Thailand Festivals In December 2016

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

Author :Josh@Asia Back packers

Discover Thailand with Thailand Discovery

Post revised Oct 2016:

Thailand Festivals In December 2016. There are always a multitude of Festivals running at any one time across Thailand, the majority of which encapsulate the true essence of this truly remarkable country, it can be felt in the warmth of the welcome, you can expect from its people, in the reverence the Thai’s have for their religion and their monarchy, and without doubt the fun the people find, in the most simple of things.

Thainess is also about tantalizing all of your senses, in the noise and vibrancy of the music and dance, the amazing colours that are every-where and of course the aroma and textures of the Thai food, it is this combination that you will find in the many festivals that take part every month in Thailand. Listed here are the biggest and best events you can find in Thailand in December.

 

For more on what’s happening each month click on any of the following

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

December Festivals in Thailand

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

It is worth noting, that many of the festivals and fairs held across the Kingdom, were originally organized by the local temples who were and are still the centre of the village communities. The events were organised, to give both a welcome rest bite to the hard working farmers at the end of the harvest periods and at the same time, giving them the chance to show and sell their locally produced products, many of today’s local events follow this same practices, but are now normally organised by the local authorities or the Red Cross of Thailand and are far bigger.

 

Phangan Colour Moon Festival

December Festivals in Thailand - Phangan Colour Moon Festival 2015

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When:  December dates TBC

Where: Phangan Royal Ship Memorial Museum, Thong Sala Pier, Ko Phangan, Surat Thani. Southern Thailand

This festival is all about featuring whats new on the island as well as looking to its quieter past, through numerous events including a photo exhibition and competition, along with a painting exhibition illuminating the remarkable charm of Ko Phangan. There is also a beach party fashion show, body painting competition, and bartender competition.

Through-out the five days, there will be a mass of exhibitions and demonstrations of Ko Phangan’s cultural past, including; a seafood floating market, a live music concert, and host of sporting activities. The event also incorporates a travel trade fair and of course the sale of local handy crafts and delicious food

The event is aimed at giving those that join the festivities, an insight into the culture, historical significance and the beauty of the islands natural attractions.

Contact Information Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48 Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419 E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th

 

legendary land of Suvarnabhumi

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 legendary land of Suvarnabhumi

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

An annual event which brings visitors, local ethnic groups and the past, together in a rich tapestry of history, mystery and glory, in the legendary land of Suvarnabhumi

 

When:  December 2016 (TBC) Normally 2nd weekend in Dec

Where: U-Thong District, Suphan Buri (Thai: สุพรรณบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand

Now in its 7th Year this event is to shed light on the mystical land of Suvarnabhumi. The event also showcases the local history and includes a number of performances, featuring the art and culture of the Lao Song ethnic people, plus a number of other cultural demonstrations.

Each year there is also a Photo contest, a fashion show, a travel expo featuring the ‘5 mountains’ and the local “Chaopho Phraya Chak Shrine”, along with a light and sound show depicting “U-Thong, as the Source of the Suvarnabhumi Civilization”. Most evening there will also be a line up of well know Thai bands playing an assortment of live music.

This of course would not be Thailand if there were not a host of stalls and street vendors selling a vast range of delicious and succulent food and drinks, alongside an equally vast array of stalls selling local handicrafts.

 

For more on this event and what else to see locally including one of Thailand’s biggest Hell Parks click here

 

Thailand Happiness Street Festival

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 Happiness Street Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 1 – 31st December 2016

Where: Bangkok (possibly Ratchaprasong area: Ratchadamri Road linked with Rama I Road)

This year’s event is based on the winning formula of the previous 2 years, with a mixture of:

Street Markets: Along with traditional Thai food sellers, there will also be Antiques, jewelry and a host of other stalls selling a huge range of handicrafts, intermingled with the crowds will be a number of Thai, TV celebrities.

Fun Activities: Special Surprises from; from two giant gift boxes, which can only be opened by smiling participants, plus other daily unique prizes for those that attend

Happiness Show Off (Thailand Happiness Parades): That includes Thai Fashion Show, Thai Fashion Show, Colourful Thailand, Extravaganza of Thai Folk Songs, Thailand Happiness Caravan and more….

Shows and concerts: Including traditional music from around the provinces and ethnic minorities, performances from TV stars and a host of live bands playing a selection of different styles of music.

