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Thailand travel facts
| Area (sq km): | 514,000 | |
| Population: | 65,444,371 | |
| Nationality: | Thai | |
| Local Name: | Thailand | |
| Language: | Thai, Chinese, Malay |
|
| Time Zone: | +7 GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 bhat = 100 stang | |
| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Bangkok | |
| Dialling Code: | +66 | |
| Electricity: | 220V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .th | |
| Religion: | Buddhist, Muslim |
|
| Climate: | Monsoon, Tropical Equatorial |
|
| Government: | Constitutional Monarchy | |
| Inoculations: | Yellow Fever | |
| Driving: | Left | |
| Int'l License: | Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 8.30-15.30 | |
| Major Airports: | Bangkok(BKK), Chiang Mai(CNX), Pattaya(UTP), Phuket(HKT) |
Celebrate Festival of Lights from Thailand villas
Thailand is country of many waterways. In November, on the night of the full moon, Thais gather around the water’s edge and set adrift tiny boats usually made from banana leaves topped with candles and prayers in celebration of Thailand’s Festival of Lights. Choose from Thailand villas and join in the celebration for yourself.
Festival of Lights in Thailand
Loy Krathong Sai is also called the Festival of Lights in Thailand. On the 12th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, in November, you can see the entire country light up from private Thailand villas.
The Thai people are very religious and often pay homage to their respective deities in beautiful festivals and events. The Festival of Lights in Thailand is considered one of the most sacred and beautiful of these events.
At the end of the rainy season, Thai people give thanks to the Goddess of Water with the Festival of Lights. They also pray that she returns the following year to make their fields once again prosperous. On the first night of the full moon, Thais all over the country make their way to the nearest lake, river or sea. They gather by the water’s edge with a small boat that carries a candle and sometimes carries coins and written prayers.
A candle is lit and a boat made from banana leaves is pushed away from the shore. The effect is magical. Imagine thousands of candles floating calmly on the water’s surface and you can begin to imagine the gentle glow that all of Thailand is bathed in during the Festival of Lights.
After the boats are released the people indulge in great feasts and toast the year’s successes. Now do not forget the Thai’s love of fireworks as they begin to explode all over the country! Get up close and personal to the Festival of Lights, or watch the magical display from the terrace of Thailand villas.