Naga FireballsOne of the world's most awesome phenomena is this natural event which coincides with the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. Hundreds, often thousands of balls of fire rise out of the water to a few hundred meters before disappearing. It is not yet known how exactly this occurs and though scientists may dispute, the locals believe it is the work of Naga, a serpent living in the Mekong River.
Venue: Mekong River, Nong Khai region
Date: 3 October 2009
Yasothon Rocket FestivalThe skies around the town of Yasothon light up
on this night with fireworks and rockets tempting the clouds to spill their precious rain over the rice fields. Originating in pre-Buddhist times, it is a fertility rite held to celebrate and to encourage the coming of the rainy season, and parade ornaments and floats often sport phallic symbols and imagery. Although the humble origins lie in superstition, the festival is today a competition to see who has the biggest rocket. For more information phone the Yasothon Municipality on (0)45 711 397 or the Thailand Tourist Office on (0)2 694 1222.
Venue: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon
Date: 9 - 11 May 2009
Loy KratongSimilar to Valentines Day in the west, Loy Kratong is celebrated in Chiang Mai on the full moon night nearest November. Decorated banana leaf boats, beautifully lit with candles, float along the waterways. Hot air balloons made from colorful bags are also sent off into the night sky. Very romantic...
Date: 2 November 2009
Chiang Mai Art and Culture FestivalTo celebrate the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, this Chiang Mai festival features live outdoor Thai music and dancing, stage performances, Lanna art exhibitions and entertaining puppet shows (for the kids!). There's also a lot of really good food at the festival.
Venue: Near the Three Kings Monument
Date: 1 - 3 April 2009
Chiang Mai SongkranSongkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated with exuberance and ceremony in Chiang Mai - this is possibly the city's biggest party event of the year! Songkran in Chiang Mai is one of the biggest parties of the year. Chiang Mai's moat becomes a playground with people splashing and dunking unsuspecting friends, all in good humor.
Date: 13 - 15 Apr 2009
Bor Sang Umbrella FestivalNear Chiang Mai and often referred to as 'the Umbrella Village', Bor Sang hosts the annual Bor Sang Umbrella Festival. This event celebrates the traditional crafts and skills of the local people with features such as exhibitions, a Miss Bor Sang pageant and stalls selling the hand-crafted umbrellas - a must for all visitors to the area.
Venue: Bor Sang main street
Date: 18 - 20 January 2010
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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