Page 16 - IFV Issue 3_2024

Travel

season is also the best time to see This is the ideal time to participate and floating krathongs, intricately
the best fauna and flora, which thrive in the action in various locations, decorated floating baskets, onto rivers,
during this time of the year. including Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, and lakes, and other bodies of water. The
Nan. festival is celebrated nationwide, but
August: One for the shoppers specific locations, such as Chiang
August is typically regarded as the Shopping under the stars in Mai, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya, are
beginning of the off-peak season in October renowned for their elaborate festivities.
Thailand, which makes it the best Regarding the weather in Thailand over
time to cash in on cheaper flights and October, it’s usually a bit of a mixed bag. Dive into December
accommodation prices. With heavier The rainy season draws to a close over Thailand comes alive in December,
rainfall, most tourists head indoors the month, but occasional showers are with the month being the beginning
over this period to experience some still to be expected. This month is the of the peak season, so it’s a great time
local cuisine and the bustling shopping best time to see a few of Thailand’s to get stuck into some of the country’s
malls in urban areas such as Bangkok. night markets. Each town has its own most popular watersports. It’s the
Popular shopping destinations night market and large versions, such ideal time to do some island-hopping
include Siam Square Bangkok and the as the Patpong and Mahadthai Night and visit hotspots like Phang Nga Bay,
expansive Chatuchak Weekend Market. Markets, offer an open-air shopping with its intricate series of breathtaking
You will find amazing finds here, experience that will cater to your mangroves, lagoons, and caves. Many
including silk products, aromatic Thai curiosity to try local delicacies while tour operators around Thailand offer
spices, coconut oil products, jewellery, stocking up on some real bargains. services such as exploring by boat, as
curious trinkets, high-end accessories, well as snorkelling and scuba diving
and artisanal handicrafts. November: Time for festival fever at various spots along the coast. For
The Loy Krathong festival is set to take those needing speed, there are many
September: The month for culture place in November this year. As one of opportunities to jet ski and wakeboard.
September is long-boat racing season Thailand’s most enchanting and visually For something slower, you could
in Thailand – fast-paced races are held stunning festivals, it celebrates lights, consider boarding a sailboat off the
in four country regions to celebrate water, and spirituality. The festival coast of Kho Phi Phi or the Similan
the Buddhist Lent. Each year, the races holds deep cultural and religious Islands for some sightseeing and
draw large crowds of enthusiastic significance, as it is a time for Thais to sundowners.
locals and tourists who cheer on the pay respects to the goddess of water,
participants and enjoy the cultural Phra Mae Khongkha. At the heart of For more travel inspiration and ideas,
activities that surround the events. Loy Krathong is the tradition of crafting visit www.fanclubthailand.co.uk

14 • Issue 3 2024 • The Villager