Thailand, the so-called Land of Smiles, is not only the place of stunning beaches, dense scenery and cultural heritage, it is also the country where festivals take place any time of the year. Bright parades or religious ceremonies, Thailand is the place where the traveler will get an opportunity to experience the rich traditions and festive air of the country. By visiting such festivals, one will get a glimpse of the Thai culture, history and local practices that is not seen in the regular tourist schedule. Every festival is unique and there is something which one will miss in another that is the spectacular lantern releases, water battles, or the traditional music and dance shows. 

When travelling, it is important to mention that visiting the festivals in Thailand can be one of the best things in your travelling. Nevertheless, there are celebrations which you are supposed to enjoy before you can do so without an invitation, which is a visa. In case you have your location in Dubai or intend to travel outside of the UAE, you can easily get a Thailand visa. The Thai visa in Dubai is an easy process that you can apply to go to Thailand through some reputable travel agencies such as Go Kite Travel, and you will be assured of a stress-free trip. As soon as your visa has been granted, you can begin to create your itinerary based on these amazing cultural events that will leave your journey as indeed a memory. Festivals in Thailand are not events but a demonstration of Thai identity, which is a mixture of religion, history, and social events. It is either the spectacular Songkran Festival, the Thai equivalent of the New Year, or the alluring Loi Krathong, where thousands of floating lanterns illuminate the night sky, there is always a festival to be seen, no matter the time of the year. Attending such festivals enables travellers to interact with the locals, enjoy local Thai food and embrace centuries old traditions. No matter whether you are a history buff, a lover of culture or just someone who wants to add some fun and excitement to his or her holiday then the festivals held in Thailand are the best place to be. 

The best Thailand festivals that one cannot afford to miss. 

1. Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) 

This is because the Songkran Festival which is celebrated every mid-April is undoubtedly the most known festival in Thailand. It celebrates the Thai New Year, and is also known to have water fights throughout the country. In such cities as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, the streets become a vivid arena to play water battles between locals and tourists to represent cleansing and renewal. Traditionally, Songkran was an occasion of respect to the elders, a visit to temples and a sprinkling of water in a sign of blessing. To the visitors, Songkran is both cultural and pure fun experience. Chiang Mai is also known especially because of its grand festivals such as parades, simple performances of the traditional dances and even building sand pagodas competition. In case you organize your trip during Songkran, it is crucial to have waterproof clothes and to participate in celebrations with locals. Having obtained your visa by using such service as Thailand visa Dubai, you can plan your visit to visit Thailand at the same time as the Songkran to experience one of the most enveloping and the most vibrant cultural experiences of Thailand. 

2. Loi Krathong Festival 

The Festival of Lights, called Loi Krathong, is observed in November throughout Thailand. In this magical festival, individuals take floating baskets (krathongs) of various glittering decorations and place them in rivers, lakes, and ponds, which represents the discharge of negative energy and the future wishing. It is really a magic when thousands of lit krathongs are floating on water bodies leaving a memorable experience to the travelers. In Chiang Mai the festival is taken to another level with the Yi Peng Festival held in which thousands of lanterns are set free into the sky creating a spectacular performance. The tourists can be involved with creating their lanterns, attending the traditional ceremonies, and taking stunning photographs. To the tourists who may be traveling to Thailand, it is best that Thailand visa be obtained in Dubai early in the year particularly those who wish to visit this country during this festival time because it is one of the peak seasons in tourism in Thailand. Visa application is another aspect that can be facilitated by agencies such as Go Kite Travel so that your festive adventure starts in a smoothing manner. 

3. Phi Ta Khon Festival 

The Phi Ta Khon or the Ghost Festival is a festival in the Dan Sai district in Loei Province. This special festival belongs to some big religious festival known as Bun Luang and is usually held in June or July. The festival is renowned in that those who attend the festival wear grandiose masks and colored costumes and procession the streets dancing to music. Phi Ta Khon is a blend of Buddhistic, folklores and local entertainment. It is a rich cultural experience as locals and visitors are engaged in wild games, competitions and performances. The festival is best suited to the travelers who would like to visit the rural Thailand and see the ancient traditions with their own eyes. 

4. Chiang Mai Flower Festival 

The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is an annual event held in Chiang Mai in February and honors the great flora and horticulture of the city. The streets and parks are covered with colorful flower stands, exquisitely sculpted floats, and traditional Thai music performances. The visitors are free to spend their time on flower shows, indigenous arts and parades in which the people wear traditional costumes. Another good aspect of this festival is the opportunity to take good photographs and visit gardens, temples and local markets of Chiang Mai. A visit to this festival is worth planning your trip to Thailand to enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand in addition to the cultural beauty. 