Organized by: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for more info call TAT call centre on 1672

 

River Kwai Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 the-river-kwai-festival 2015

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 25th November – 5th December 2016

Where: Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province Northwest Thailand

Each year the world famous River Kwae Bridge, becomes the focal point of these celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy. See more River Kwai Bridge Festival and The Sights and Sounds of Kanchanaburi

 

 Silk and Phuk Seow Festival 2016

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 Thailand Silk and Phuk Seow Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 29 November – 10 December 2016

Where: City Hall on Thanon Na Soon Rachakarn. Khon Kaen Northeast Thailand

Thailand has for centuries been famous for its production of silk and the making of silk garments and no more so than the Northeastern city of  Khon Kaen, which again plays host to this annual November Festivals across Thailand silk-phuk-siew-festivalevent. The festival aims to promote the art of both silk weaving and the rearing of silk worms and is held in tandem with the moving phuk seow/siao ceremony, a traditional friendship-deepening ritual of the Northeast which involves the exchange of symbolic wrist strings. (Also known as the su Khwan ritual)

“Seow” (a word for “friend” in Northeast dialect) refers to two people who are full of great loyalty, sincerity and share a close relationship with each other. Nothing, even death, will put them apart. This relationship is not only supposed to happen among the two “friends”, but also be felt and shared with others in their families.

 November Festivals across Thailand Silk and Phuk Seow Festival 2016

The Festival also includes a number of colourful street processions, featuring local people in traditional clothes, a beauty pageant, traditional Isan cultural shows as well as exhibits on the silk industry all of which add to the fun of this glorious festival.

For more on the festival and the ancient ritual click here

 

 

 

International Swan Boat Races Bangkok

 

Festivals in December in Thailand Swan Boat Racing Bangkok

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: Normally 2nd or 3rd Weekend in December (TBC)

Where: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok. Thailand

The 2016 event is once more organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with the Bangkok Metropolitan City, and the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand and includes International Swan Boat Races Bangkok 2016the 11th National Competition of Traditional Long Boats.

The fast and furious races cover three classes, carrying total prize money of over two million baht: The largest long boats have 55 oarsmen and will be challenging for the King’s Cup Royal Award; with smaller 30 oarsmen craft dueling for the Queen’s Cup Royal Award.

Finally there are the international races, with 16 teams from 10 countries contesting the Prime Minister’s Award. All the races will be fought on the Chao Phraya River facing Suan Luang Rama VIII Park, over a 500 meter long course. The best place to catch all the action is Rama VIII Park under the Rama VIII Bridge. The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The final races will be broadcast live on Thairath TV on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm.

For more on the event, the history of Long boat racing and the mystical swan in Thailand plus more click here

 

Thung Si Muang Festival 

 

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 Thung Si Muang Festival Udon Thani

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: On 1st December each year. Continues for 15 days

Where:  Udon Thani City North East Thailand

On 1st December each year the city of Udon Thani hosts the Thung Si Muang Festival, the festival is the biggest of the year and was traditionally, an early celebration of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthday. The parade is awash with people wearing and dancing in traditional Isaan clothing, marching bands, floats, flag bearers and local people dressed in traditional costume.

The parade in parts takes on an almost oriental feel with the introduction of  Chinese Dragons, the dance is performed by a team of a dozen or more dancers (per dragon) who’s job is to manipulate a long flexible figure of a dragon. The dancers mimic the supposed movements of this river spirit in a sinuous, undulating manner, accompanied with the thunderous sounds of drums and crashing of symbols, add to this the almost deafening sounds of large fire crackers and one thing is for sure you will hear the parade long before you see it. For full details click here

 

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthday and Thailand’s ‘Father’s Day’

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 the-king-of thailand

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 5th December each year

Where: Across the Kingdom

With a history going back more than seven hundred years, the love and reverence the Thai people have for their King and the monarchy in Thailand is often difficult for outsiders to fully comprehend. The present King His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Also known as Rama IX) began his reigned on the 9 June 1946 and is the world’s longest serving head of state. The day is also Thailand’s Father’s Day. For more information click here

 

Rafting in Pai River

November Festivals in Thailand Rafting in Pai River

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 1 July – 31 December 2016

Where: Mae Hong Son Northwest Thailand

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas runs the Pai River and thanks to the abundance of water at this time of the year it offers one of the best white water rafting experiences in the world. The middle section of the Pai River stretches over 60 kilometres of rocky landscape and non-accessible jungle forest; it offers fun by way of as many as 60 rapids, stretching up to class 4.

