Festivals in Cambodia

 Pithi Chrat Preah Neanng Korl or Royal Ploughing Ceremony

As an agriculture-based economy, rice growing is an essential aspect of Cambodia. Back to the XIII century, it was the same. Royal family members at that time had used a Hindu ritual in the ancient time to hold a ceremony to wish for a good harvest. It’s also believed to have fortune-telling ability, which allows people to forecast the weather and determine the best way to harvest.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony occurs on the fourth day of the sixth month in the lunar calendar. It is organized outside the Royal Palace in the capital state of Phnom Penh. During the ceremony, the King or a picked representative will till a plot of land with a plow driven by two oxen.

People give many kinds of treats, including ice, corn, green beans, sesame seeds, freshly-cut grass, water, and rice whiskey to the animals after three rounds. The oxen’s choice of food will predict the condition of the upcoming harvesting season. Rice wine represents a crime. Water forecasts flooding. Grass suggests animal diseases.

 Pchum Ben or Ancestors’ Day

While other festivals share some standard features with other traditions in other countries, Pchum Ben or Ancestors’ Day is a unique feature of Cambodia.

The word Pchum Ben means “to gather together a ball of food.” It’s the day for the Cambodian to show respect and gratefulness to the ancestors of seven generations. It happens on the 15th day of the 10th Khmer month, which is equal to October according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies every year, so remember to double-check if you want to join in this mysterious festival.

Pchum Ben can be compared to Halloween in Western countries, but this former is more formal and serious. The Cambodian believe that the doorway to the hell will be opened on the first day of Pchum Ben, so the spirit of the deceased relatives can reenter the human world. That’s why they prepare a lot of offerings hoping their ancestor can find the merits. Many rituals aims to reduce the sins of the ancestors.

 Bonn Om Touk or Water Festival

Despite the similar name with Songkran, Thailand Water Festival, Bonn Om Touk takes place on a completely different day and in a completely different way.

Cambodian Water Festival is usually in November when the water flow from Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater in Southeast Asia begins to divert to the Mekong river. It marks the end of the rainy season, which brings about the prosperity to the biodiversity of Cambodia. The reversal of the flow from the Tonle Sap River to Mekong river is another aim of the festival.

During Bonn Om Touk, there is a wide range of festive activities in Phnom Penh. It is roughly estimated that upon a million Cambodians attend the celebrations in the capital city. Longboats are racing on the Mekong River. Parades with the water theme light up the streets. Fireworks displays make the nightlife more vibrant.

 Vesak Bochea or Buddha’s Birthday

Vesak Bochea is an as important day as Meak Bochea to Buddhists. It is a three-in-one event in which there are three milestones of the Buddha’s life happened. Vesak Bochea is not only the date of birth but also the day Gautama Buddha, the ultimate God got enlightened, and even the time when he passed over to nirvana, the ultimate heaven.

Cambodian celebrate Vesak Bochea on the full moon night of the sixth lunar month, about ten days after the Royal Ploughing Day.

To pay homage to the Buddha, the Cambodians will donate foods and clothes to the monks. Some people also go on a fastening day or week to display respect. Temples and pagodas in Cambodia welcome a huge number of visitors from all over the countries on this occassion.

 Meak Bochea

As mentioned above, most festivals in Cambodia have something to do with their religion and the first festival of the year, Meak Bochea is the second largest in Buddhism.

Meak Bochea is also known as Māgha Pūjā or Macha Bucha Day. It is celebrated on the fifth of March in the lunar calendar and in most of the Buddhist nations, for example: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka.

According to the legend, on this day the Buddha and 1,250 of the first disciples had gathered and created an ideal and exemplary community.

The Cambodian celebrate Meak Bochea in a very traditional way. On the early morning, local people will give offerings, including foods and other necessities to the monks. This practice is nothing different from what they usually do on the other days.

The Cambodian celebrate Meak Bochea in a very traditional way

However, the offerings on Meak Bochea tend to be more generous, but no money or precious things are given to the monks. Only foods and some necessary items such as clothes, towers.

After the sun sets, the native resident will flock to the nearby temple, listening to Buddhist preachings. Then they join a candlelit procession. People hold flowers, candle, and incense, walking around the temple for three times in a circle, which represent 3 Buddhist ideas: Buddha (the Holy God), Dharma (the community) and Sangha (the monks).

