1. Vegetarian Festival – 23 September - 3 October 2014

To demonstrate that Thai festivals are for every occasion is the Vegetarian Festival. However, it is not the vegetables and vegetarianism which people flock to see; it is the mutilation which people perform on themselves which has become synonymous with the festival. People pierce their flesh using random objects, in order to show their devotion to God. A stunning spectacle, if somewhat gruesome at times.

2. Phaya Nak/Naga Fireballs Festival – 12 Oct 2014

All festivals in Thailand are beautiful, but few get more beautiful than the Phaya Nak festivals. Fireballs adorn the midnight sky, with food stalls and boat races down the river to coincide with the national holiday.

3. Monkey Buffet Festival – 25 Nov 2014

Originally created to promote tourism to some of the lesser-known regions of Thailand, the Monkey Buffet Festival is one of my favorites. More than four tons of fruit and vegetables are given to the monkeys to feast on, as the locals show their appreciation for their local wildlife and the tourism which the monkeys bring to the area.

4. Bo Sang Umbrella Festival – 18-20 January

If you have ever traveled to Thailand, you will know that it doesn’t just rain – it pours. There’s some glorious weather, but when it rains it really does rain hard. Local umbrella vendors celebrate their crafts in the San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai region, painting wooden umbrellas with vibrant designs which bring in celebrities every year.

5. Phi Ta Khon Festival – March/July

Otherwise known as the Ghost Mask Festival, the Phi Ta Khon Festival sees masks of all colors descend on the Dan Sai town, located in Loei, for four days every year. As with all festivals located in Thailand, color is important, as is the Buddhist religion and culture which surrounds it. The town of Dan Sai is fairly remote, even for Thailand, so foreign visitors aren’t commonplace. However, if you find yourself within easy access, definitely check out the wonderful colors and decorations.

6. Songkran – 13-15 April & July

The Songkran festival is the Thai celebration of the New Year. Children flock onto the streets of Bangkok with water guns, shooting everyone they see. Luckily the New Year in Thailand coincides with some of the hottest months of the summer, so a welcome spray of water from a local child might be exactly what you need. Grab your own gun, put on some lightweight clothes and have fun with the locals!

7. Prapheni Bun Bang Fai/Rocket Festival – May/June Every Year

Every boy’s childhood dream is to make a rocket and blast it off in front of all of your friends. That is essentially what this Thai festival is based around. People from across the country bring their homemade rockets for the judges to rate based on the appearance/design of the rocket, the distance it manages to travel over the Thai countryside, as well as the trail of smoke/vapor which it leaves in the rocket’s wake. Locally-produced alcohol is also drunk, making the spectacle even more interesting!

There are festivals in Thailand for all tastes. They add spectacle and color to what is already an amazing trip to an incredible country. Have you been to any Thai festivals?