One of the best ways to soak up local culture is to experience cultural festivals in a country. Thus when heading to Thailand try plan your trip to coincide with the celebration of Loi Krathong, a charming festival that takes place throughout the country. Those heading to Hua Hin during the festival and looking for Hua Hin hotels by the sea can consider Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. This luxurious hotel Hua Hin has to offer also features the very best in contemporary comforts, making your stay all the more memorable. Also known as the ‘Festival of Light’, Loi Krathong takes place on the twelfth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest. This generally falls in November and on this particular day one can see throngs of …

It was on the 11th November 1968 that Maldives became a republic after being a monarchy for a considerable time. And this day is celebrated all over Maldives on the 11th November each year, when much rejoicing and commemorations can be witness in all parts of the archipelago. If one wishes to participate in the Republic Day activities and capture the spirit of the celebrations, look for Maldives accommodation in a reliable Maldives hotel such as the Adaaran Club Rannalhi of which the reputation as a desirable abode for holidays precedes it. Many events and parades of different nature take place on the streets on this day as part of the celebrations but the most highlighted are the delightful parades of the National Security Services and the National Cadet …

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of the most anticipated celebrations on Thailand’s event packed calendar. The event is celebrated throughout the country and the festivities even spreads to parts of Myanmar and Laos. It is an interesting and somewhat unique festival. There are many places in Thailand where one can take part in the Loi Krathong Festival, although Bangkok, the Thai capital, is one of the best. The festival’s name literally means ‘Floating Decoration’ or ‘Floating Crown’, and refers to the practice of releasing miniature floats on the river. The festival, which typically takes place between the eleventh and twelfth month of the lunar calendar, was originally dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the three main Hindu deities. However, after becoming a Buddhist nation, …

A country full of vibrancy, constant movement and development – Vietnam is guaranteed to be a unique cultural experience like no other. With streets full of motorbikes transporting huge televisions and refrigerators wrapped onto them with string, there is always something unusual to witness in this fascinating Southeast Asian city. One event in particular that will fascinate and thoroughly entertain all visitors is the Vietnamese Kiep Bac Festival. This festival is essentially a pilgrimage to the Kiep Bac Temple, which honours the saint Tran Hung Dao and has been carried out for centuries. An old Vietnamese custom, this festival occurs on the 20th day of the 8th lunar month and interestingly displays a revival of a famed battle on Luc Dau River consisting of a …

The colourful celebration of Deepavali is one of the most significant festivals for Hindu communities around the world. The Hindu faithful form a significant proportion of the residents of Singapore and are concentrated in the neighbourhood of Little India. Deepavali or the Festival of Lights as the occasion is also known occurs in the latter part of the year and is much looked forward to. The festival celebrates good overcoming evil and the victory of light over darkness. There are many legends associated with this occasion. The story goes that there was once a tyrannical ruler called Narakasura who oppressed his subjects. The people appealed to Lord Krishna for help and the deity duly vanquished and killed the tyrant. To welcome the victorious Lord Krishna …

Eastern Asia is one part of the world etched with rich culture and tradition. From festivities to rituals to food, each occasion, activity and cuisine is both colorful, interesting and has a symbolic history behind. Visitors to countries like Thailand never fail to be awed by the meticulous detail and fascinating stories that govern each event in the country. It is no different for the famous Hungry Ghost Festival whose name in itself is quite the crowd puller. The ‘Hungry Ghost’ festival is one interesting event that makes its way into the calendars of the Thai’s Singaporeans and the Chinese. The Chinese pay great importance to the satisfaction of their dead ancestors. They believe that their good fortune in this life rests on this deed. …