  Khmer New Year

Choul Chnam Thmey, which can be literally translated into “Enter New Year,” is the time for the Cambodian to celebrates the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is a shared concept in many Asian nations like Vietnam, South Korea, China.

The thing is, Cambodian Lunar New Year doesn’t apply the lunar calendar to count the date. In fact, Choul Chnam Thmey is the only traditional festival in Cambodia to use Gregorian date and month. The holiday will last for three days with the first one falling either on April 13th or April 14th.

It coincides with the end of the harvest, and all people will return to their hometown for a family get-together. Peole clean up the house and prepare many traditional dishes. Native people also visit their ancestors’ shrines to light up candles and incense as an offering for the pass away.

More events of Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia. Located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m²; 402 acres) within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it was originally constructed in 1150 CE as a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu. It was later gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century.

Angkor Wat was built at the behest of the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology and is surrounded by a moat more than 5 km (3.1 mi). Enclosed within an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west with scholars divided as to the significance of this.

The temple complex fell into disuse before being restored in the 20th century with various international agencies involved in the project. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and devatas adorning its walls. The Angkor area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Considered by some experts to be the largest religious structure in the world, it is regarded as one of the best examples of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia, depicted as a part of the Cambodian national flag. The Angkor Wat is a major tourist attraction and attracts more than 2.5 million visitors every year.

Festivals in Thailand

Chinese New Year

Because of the large Chinese population here, the Chinese New Year has become one of the most famous festivals in Thailand. It takes place in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. It is best celebrated in Yaowarat, which is the Chinatown of Bangkok. During these days, you’ll see firecrackers across the sky and traditional dragon dancers take over the streets. For those who enjoy Chinese cuisine, there are plenty of Chinese banquets on offer. It is typically a long weekend of merriment and gala. Before the celebrations begin, it is customary to visit temples (especially Wat Mangkok Kamalawat on Charoen Krung Street in Bangkok) to pay respects.

Dates: 29 January, 2025

Loy Krathong Festival

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of the most exuberant festivals celebrated in Thailand. The celebrations are a national event in Thailand, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘festival of lights.’ Loi Krathong takes place on a full moon evening of the twelfth month, according to the Thai lunar calendar. The date changes every year, but it usually occurs in October or November, according to the Western calendar. The exact date is usually announced a month in advance. The annual festival is celebrated with many rituals at the Buddhist temples in the region. Makeshift steps are constructed in several rivers or water body areas to allow people to enter the water. One can see many stalls selling food, beverages, and readymade krathongs(floating baskets). The festival also includes some activities, such as boat races, lantern processions, and parades.

Dates: 5-6 November 2025

Songkran Festival (The Water Festival)

The water festival is a national holiday that marks the Thai New Year. It takes place on the 13th of April every year, although festivities stretch for at least a week. This is a festival where people clean their houses, pour water over Buddha statues, and drench each other to symbolize cleaning away sins of the past year. The festival is widely known for its culture of engaging in water fights with the use of water guns and balloons. It is celebrated all across the country, although the biggest festivities can be seen in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. Before the water celebrations, Thai people first visit temples to thank god for the past year and pray for good fortune in the year to come.

Dates : 13 April – 15 April, 2025

 Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

The people of Thailand are fiercely devoted to the ruling monarch, and they mark the birthdays of their rulers as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the country. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the Queen’s birthday, and Father’s Day on her husband’s. Both days are national holidays marked by festivities such as parades, music performances, traditional food stalls, and visits to the temple. On Mother’s Day, mothers are invited to their children’s schools, where songs and dances are performed in their honor. On Father’s Day, wearing yellow or golden attire is customary. Both days see huge decorations across the cities of Thailand, and people often put up large Thai flags and portraits of the king and queen in their homes.

Dates: 12 August – Mother’s Day , 5 December – Father’s Day

Asalha Puja (Asalha Bucha)

Asahna Bucha, also known as Asalha Puja, is the day when, over 2500 years ago, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath in India. It is a public holiday in Thailand, and the exact date for this festival is decided by the waxing moon and the lunar months, which typically come in July according to the Thai lunar calendar. It is an auspicious day and brings all the people to their nearest temples to celebrate the occasion. This day marks the beginning of the Vassa, the Buddhist lent period that lasts for three months. Like most festivals in Thailand, the people start the Asalha Puja by visiting their local ‘Wat’ (temple), which is mainly for merit-making ceremonies.

