 1888, this day was the official Thai New Year and was then moved to January 1st in 1940. People would often return to their hometowns on Songkran to see their families and engage in traditional events such as visiting temples and Rot Nam Dam Hua, a traditional elders' celebration.
All of these ceremonies, they believe, will bring them good fortune. If you happen to be in Bangkok at this time, you'll be witness to seeing the roads packed and impossible to get through.
Songkran is on April 13th – 15th.
Experience Thailand's holidays yourself!
Holidays in Thailand are, as stated above, connected to their culture and are celebrated due to tradition and religion. If you want to experience it yourself while having the chance to meet and date women from Thailand, check out our singles tours to Thailand. That's a Christmas holiday you will never forget!
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