The course provides an excellent back drop between the wilderness and the challenge of the rapids for both the novice and experienced white water enthusiasts.

 

Flora Park Mist Festival

November Festivals in Thailand flora-park

When: 1 November 2015 – 31 March 2016

Where: Wang Nam Khiawo District, Nakhon RatchasimaNortheast Thailandsan, together with its widely known motto “Cool-climate town, abound with mountain ranges, plenty waterfalls, several fruit orchards, vast paradise of fog”

Known as the Switzerland of Isaan the districts motto is ‘Cool climate town.’ At this time of year it is a mass of colour and in the early morning a sea of fog. The festival is held on an area of over 50 rai at Khao Phaeng Ma and you can expect to witness a carpet of blooms from more than 100,000 flowers of over 20 different species, along with the spectacular vertical garden. There will also be over 5,000 English roses of 400 species arranged beautifully across the landscape.

Throughout three months, the park will feature botanical art exhibitions, spreading over its sheer size of 70 rai (27.67 acres). Highlights include rose garden which has many different rose varieties approximately 2,000 roses, a farmer’s market, “Faprathan Farm” Learning center for sustainable agricultural development – organic vegetable farming and coffee plantation, vertical garden, and a labyrinth of more than 200,000 potted flowers and plants, and many more.

For more information, contact:
Flora Park Wangnamkeaw
Tel: +66 (0) 89 812 8851, +66 (0) 81 372 8851
Website: www.faprathanfarm.com/en/florapark

 

Thailand’s Constitution Day and a public holiday

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 thailand_democracy_monument

 Thailand Festivals In December 2016
When: Held annually on 10 December. If 10 December falls on a weekend, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
Where: Across the Kingdom
This holiday commemorates Thailand’s adoption of a constitutional monarchy in 1932. This pride in the monarchy is a key element of the festivities of Constitution Day. Parades and fireworks are common festivities on this day and images of the Thai kings are displayed across the country. It is a day when the people of Thailand will thank the monarchy for granting them the right to run their country. The Picture features Thailand’s Democracy Monument in Bangkok

Ang Thong Fair

 

Ang Thong Fair2015

When: It is held after the harvesting period in late December and the beginning of January every year,

Where: In front of Ang Thong City Hall. Ang Thong ProvinceCentral Thailand

The Ang Thong Fair (also known as the Ngan Mueang U – Khao, U- Nam (City of Rice and Water Bowl Fair) and Annual Red Cross Fair) encompasses many varied activities during the annual celebrations and is one of the largest single events in the province. In addition to the traditional Thai merit-making and charitable activities in temples, there will be a vast variety of stalls selling local cuisine and handicrafts including those described below. The event also hosts a number of shows and exhibitions featuring the ethnic culture of the region. As with most agricultural events in Thailand the fair will also have its own beauty contest (Mueang U-Khao U-Nam), agricultural product contest, and farmers’ sports competitions. A real must see if you want to share with real Thai people what really makes this country tick especially if you combine it with visiting a few of the cottage industries that seem to be everywhere in the province. For more details on the festival and local produce from the region click here

 

Lop Buri Sunflower Blooming Festival

Lop Buri Sunflower Blooming Festival 2015When: 1 November 2015 – 31 January 2016

Where: Lopburi North Central Thailand

This annual festival kicks off early November until late January every year as this is when the sunflowers are in full bloom. The festival highlights include photography, scenic, train, bicycle, tractor and elephant tours around the ocean of sunflowers.

 

 

Hill Tribe Culture & Sunflower Festival – Doi Hua Mae Kham

 

Hill Tribe Culture & Sunflower Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 1 November – 10 December 2016

Where: Mae Fah Luang District, Mae Hong Son Northwest Thailand

Doi Hua Mae Kham is one of the largest mixed hill-tribe villages in Thailand. Here you will find the ancient Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Yao people, along with Hmong and Tai Yai. Located in the north-western extremity of Chiang Rai province on the border with Myanmar, it is about as remote a place as one can still find in the Kingdom.

The spectacle of this annual tribal event, coincides with the blooming of the Giant Mexican Sunflowers that cover the surrounding hills and valley, which makes for a natural amphitheatre into which is poured the diversity of cultures and history of the many hills tribes that still live here.