Dates: 10 July 2025

Visakha Bucha (Vesak)

Visakha Bucha Day is one of Thailand’s most important religious festivals. It is a public holiday and falls on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, thus usually taking place in May or June. Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. The country is swept in a peaceful wave of religious fervor, with local temples conducting various rituals and sermons. Tourists are also allowed to visit some of the temples to soak in the spiritual aura of the monks and locals.

Date: 11 May 2025

Boon Bang Fai (The Rocket Festival)

The rocket festival is observed in the Yasothorn province of north-east Thailand. It is one of the festivals in Thailand, popular amongst the farming communities, as the rockets are meant to encourage the gods to bless them with plentiful rains. Locals make elaborate rockets that are almost 20 feet long. These are first paraded around the city and then launched into the sky fuelled by sulfur and charcoal. The person whose rocket soared highest usually wins a prize of almost THB 10,000. Those people whose rockets failed to launch are playfully thrown into a mud-bath as punishment. There is plenty of live folk music here, and merriment is marked by drinking local rice wine.

Location : Yasothon Province, North-east Thailand
Dates : 9 May – 13th May, 2025

 Surin Elephant Festival

This festival is a celebration of Thailand’s friendly giants. Elephants have been an essential part of this country’s history. They were used in battle, they aided in agriculture, and they were even used for travel. In fact, the Hindu deity of Ganesha is hugely popular here, and his statues aren’t uncommon in most towns and villages. This elephant festival in northeast Thailand sees enormous parades of elephants that are lovingly fed with fruits and vegetables. These parades are followed by marching bands and elephant shows. These elephants are decorated with flowers and paste.

Location: Surin Province, Isan, Thailand
Dates: 21st November, 2025

 Wing Kwai (Water Buffalo Racing Festival)

This buffalo-racing festival of Thailand takes place in October in the province of Chonburi. It features a race course near Chonburi City Hall that is over 100 meters long. Dozens of jockeys take part in this festival, racing their buffalos bareback to the finish line. Other bovine-related activities include buffalo decoration and a quirky buffalo beauty contest. The province exudes a carnival-like atmosphere of merriment, along with games and food stalls. Chonburi is an hour’s drive from Bangkok and Pattaya, making Wing Kwai an easily accessible festival for tourists.

Location: Chonburi Province
Dates: October

 Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The vegetarian festival of Phuket gains its name from the abstinence of meat, garlic, onions, and other food groups for one month before the festival. It culminates in a massive celebration in October. It is considered one of the most gruesome festivals in Thailand as revelers take part in body mortification like face piercings, walking on hot coals, and laying on a bed of knives. There are also fireworks, energetic dancing, and chanting involved. Participants believe that this will convince the gods to protect you from harm. This festival sees ceremonies in Chinese temples like Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket. It is a fascinating experience to witness the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, but we wouldn’t recommend it for the faint-hearted.

Location: Phuket, Thailand
Dates: 21 – 29 October, 2025

Lopburi Monkey Festival

Legend has it that the Hindu deity Hanuman saved a god’s daughter from a demon in Thailand, and monkeys have been gladly welcomed here ever since. They are most commonly found in ancient towns such as Lopburi, which is located 150 kilometers north of Bangkok. In Lopburi, the local people conduct a huge monkey banquet every November as a celebration of these apes. The banquet has fruits, vegetables, and seeds kept on offer for the 3,000 monkeys that live in Lopburi’s temple area. It’s a pretty exciting sight to see these monkeys enjoy the festivities, though you should be careful to keep your distance, or else they climb onto you, too!

Location: Lopburi, Thailand
Dates: 30 November, 2025

 Mekong Naga Fireball Festival

The Mekong Naga Fireballs is one of the festivals in Thailand that fascinates people from around the world. Taking place beside the Mekong River, thousands of large reddish-pink balls of light are observed to rise into the night sky without a sound or seeming human interaction. They rise to 600 feet in the air. Locals believe this is the work of a serpent-like creature called Phaya Naga with divine powers, while scientists postulate that it is caused by the combustion of sulfur in the river’s marshy environment.  In recent years, the mysterious red balls of light are joined by bursting of firecrackers.

