The Hungry Ghost Festival, locally known as Por Tor is an event of merit-making for the Chinese community, where flowers, special food and candles are offered to their ancestors. Where to go to? If you’re staying at a Phuket luxury hotel, check how far Por Tor Kong Shrine is and the fresh market on Ranong Road is to witness the biggest celebrations for the festival. Properties such as Anantara Layan Phuket Resort are located in close proximity. Don’t miss Por Tok Kong Shrine is the main shrine that hosts the annual 7 day and 7 night’s event. The Fresh Market is decorated during the festival and hosts a range of activities begin at noon and last until midnight which include lion dances, live concerts, magic shows and cabaret …

Phuket is a holidaymaker’s paradise for many reasons. If you are planning a trip, be sure to include these must-visit attractions in your itinerary.   Vegetarian Festival   The Phuket vegetarian festival in Thailand is an event filled with colour and gaiety that is celebrated each year between 20 to 28th October. Good Health As its name suggests the festival lays emphasis on the abstinence of any kind of meat and is a totally vegetarian fair. Supposedly this festival is dedicated to the nine emperor Gods to induce good health and peace of mind. Phuket is amongst the top vacation destinations in Thailand. Origins Get to know more about this festival and local fairs and events in blogs such as The Vacation Gateway. In fact, the origins of this festival can be …

The religious observances associated with Ramadan are followed by all Muslims worldwide as a testament to their faith. Held during the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, this religious practice involves a month of fasting. The purpose behind this observance is to celebrate when the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad. Those who have heard of this religious observance would very well know of its religious significance. The period of Ramadan is usually around twenty-nine to thirty days, but this may vary based on when the crescent moon is sighted by religious officials. Those who wish to celebrate the festival of Ramadan can also do so by making a trip somewhere abroad. If you wish for a convenient and close by destination, you can always …

Rituals and customs go to the heart of the ancient culture of Sri Lanka. They have been passed down from generation to generation straddling over the 2,500 year history of the island. A majority of these customs and traditions are interspersed with the daily routines and livelihoods of people in their respective regional, social and religious spheres. Taprobana, was the name given to the island of Sri Lanka by the ancient Greeks. Some of these cultural significances and rituals are based on colonial influence and are mostly still in practice within the island and is more to do in Galle , Kandy, Colombo and Negombo and other areas that were subjected to extensive colonial rule. You may catch the architectural wonders when staying at these …

Drenched in sunshine and home to idyllic stretches of shoreline bordered by refreshing ocean waters, Negombo, a slice of paradise has a rich history and heritage and those visiting here have much to do. One of the best ways to enjoy this coastal getaway is to stay at budget hotels in Sri Lanka that are located on the shore itself such as Hotel J Negombo. Being a coastal city in Sri Lanka, Negombo was a very popular city during the colonization of the island. Tipped to be one of Negombo’s most visited tourist attractions, the Dutch Fort is no ordinary remnant of the city’s colonial legacy. Having been under the Portuguese and Dutch rule in centuries past the city’s colonial heritage is one of its …

Do you love waterfights? Do you consider yourself to be the best at it? Head over to Phuket, Thailand from April 13th to April 15th and take part in the island wide water fight, also known as Songkran Festival. This festival marks the start of the Thai New Year. Phuket is believed to be one of the most popular places to celebrate the Songkran festival in Thailand and if you’re looking for a luxury Phuket hotel to stay at during this time, such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, be sure to book well in advance! Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is usually referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman. If you plan on visiting the island during the time of …