 

Mackerel and Mae Klong Famous Products Festival

 

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 Mae Klong Famous Products Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

Where: Held in front of City Hall Samut Songkhram & and Muang Samut Songkhram Municipality’s health garden

When: Leading up to Christmas each year

The ‘Mae Klong Famous Products Festival’ or to give it its full (if somewhat dull) title ‘Mackerel Eating and Mae Klong Famous Products Festival’ or ‘Mackerel and Mae Klong Famous Products Festival’, does not sound the most exciting of events but this is a fabulous festival in its own right and in part pays homage to the ever so popular if miniature in statute Pla thu and is the perfect event for food lovers. Click here For more information on the festival

 

 Beer Garden Festival

beer gardens festival in Thailand 2015 -2016When: November – mid January each year

Where: Across Thailand

November is traditionally the start of Thailand’s annual beer garden season. All across the country tables and chairs are brought out onto the street and the Kingdom’s main brewers along with a number of international names sell their amber nectar in draft and via large jugs. While not on par with northern Europe’s beer festivals, the atmosphere is close enough and the beer is free flowing.

Although a nationwide affair, beer gardens are more prevalent in Bangkok, where they can be found virtually everywhere. A good number of venues really push the boat out to make this time of year a great experience, offering live music (including pop and jazz) and spectacular sound and light shows along with all manner of Thai food.

Key venues are the larger shopping malls such as Central World Plaza on Ratchaprasong Junction Central World Plaza, Central City Bangna, Central Rama 3, The Mall Bangkapi, Tesco Lotus Bangna and Tesco Lotus Rama 4. If you are in the city during the festival you will never be far from a cool pitcher of beer.

 

Phu Ruea Flower Festival

Phu Rua Winter flower fair 2015When: 1 December 2016 – 31 January 2017

Where: Phu Ruea District, Loei Northern Thailand

The Sea of Fog and Beautiful Flower Blossom on Phu Ruea is held on the grounds in front of Phu Ruea District Office during the New Year Festival, around December – January every year. Activities in the festival comprise of a temperate plant fair, floral float parade, decorative plants contests, traditional dancers and agricultural produce for sale.

For more information, contact:
TAT Loei Office
Tel. +66 (0) 4281 2812; +66 (0) 4281 1405
E-mail:tatloei@tat.or.th

 

Huai Kha Khaeng Heritage Day

 

Huai Kha Khaeng Heritage Day

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: Normally 1st week of December 6-9 December 2016

Where: Banrai District, Uthai Thani North West Thailand

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1991 and stretches over an area of 257,464 ha. The event includes camping, forest management activities and special events to both honour His Majesty the King and to shine light on the Kingdoms endangered animals, insects and flora & fauna.

 

Thai Royal Guards Parade

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 Thai Royal Guards Parade 2015

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 5th December 2016

Where: Royal Plaza in Bangkok

All three branches of the armed forces take part in the ceremonial parade that was once the ‘Thai Royal Guards Parade’, also known as ‘Trooping the Colour’ in honour of the King. The parade is awash with the uniforms of the Bugle Squads and the Colour Parties of the 13 military units participating in the massed military band. Here you can also get to see both the Thai pith helmets with heavy plumes resembling bearskins and the cavalry unit with their British-style cavalry helmets and Thai lances on horseback. The parade is the opportunity for the service men to renew their oath to the monarch and finishes with a 21 gun salute.

The venue is the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, in front of the Dusit Palace and its Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. If you like your pomp and ceremony you are in for a real treat, but do be aware the parade is well attended and you may find it difficult to get a good view point.

 

Jet Ski King’s Cup World Cup Championship

Chon buri Jet-Ski-2015

 

When: Normally the first weekend in December 2016 (TBC)

Where: Chonburi Central Thailand

The annual Jet Ski King’s Cup is considered one of the most important competitions on the professional jet-ski calendar. It is an International tournament, classified as a World Cup Grand Prix event that is guaranteed to provide spectacular and thrilling races over the 3 days.

 

 

Rak Ao Luk Cultural Festival

December festival in Thailand 2015When: 3 – 5 December 2016 (TBC)

Where: Ao Luk District, Krabi Southern Thailand

This annual festival features exhibitions and numerous cultural performances, to celebrate the King’s Birthday and Father’s Day. Picture from http://en.wearekrabi.com/

 

 

 

Winter and Red Cross Fair (Phayao)

rsz_qWhen: Held at the end of December until the beginning of January every year

Where: At the grounds near the Phayao Bus Terminal. Phayao Province Northern Thailand

There are a number of these end of year celebrations across the Kingdom, this event is to celebrate the end of the harvest and includes a traditional Thai fair ground with various rides and games, plus there will be a myriad of booths from government authorities telling the story of the province, from its beginnings as a small city-state Kingdom, to its time as part of the Kingdom of Lanna to its present position in the Kingdom of Thailand, along with local cultural performances, and various competitions.