Location: Mekong River
Dates: 9 – 10 October 2025

 Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

This elaborate festival takes place in Ubon Ratchathani in southeast Thailand. It is held in July on Asanha Puja (commemorating Buddha’s first sermon) and Wan Khao Pansa (which marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent). Large wax sculptures are created to be paraded on massive floats during the Candle Festival. In recent years, these wax sculptures have been created through the influence of traditional and modern art aesthetics, while the candles represent different districts of Thailand. Some elaborate candles are carved with scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Regular-sized candles are placed around temples to dispel the gloom, while custom dictates that people donate food and clothing to monks. The parades include many dancing and traditional music performances while proceeding towards the temple premises.

Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Dates: August 2025(Exact dates to be decided)

Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)

Called the ‘Ghost Festival’ of Thailand because of its embrace of the macabre, Phi Ta Khon takes place in the small town of Dan Sai. It is a three-day celebration marked by colorful masks. These masks are painted in gaudy, eye-catching colors, along with large phallic noses. It typically takes place in the 6th full moon of the Lunar calendar, which occurs in June or July. As the legend goes, Phi Ta Khon is meant to be a party that is so fun that both the living and dead want to attend. Locals believe that the loud noises will awaken the spirit of the Mun River, which protects their town. Massive parades, beauty pageants, and music performances are on the festival’s first two days, followed by a more somber day of Buddhist ceremonies. As Dan Sai is a small town, traveling there can be tricky, and accommodations fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to make bookings beforehand.

Location : Dan Sai, Loei Province, Isan, Thailand (450 km north of Bangkok)
Probable Dates:  From 27 – 29 July 2025

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, also known as the Farmer’s Day or simply the Ploughing Festival, officially marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. This annual ceremony is held in many Asian countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand. Also known as ‘Kan Phuetchamongkhon’ in Thailand, the festival is believed to strengthen the ties between the monarch, the government, and the farmers. It is observed on an auspicious day in early May, with the exact date being determined by monks every year. The royal plowing ceremony, which is both Buddhist and Hindu in origin, consists of aspects of both religions and has two parts. Cultivating Ceremony is the Buddhist part of the farmer’s festival and takes place at the Wat Phra Kaew or the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ in the Grand Palace Complex in Bangkok.

Location: The Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in front of the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Date: 9 May 2025

Khao Phansa Day

Khao Phansa or ‘Vassa’ is a day that marks the beginning of the 3-month monastic retreat by the monks during the rainy season. According to the Thai lunar calendar, it is observed on the day after the first full moon in the eighth month. This day is a national holiday in Thailand. This is the time when monks retreat to their temples and devote three months to meditation and study. On this auspicious day, many Thais fast and avoid alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and meat. It is also a vibrant, colorful festival where travelers would come across beautiful and elaborately carved candles, which turn out to be the center of the celebrations.

Date: 11 July 2025

Poy Sang Long Festival

Translated as the ‘Festival of the Crystal Sons’, Poy Sang Long is an exclusive ceremony meant for young to adolescent boys between the ages of seven and fourteen years of age. It is a popular traditional practice among the Shan people in Myanmar and Thailand, where Shan immigrants have introduced their cultural norms among the people of their sect. Poy Sang Long festival is majorly concerned with the young boys taking their monastic vows to initiate their monastery life. In Thailand, the vibrant festival is celebrated for three days.

Location: Varoius places in North Thailand, especially in Mae Hong Son
Date: 19 March to 14 April 2025

Things to Discover in Thailand

Cruise Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River

Before it became known for its traffic jams, Bangkok was once described as the “Venice of the East,” crisscrossed with canals branching from the Chao Phraya River, which once served as the kingdom’s main artery of commerce and diplomacy. Although far fewer Thais use the Chao Phraya as part of their daily lives today, it remains a potent reminder of the city’s waterborne past.

Many boats – from small long-tailed boats to water buses to larger dinner cruise-type ships – ply the waters for visitors searching for a glimpse of Bangkok’s past, or who simply want to avoid the traffic. The most famous of these boats is likely the  Chao Phrava Express Boat .From downtown Sathorn, the boat goes as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi, and prices range from 16 to 33 baht.

Island hop in the Andaman Sea

This is what the kingdom is likely most known for: its dramatic, green-speckled islands and celadon waters. The best place from which to experience this is Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most-visited island. From its two marinas, you can hire a boat to survey the Andaman Sea and its many blessings, including the iconic Ko Khao Phing Kan(also known as James Bond Island) featured in the movie The Man With a Golden Gun (1974), which resembles a tree-furred exclamation point (one of many striking limestone karsts) in Phang Nga Bay.

