Rayong Events and Festivals
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New Year: Thais enthusiastically celebrate the Western New Year even though they have their own Thai New Year in April. While Rayong may not be the most buzzing place to party, visitors can find an active scene on Koh Samet or at the beach town of Pattaya.Chinese New Year: Rayong has a fairly large Chinese-Thai population so it celebrates the annual Chinese New Year with more festiveness than other Thai towns. There are civic events planned, as well as a parade and fireworks show. Some of the most interesting activity happens around the shrine of King Taksin.
Magha Puja: the full moon of February brings about this important Buddhist holiday. It commemorates the day when the Buddha gave his famous sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks who spontaneously appeared of their own volition. Rayong’s main temples are filled with activity after dark as Buddhists light candles and walk around the stupas.
Songkran: the Thai New Year is marked by a free-for-all water festival. Prepare to get wet if you venture out of your hotel room for the three-day Songkran festival. The streets of Rayong, and every other town in Thailand, turn into playgrounds as children and adults run amok throwing water on everything that moves.
Rayong Fruit Fair: this annual event was created to promote the fruit and seafood of the Rayong region. A colourful parade through the streets of town kick off this festive day as different floats vie for prizes. Agricultural exhibitions, fruity contests and plenty of eating are highlights.
Visakha Puja: another major day in the Buddhist calendar marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. All of the temples in Rayong will be busy throughout the day and night as devotees come to make merit, listen to special sermons and participate in rituals. Attending this festival is a great chance to see Thai Buddhism in action.
Sunthorn Phu Day: in late June each year, Rayong honours its most famous poet with a special ceremony. The festivities happen at the Sunthorn Phu Monument in Klaeng, and feature readings and other interesting events promoting the literary arts of Thailand.
Khao Phansa: this day marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Every monk in Thailand retreats into their temple for a long period of meditation coinciding with the arrival of the rainy season. Before they retreat the temples hold special ceremonies and other interesting rituals worth checking out. Many monks are ordained on this day, offering a rare glimpse at this essential Thai rite of passage.
Queen’s Birthday: on the 12th of August the country takes a day off to honour their queen. It’s a national holiday so many Thais head to the beach or visit with family. As a result, the most popular beaches can get crowded during this long weekend.
Chulalongkorn Day: this Thai national holiday commemorates one of the most famous and influential Thai kings. On the 23rd of the month, many of the residents of Bangkok take a day or two off to unwind at the beaches and islands around Rayong. King Rama V, as he was also known, was responsible for opening up Thailand to the wider world.
Loi Krathong: the full moon of November brings about this lovely festival featuring candlelit boats and floating lanterns. In the spirit of washing away the sins of the past year, Thais light a candle and send it off either into the sky or down a river. The visual effect is stunning, making this one of Thailand’s most charming and popular festivals.The Robing of the Phra Chedi Klang Nam: in conjunction with Loi Krathong, this traditional fair is held in Wat Park Nam temple in the middle of the Rayong River. The giant robe covering the ancient chedi at this temple is changed to a new one. Locals come out in droves to enjoy long boat races, religious rituals, eating, drinking and other entertainment. This tradition has been going on for more than a century.
King’s Birthday: the 5th of December is the current king’s birthday. The entire nation takes a day off to honour their revered monarch and relax with family and friends. Various civic ceremonies and special events are planned in Rayong for this popular and important annual event.
Travel Guide
Top Hotel Reviews
Klang
first: the hotel is a safe and secure area,but there is little public transport,shops and entertainement.Except there is a hotel van . They can bring you everywhere you want to go ,ofcourse for not t...
first: the hotel is a safe and secure area,but there is little public transport,shops and entertainement.Except there is a hotel van . They can bring you everywhere you want to go ,ofcourse for not t...
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