FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
Condor

Must-See Festivals in Thailand

by Angelique Platas

Dec 9, 2017

© Spritekiku | Dreamstime

Asia

Known for its pristine tropical beaches, ancient ruins, ornate temples and incredible architecture, Thailand offers something to see and do at every turn. The vibrant culture and picturesque landscape provide a perfect backdrop to the country’s many world-renowned festivals.

 

Thailand’s Floating Lantern Festival

One festival sure to top many travelers’ bucket lists is Chiang Mai’s annual light festival celebrating Yee Peng and Loy Krathong. This spellbinding event occurs each year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, when participants join in vibrant, costumed parades playing music and dancing. Let the kids take part in the pageantry and lantern-making contests by day and enjoy incredible firework displays. Guests indulge in heaping banquets of local fare while watching monks perform traditional chants during ceremonial performances. Festival-goers gather to release khom loy, or lit lanterns, into the night sky. The sacred tradition of the floating lights symbolizes new beginnings, longevity and releasing personal demons.

 

Participants also release krathong, small floating boats made from banana stalks, into bodies of water. Each vessel is decorated with incense, flowers, candles and personal offerings before floating into the river — mimicking the illuminated night sky. The Buddhist tradition encourages spiritual cleansing while honoring Buddha and the Hindu water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.

Chiang Mai 34th Flower Festival

Photo: Chernetskiy | Dreamstime

 

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Enjoy the magnificent colors and intricate botanical displays of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, held each year in February and showcasing floral floats parading through the streets, accompanied by music, dancing and cultural displays. Visitors can check out various street markets and flower designs decorating the city.

 

Thailand’s vibrant culture and stunning landscape allow for an amazing lineup of events and celebrations. With several occurring every month, visitors will find an exciting festival to attend nearly any time of year.

Thailand Monkey Party

Photo: © Manit Larpluechai | Dreamstime


Lopburi Monkey Festival

During the last weekend in November, the city of Lopburi hosts one of the most unique festivals in the world, the Lopburi Monkey Festival. This one-of-a-kind event brings visitors from all over the world to the Phra Prang Sam Yot (monkey temple), where the monkeys live amid the overgrown ruins of Khmer.

 

Showing respect and gratitude to the monkeys, believed to be descendants of the heroic monkey army of Hanuman, participants set up a lavish buffet banquet known as the monkey tea party. The tea party is set with great portions of fruits, eggs, cucumbers and various treats for the monkeys to enjoy — all donated by locals honoring the monkeys and hoping for personal good fortune.

 

Since the festival’s beginning in 1989, participants gather at the temple to play music and dance with the monkeys, say a few words of respect and invite the monkeys to dig into the feast — as the monkeys happily accommodate.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Jul 17, 2025

5 Wild West Destinations to Visit Across United States

Family travelers looking for the ultimate Wild West and cowboy adventure might want to pay attention! Thanks to its opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the region’s history and chance to discover a new way of life, it’s clear the Wild West is the place to visit.

Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await

Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira

Hotels
Jul 17, 2025

Tiny Travelers, Big Fun at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

This summer, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, located only 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, allows family travelers to make magical memories with the newest kid-friendly offer: Tiny Travelers, Big Fun. Especially suited to families with young children, the offer takes the stress out of vacation planning while creating joyful moments for little adventurers.

Slideshow
Jul 17, 2025

7 U.S. Hot Springs to Visit

It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. hot springs with us.

Hotels
Jul 16, 2025

Six Senses Crans-Montana Welcomes Families with Wellness Experiences Just for Kids

Six Senses Crans-Montana is giving families a new reason to plan their next family vacation in Switzerland. The property recently launched a kids club that includes 50 different activities, all designed to let kids have fun and learn new skills while connecting with nature.

Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2025

3 New Can’t-Miss Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a family-friendly mountain town, offers year-round outdoor fun, unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains and exciting nightlife. This summer, the town welcomes travelers with new attractions.