Page 35 - FWG Issue 2 March 2024

Travel

a total of 447 food establishments in time to cash in on cheaper flights and November: Time for festival fever
Thailand. The 2024 edition of the Michelin accommodation prices. With heavier The Loy Krathong festival is set to take
Guide Thailand has recognised outstanding rainfall, most tourists head indoors over place in November this year. As one of
culinary establishments nationwide, with this period to experience some local cuisine Thailand’s most enchanting and visually
six new shining stars and two additional and the bustling shopping malls in urban stunning festivals, it celebrates lights,
Michelin star restaurants. areas such as Bangkok. Popular shopping water, and spirituality. The festival holds
destinations include Siam Square Bangkok deep cultural and religious significance, as
June: The month for a good hike and the expansive Chatuchak Weekend it is a time for Thais to pay respects to the
Although Thailand is best known for its Market. You will find amazing finds here, goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha. At
pristine beaches and marine biodiversity, including silk products, aromatic Thai the heart of Loy Krathong is the tradition of
it also has a lot to offer in the way of spices, coconut oil products, jewellery, crafting and floating krathongs, intricately
natural vegetation and towering hills to curious trinkets, high-end accessories, and decorated floating baskets, onto rivers,
be explored. June is the perfect time for artisanal handicrafts. lakes, and other bodies of water. The
a hike in the Northern Hills. Some of the festival is celebrated nationwide, but
most popular hikes include the one to the September: The month for culture specific locations, such as Chiang Mai,
summit of Doi Chiang Dao, from where September is long-boat racing season in Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya, are renowned
the views stretch all the way to Myanmar Thailand – fast-paced races are held in four for their elaborate festivities.
(Burma). Hikers could also consider going country regions to celebrate the Buddhist
on guided walks through terraced rice Lent. Each year, the races draw large crowds Dive into December
paddies and visiting some surrounding of enthusiastic locals and tourists who cheer Thailand comes alive in December, with the
villages. on the participants and enjoy the cultural month being the beginning of the peak
activities that surround the events. This is season, so it’s a great time to get stuck
Hit the jungles in July the ideal time to participate in the action into some of the country’s most popular
In July, Thailand’s north and south regions in various locations, including Ayutthaya, watersports. It’s the ideal time to do some
typically experience high rainfall, but that Phitsanulok, and Nan. island-hopping and visit hotspots like
doesn’t stop nature lovers from hitting the Phang Nga Bay, with its intricate series of
jungles for a truly authentic experience Shopping under the stars in October breathtaking mangroves, lagoons, and caves.
of the tropics. Some of the most popular Regarding the weather in Thailand over Many tour operators around Thailand offer
jungles are in Khao Yai, Umphang, and October, it’s usually a bit of a mixed bag. services such as exploring by boat, as well as
Nan. Fortunately, heavier rainfall brings The rainy season draws to a close over the snorkelling and scuba diving at various spots
heavier waterfalls, which are a breathtaking month, but occasional showers are still to along the coast. For those needing speed,
experience. The rainy season is also the best be expected. This month is the best time there are many opportunities to jet ski and
time to see the best fauna and flora, which to see a few of Thailand’s night markets. wakeboard. For something slower, you could
thrive during this time of the year. Each town has its own night market and consider boarding a sailboat off the coast of
large versions, such as the Patpong and Kho Phi Phi or the Similan Islands for some
August: One for the shoppers Mahadthai Night Markets, offer an open- sightseeing and sundowners.
August is typically regarded as the air shopping experience that will cater to
beginning of the off-peak season in your curiosity to try local delicacies while For more travel inspiration and ideas, visit
Thailand, which makes it the best stocking up on some real bargains. www.fanclubthailand.co.uk

Fourways Gardens • 33 • March 2024