When in Bangkok make it point to experience some of the vibrant local festivals. Plan on staying at Bangkok serviced apartments? If so, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok features a selection of elegant serviced apartments Bangkok has to offer. One such festival is Visakha Bucha Day which is held in commemoration of Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and the passing away. It was on this day that Lord Buddha was born and 35 years later attained enlightenment. On the very same day at the age of 80 Buddha passed away to attain nibbana. Due to these reasons, this day is of great significance for Buddhists all over the world. This day in Thailand is a time for Buddhists to reflect on Buddha’s teachings and indulge in various spiritual activities. Thanuja Silva …

Uluwatu is home to idyllic beaches, a sacred temple (Pura Luhur), and some prime surfing spots. Depending on what time of year you visit, you will also be treated to a fabulous array of local festivals that are wonderful to witness and participate in. Ensure you book one of the fine Bali luxury villas to host your stay in the area, and the Alila Villas Uluwatu features an excellent selection of choice Bali boutique villas. Celebrated all over Bali is the local version of Christmas, Galungan, which occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10. It commemorates and welcomes the gods and ancestors to earth to live at their descendants’ dwelling places. The festivities include dances, the purchase and wearing of new clothes, offerings at the temples in …

Rich in culture and history, the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan also features a wide range of annual festivals which offer unique insights into the country’s heritage and its people. Travellers can make use of Bhutan tour packages that take you to regions where one can witness these cultural celebrations in all their splendour. Another option would be to stay at a centrally located Bhutan hotel such as Uma Bhutan which is ideally placed in the Paro Valley, making for an excellent base for your travels. When it comes to festivals in Bhutan, there is much to choose from. Tshechu is a festival celebrated in order to honour the birthday of Guru Rimpoche though the exact date of the event can vary from place to place. Thimphu Tshechus and Paro …

Each year, the central valley of Bumthang witnesses a unique event of sorts. Hundreds of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders bring together herders of the north eastern and north western Himalayan frontiers in celebration of their unique culture and traditions, giving visitors the ideal opportunity to peek into their authentic way of life. Survival in the wilderness is hard. These nomads live under some of the harshest conditions closer to the snow capped mountains and it is interesting to see how they get by. The nomads of Bhutan depend on yaks for their livelihoods and therefore feature largely in their celebrations, traditions and customs. Although these communities are gradually entering the cash economy, they are still seen to be largely dependent on bartering practices. The ways of …

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter holiday is an important festival that is celebrated by Christians all over the world. Luxury hotels all around the world celebrate this holiday with much zest and vigour and Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas also offer a range of luxury hotel resorts for those who are interested in spending this holiday in style. Typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for most churches, Easter can fall anywhere between the 22nd march and the 25th of April. Many nations follow the practice of colouring hard boiled eggs for Easter, as the egg which stands to symbolize new life has become the traditional symbol of the Easter festival itself. The Easter bunny is the popular anthropomorphic character often associated with gift …

An annual festival in the Chonburi festival of Thailand, the buffalo races are quite popular amongst not only the locals, but also the foreigners. While visiting, there are plenty of luxury hotel resorts in which you can seek accommodation amongst which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas stand out from amongst the luxury hotels in the region. According to records, buffalo racing in Chonburi is an event that has been in continuation for 70 years during which King Rama VI has also been an ardent viewer. The event is usually held a day before the full moon day in October and is held in great festivity. The buffalos are colourfully decorated in vibrant cloths and garlands of flowers, a sight which is quite delightful to witness. The trick is to …