 

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

December Festivals in Thailand 2016When: 3 – 10th December 2016

Where: Kata Beach Phuket Southern Thailand

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is the largest regatta in Asia, now in its 18th year it will again host international racing classes with 150 boats and 1500 sailors competing for one of sailing’s most prestigious trophies. If you stay around for another week or so you can also witness the annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous. From: 16 – 18 December 2016, boasting the largest gathering of sail and power super yachts in the region. This exclusive invite only event welcomes sail and power superyacht from all over the world, and all are sure to thoroughly enjoy these three full days of excitement.

 

 

Banpae Beach and Koh Samet Festival

koh-samet-islandWhen: 6 – 10 December 2016

Where: Koh Samet, Rayong Central Thailand

This fun filled 6 day festival features a variety of competitions and performances including sailing competitions around Koh Samet, plus a seafood festival and a mass of live entertainment from Thai celebrities.

 

 

 

Thai Silk Festival

Thai silk Festival 2015When: 9 – 15 December 2016

Where: Pak Thong Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima

The festival is located at Chalerm Phrakiat Park in Pak Thong Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, the local area is almost entirely dedicated to the production of fine silks and silk products. Daily highlights include Thai silk fashion shows, a contest to find the best of the nine kinds of silk, a silk beauty queen pageant and of course a huge selection of local food and silk products to savour.

 

Back to the ancient Sri Satchanalai

Back to the ancient Sri Satchanalai 2015When: 6 – 10 December 2016

Where: Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai

Join in and be part of Sri Satchanalai ancient past, engross yourself in what life was once like in this historical park, watch local performance and plays. Enjoy the taste local food and a Khan Tok dinner and shop for renowned Sri Satchanalai products.

 

 

Colours of Doi Tung Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 December Festivals in Thailand 2016

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 26th November – 31st January 2017

Where: Doi Tung, Chiang Rai Province  Northern Thailand

The Colors of Doi Tung Festival is returning to transform the mountains of Doi Tung into the highest elevated walking street in Thailand at 1,000 metres above sea level, filled with shops, food, arts and entertainments every weekend from 26th November 2016 to 31 January 2017

Another highlight is the Hill Tribe Walking Bazaar, showcasing over 50 stalls of traditional food, drinks, and handicrafts of the ethnic minorities who live at Doi Tung. While satisfying the urge to shop, visitors can also foster the entrepreneurial skills of the local residents, following the Princess Mother’s vision to “help them to help themselves” as the ultimate goal of sustainable development.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful performances by the six ethnic minorities in Doi Tung: Akha, Lahu, Shan, Thai Lue, Lawa, and Chinese. Those who want to try out their creativity can join a number of DIY workshops, including ceramic making and painting, painting fabric bags, stitching notebooks, and making traditional Lanna flag or Tung, to be taken home as souvenirs of this memorable trip.

Information and picture from TAT

Bangkok Street Show

qWhen: 10-12 December 2016

Where: Lumpini Park, Bangkok

This is undoubtedly the most successful annual street festival in the capital. The event spans the whole weekend and has over 30 performers from around the world such as, mime, clowning, juggling, acrobatics, balloon modelling, contortions and escapology, fire eating, sword swallowing and much, much more. For more info click here

 

 

 

 

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair

 

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair 2015

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 11 – 22 December 201^ (TBC)

Where: Phra Nakho Historical Park, Ayutthaya Central Thailand

This annual event aims to celebrate the historical significance of this former and ancient Thai capital. The fair will feature numerous cultural performances and shows featuring; Thai cock-fighting, traditional country singing and an exhibition of Ayutthaya’s cultural and historical significances. Plus a mass of booths and activities providing a melting pot of colour and smells.

 

Isaan Kite Festival

Isaan Kite Festival 2015When: 19 – 20 December 2016 (TBC)

Where: Sports stadium in Amphoe Huai Rat Buriram

It is this time of the year that the cold north-eastern winds start to blow across Isaan and this change in temperature sparks the local people to build and fly their traditional, intricate and colourful “aek” kites. The first such festival took place at the same venue in 1986 and has been held ever since. Come feel the warmth of the Isaan people and join in the fun, there is all many of things going on to please your eyes, ears, nose and palate.

