Travel Thailand Guide: Thailand is Back for Christmas

Just in time that all the problems now have been resolved and they now got new good-looking government, Thailand is now back to the top list for Christmas and travel destinations. This unique country has always provided amazing scenery and hospitality and has already been regarded as a great choice anytime for winter holidays. With colorful countdown activities occuring throughout the country ready to welcome 2009, it is the perfect time to visit the "Land of Smiles".

'Hands Bangkok Countdown 2009' is the city's biggest celebration. Held on the Rajaprasong shopping street, the event is a massive street-party where Thais and foreigners ring in the new year together. Attractions include a live concert featuring Thailand's top singers, celebrities and superstars together with many other entertainment activities and fireworks.

Getting around the country will also give different feelings and funs. Just south of Bangkok, Pattaya Countdown 2009 welcomes tourists with live concerts featuring various famous recording artists and is capped with a huge fireworks display at midnight. In the cooler north, Chiang Mai showcases various musical and entertainment acts, stretching throughout Tha Phae road and Tha Phae gate. The beaches of Samui and Krabi offer southern, more relaxed fair, as locals and tourists alike welcome 2009 on Thailand's famous sands.

Moreover, all tourists are promised to be served very special this year. A lot of accommodations in Thailand have currently on the best deals ever as they are all agreed to initiate tourism campaigns to encourage tourists to return to Thailand as quickly as possible. This suddenly turns to be a great chance to take Thailand journey for everyone. So, why wait…

Let's find Thailand's best deals on hotels, tours, flights and everything from the official Tourism Authority of Thailand website at http://amazingthailand.tourismthailand.org/

Travel Thailand Guide: Grab your lucks with Loy Krathong Festival

There are a few festivals from Thailand which reasonably well-known to people outside the countries. Talking about those festivals, “Loy Kratong” festival would be included on the top famous lists. Talking about “Loy Kratong” festival, today (12th November) is the day that the festival take place for this year which seems like everyone is ready for this traditional and wonderful event.

Originating as a Brahmanical festival adopted by Thai Buddhists during the reign of Rama IV in1863, “Loy Kratong” is a ceremony that venerates the Lord Buddha by offering floating trays laden with flowers, candles and incense. Loy translates to "float" in Thai, while Kratong pertains to a tray made from banana leaves. The light from the candle honors Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or any tarnishing of one's character. It is a way for a person to make amends and start afresh.

In addition to this, most Thais also float their kratong to honor the goddess of the rivers and waterways, Mae Nam, who they believe will bring good luck. This ties in with the romantic element of Loy Kratong which stems from a legend about Nang Nopamas, who was a royal consort to King Ramkhamhaeng (founder of Sukhothai).

As mention in the beginning, the Loi Krathong Festival is not only celebrated nationwide in Thailand, but also international places. There are many “Loy Krathong” festivals set up by Thai communities in some major cities around the world such as Melbourne, Sydney or London which you can enjoy respectful floating Krathong ceremony along with "The Noppamas Queen Contest", Thai foods exhibition and exotic mix of Thai culture shows throughout the day.