5. Phuket Vegetarian Festival 

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a religious celebration of the Chinese population in Phuket, which is usually done in September or October. The rituals observed during the festival are extreme in nature such as fire walking, body piercing and purification ceremonies. The primary concern is purging the body and mind with nine day abstinence and vegetarianism. Although the rituals may appear to be extreme, the festival is quite spiritual and attracts thousands of spectators and participants. Tourists have the chance to watch parades, national music, and experience the cultural peculiarity of seeing the devotion and faith in unusual forms. 

6. Candle Festival (Ubon Ratchathani) 

Upon Ratchathani Candle Festival, a festival that takes place in July, marks the start of Buddhist Lent. Giant candles elaborately cut with religious designs are also being paraded around the city, with the traditional dances and music. The festival is religious and cultural and it features the artistic talent of the local communities. Tourists will be able to be a part of ceremonies, observe the parades and feel the beauty of the crafts of the luxurious candles. The festival is more spiritual and contemplative than the Thai festivals which are full of partying and water fights. 

7. Royal Ploughing Ceremony 

Another ancient agricultural rite known as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony is conducted in Bangkok during the month of May, which is a ceremony that forecasts the future harvest. The Thai royal family participates in the event and it has traditional rites, symbolic ploughing, and ceremonies conducted by the Brahmin priests. Though not very widely known by tourists, this festival is an interesting observation of the agricultural practices and royal traditions in Thailand. To historical and cultural tourists, the experience of visiting this festival gives one a different view of the rich heritage of Thailand. 

8. Monkey Buffet Festival 

A fun and quirky event is the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi that happens in November and is dedicated to the enjoyment of monkey eating a huge amount of fruits, vegetables, and treats. The festival brings tourists all around the globe where they come to see the monkeys feasting on the extravagant buffet. Although it may look queer, the festival stresses on the local faith in the harmony between animals and humans. It also provides tourists with an opportunity to visit the historical temples and old ruins of Lopburi. 

9. Phi Festival of Phi Ta Khon 

In Loei province, there is another three-day festival called Phi Ta Khon in Dan Sai district. It also involves standard games, costumes contests, and procession where the locals make ghost masks. In contrast to the main Phi Ta Khon, this festival is more of a tourist engagement and the ceremony and the performance in which tourists can participate and plunge into the depths of the local folklore. 

10. Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 

In northeastern Thailand, the Rocket Festival, known as Bun Bang Fai is observed in May to bring rainfall to the rice fields. Locals make huge bamboo rockets and shoot into the air, which is accompanied by parades, music, and traditional dances. The tourists have an opportunity to watch the spectacle, attend celebrations, and observe the active Thai rural culture. 

The Guide to Planning your Festival trip to Thailand. 

• Visa Process: You should have a visa to visit Thailand in case you are in Dubai or UAE. The most effective way to do this would be to apply Thailand visa in Golden city (Dubai) with the help of a reputable agency such as Go Kite Travel because all the documents and approvals will be done effectively. 

• Check Festival Dates: Festival in Thailand are both Lunar and Solar. It is always a good idea to check the dates beforehand because certain festivals such as Songkran and Loi Krathong have enormous crowds. 

• Make Accommodations in Advance: Hotels are busy during completely booked seasons. Prior reservation will ensure that there is availability and low rates. 

• Prepare accordingly: There are water combats, lanterns, and religious ceremonies, which the preparations involve. Bring waterproof attires, loose clothes and decent clothes to temple. 

• Get Localized: Add to your festival experience by engaging in local events, trying the local food, and attending cultural events. 

Conclusion :

Thailand is a place where one can enjoy an unmatched mix of nature, cultural diversity and wild parties. Whether it is the water games of Songkran or the lanterns of Loi Krathong, each festival gives a different chance of getting to know about Thailand and its people. By making plans of your visit during these festivals, not only will you be able to see Thailands in its most vibrant state but also make some memories that would stick to your mind forever. 

As a tourist in Dubai or the UAE, the initial step that you can take in order to have fun in these spectacular events is securing your travel documents. It is possible to apply in Thailand visa from Dubai using reliable agencies such as Go Kite Travel before starting the journey with the visa. When your visa is issued, be overwhelmed with the festivities, spirituality, and cultural richness of the Thailand festivals and see the reasons why this country is regarded as the center of rich traditions.