 

Chiang Rai Flower Festival

Chiang Rai Flower Festival 2015When: 24 December 2016 – 31 January 2017

Where: Rim kok Park, Chiang Rai NorthernThailand

While not on the scale of its bigger brother event in Chiang Mai, this annual event is a tidy reminder of what people are missing in the less travelled part of northeast Thailand. The event is not only about the wide range of flowers to be found in the local area it is also in part a music festival. The event includes a flower exhibition, the Miss Thinn Thai Ngarm beauty contest, agricultural exhibitions and contest along with a local products fair.

 

Sakura Blossom Festival at Doi Mae Salong

Sakura Blossom Festival at Doi Mae Salong 2015

 

When: 28 December 2016 – 2 January 2017

Where: Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai

Doi Mae Salong is a mountaneous area close to the Burmese border in Chiang Rai, the most northern province of Thailand. The area is now famous for its tea plantation and the cherry blossom/sakura that blooms during the cool season. This is one of the few places in Thailand that one can witness the cherry blossom. While not on the same scale as can be seen in Japan the trees full of their pale pink flowers provide a picturesque contrast to the tropical climate of Thailand.

Enjoy a cup of tea from the local plantations (see more on ‘From Opium to Tea’ in Thailand) and see how this once part of the infamous  ‘Golden Triangle’ has re-invented itself

 

Blossom flowers at Mo Hin Khao

Blossom flowers at Mo Hin Khao 2015When: 29th December 2016 – 1st January 2017

Where: Mo Hin Khao, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum

The event features a mini-marathon, mountain bike race, horse riding to visit the rock park, planting a tree in honour for H.M. the King, drawing and photographing, concert, New Year party and offering colour sticky rice to monks in the morning. (Description and picture from TAT)

 

 

Red Cross and Winter Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016 dhara-dhevi-chiang-mai Red Cross and Winter Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 30 December 2016 – 12 January 2017

Where: Chiang Mai Northern Thailand

This annual event is held at the end of the harvest season. While it is truly an agriculture fair visitor can enjoy a beauty queen contest, be entertained by live music and shop for local arts and crafts.

 

Taksin Maharachanuson Fair and Red Cross Fair

Taksin Maharachanuson Fair and Red Cross FairWhen: 28th December – 3rd January Annually

Where: Taksin Shrine and provincial sports field. Tak Province North West Thailand

 King Taksin the Great who returned independence to the Thai nation had his background closely tied with Tak; he was both the deputy and later the governor of the province. The people of Tak have never forgotten him and organise a traditional annual fair to honour him and his heroic deeds. There is a traditional Thai fair with rides and stalls plus numerous exhibitions, cultural performances, religious ceremonies and processions, along with nightly folk entertainment and a wonderful light and sound presentation depicting the Kings endeavours.

 

Luang Pho Phet Worship Fair & Red Cross Fair

 

Luang Pho Phet Worship Fair & Red Cross Fair

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: December 24 – January 3rd

Where: Wat Tha Luang. Phichit North Thailand

The Luang pho Phet (Thai: หลวงพ่อเพชร) is a type of image of the Buddha found in Thailand and depicts the Buddha sitting in the Diamond Lotus Position. The image housed in Wat Tha Luang, Phichit is one of Kingdom’s most important and is much visited.

The fair is in part to celebrate the image of the Buddha and to promote the province with its mixed and varied culture along with its diverse agricultural products and local handicrafts. The event also includes parades featuring local people in traditional clothes and stage presentations of traditional dancing.

 

Small World Festival

 

 December Festivals in Thailand Small World Festival

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

When: 24 December 2016

Where: Jungkum Lake, Mae Hong Son Northern Thailand

Toys for Thailand (T4T) will co-host the 7th annual Small World Festival (SWF) a unique cultural event held on December 24, 2016 in Mae Hong Son, Thailand. At the SWF Hill Tribal children from 45 mountain schools will share their indigenous music, dance, handicrafts and food with Thai’s, tourists and other members of hill tribes. 150 basic need scholarships will be awarded at this year’s FREE festival.

For more information contact: Maria Miller: +1 760-529-3739, or Sasha

 

 

The date and time of the above festivals may change as a result of the weather or postponement by the organisers of the events. To confirm the dates and times….. Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand 1672 or 0 2250 5500.

Thailand Festivals In December 2016

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Thailand Festivals In December 2016

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