Cha Am and Thai holidays
The sheer number of holidays and
festivals that occur in Thailand over any given year is staggering.
There always seems to be something happening, somewhere. The most
important dates will be celebrated nationally and there are a host
of local events as well.
Other than specific birthdays, most
of the holidays will take place around lunar months and so the exact
dates will vary annually from a western calendar. If the moon is in
its correct phase and the exact date falls during the week, holidays
will generally be given in lieu on the nearest Monday after the
event. Therefore it is not easy to be specific about exact dates,
however an approximation will be given below.
It should be noted that on major
holidays, banks, government offices and schools will be closed and
Hua Hin will get extremely busy as the Bangkok crowd descend on town
for a long weekend. This shouldn't put you off though. It's far
better to join in the festivities. ATMs and exchange booths will
always be open, however it can sometimes be difficult to find
accommodation if you havn't planned ahead.
Holidays in Cha Am & Hua Hin 2010
|
January |
| 1st.
The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday
in Thailand, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated
every year. Christmas and New Year are peak times in Hua Hin.
|
|
February |
14th. The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is
celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout
Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a
national holiday. Hua Hin gets very busy over Chinese new
year and dragon dances can be seen in the streets.
28th. Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's
first sermon to his disciples. It is a national holiday. |
|
March |
|
13-14th. Hua Hin Kite festival 2010. The Thailand
International
Kite Festival is held every second year at The Rama VI
army camp in Cha Am, Petchaburi province. There is always a
colourful display of various kites performing acrobatic
skills. It's a great day out for all the family and you'll
find plenty of local stalls selling a variety of crafts,
food and beverages. |
|
April |
6th.
Chakri Day commemorates the founding of the current dynasty,
Rama I.
13th/14th/15th.
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally
celebrated as a water festival. Songkran in Hua Hin only
occurs on the 13th when the streets downtown are packed with
revellers, prepare to get wet! |
|
May |
1st.
International labor day is celebrated as a national holiday.
5th. Coronation day celebrates the day in 1949 when
the current King was crowned.
28th. Visakha Bucha Day. This is the holiest of all
the Buddha days and celebrates the birth, enlightenment and
entry into Nivarna of Lord Buddha. |
|
June |
|
11-13th. Dates to be confirmed. Hua Hin will host
the 8th annual
Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The dates are generally in early
June and town will busy with a great selection of musicians.
Book your hotel in advance as there will not be many spare
rooms. |
|
July |
26th.
Asanha Bucha Day. This important date commemortes Lord
Buddha's first sermon to the disciples.
27th. Khao Phansa, this day marks the beginning of
the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed
to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
|
|
August |
12th.
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also
serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
*
Hua Hin Golf Festival is held throughout the month of
August.
*
Hua Hin Regatta is held in August. |
|
September |
No public
holidays this month.
|
|
October |
23rd.
Ork Phansa, end of Buddhish Lent.
23rd. Chulalongkorn Day celebrates the birthday of one
of Thailand's most revered kings.
|
|
November |
21st.
Loy Kratong is not a national holiday, but an evening
when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by
floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around
the Kingdom. Hua Hin beach gets especially busy on Loy
Kratong night.
* Hua Hin Bike Week is held in November.
*
Pranburi Dragon Boat Races are held in November.
|
|
December |
5th.
His Majesty the King's birthday.
10th. Constitution Day.
25th. Christmas Day.
31st. New Year's Eve.
*
Hua Hin Vintage and Classic Car Rally is held in
December at the Sofitel. |
|