Planning tip: Boat rentals can range from US$60 a day on a fishing boat to US$140 a day on a “luxury” cruiser with lunch and dinner included. You can also head to  Rassada Pierto take a ferry to tour Phang Nga Bay as a day trip. Book a ticket online in advance in case they sell out.

 Peruse some of Thailand’s best markets

Thais love to shop, so it’s little surprise that Thailand is liberally peppered with markets of all types, from morning fruit displays and weekend craft offerings to raucous night markets and open-all-hours markets. The most famous of these is probably Bangkok’s 24/7Flower Market , where a panoply of gorgeous blooms makes for ideal photo opps against the background of the Chao Phraya River. Also in Bangkok, Or Tor Kor is widely considered – even among persnickety Thai aunties – to be the best food market in the country, especially revered for its traditional sweets and pristine produce.

Up North, Chiang Mai’s Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street are predictably famous, but the Walking Street in Chiang Khan on the banks of the Mekong is just as extensive and far more picturesque. If it’s crafts you’re looking for, Cicada Market in the beach resort town of  Hua Hinoffers art, clothing and knick-knacks and is only a short walk from the beach. And if it’s a floating market that floats your boat, tree-lined Khlong Lat Mayom is only 1.5 hours from Bangkok and is far less touristy than Bangkok’s Chatuchat Market and the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. All are worth visiting but expect big crowds.

 Splash around in a waterfall

If you loved to splash around in fountains as a kid, then Thailand’s many, many waterfalls will surely delight your inner child – or even your actual child. From close to Bangkok (inKhao Yai National Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok) to its farthest reaches (in Ubon Ratchathani, next to the northeastern border with Laos), Thailand has a waterfall to suit any swimmer or nature lover, from little paddlers to experienced hikers.

Meanwhile in the far northeast lies the isolated  Soi Sawan waterfall in  Ubon Ratchatani ,near where wildflowers bloom in the cool season and numerous hiking trails lead to amazing viewpoints.

 Learn more about Thailand at its top museums

Thailand is chock-a-block with museums, but some are more enchanting and enlightening than others. Belying the image of a fusty old building harboring ancient relics from a far-off land,Museum Siam in Bangkok tells the story of how the “Land of Smiles” came to be through a series of creative, interactive exhibits geared mainly towards children.

Also in Bangkok, the  Jim Thompson House Museum keeps the spirit of the Thai silk tycoon (and rumored CIA agent who disappeared in 1967) alive by making his former home and collection of art and antiques accessible to the public. And only 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Muang Boran (the Ancient City) is a faithful reconstruction of Ayutthaya-era Siam, set over 200 acres and labeled the world’s biggest open-air museum.

Detour: If you can make it out of the Bangkok area, the lengthily titled Hellfire Pass Interpretive   Centre Memorial Walking Trail,situated 100km (62 miles) from Kanchanaburi, was created in memory of the WWII POWs who helped build the Burma-Thailand railway, also known as the “Death Railway” immortalized in the 1957-film Bridge Over the River Kwai.

 Hike up mountain paths and through lush forests

Despite its reputation as a classic fly-and-flop destination, Thailand also manages to be generously laden with hiking trails tailored to all levels of experience. Only 25km (15.5 miles) south of the resort town of Hua Hin,Pran Buri Forest Park features a 1km-long (0.6 mile) boardwalk along mangrove forests and pine trees, allowing even toddlers the chance to stretch their legs while surrounded by greenery.

Up north, close to Chiang Mai, the 13km (8-mile)  Buddha Footprints Trail is a simple out-and-back walk popular among birdwatchers for the diversity of both wildlife and foliage on display (a guide is required and can be hired among the Hmong villagers).

Meanwhile, thrill seekers – and devout Buddhists or meditation enthusiasts – will love  Wat Phu Thok ,also known as the “Lonely Mountain” and located in Northeastern Bueng Kan. Visitors are encouraged to ascend a 359m-high (1,200ft) peak by way of steps, carved paths and eventually rickety-looking wooden slats. The experience, meant to mirror the seven levels to nirvana, is supposed to encourage meditation and focus on the “now” as walkers negotiate every strenuous (and occasionally daunting) step.

 Taste Bangkok’s best street food in Chinatown

Rejuvenated from its post-pandemic slump, Bangkok’s street food scene is newly vibrant, especially in areas like the Old Town, along Charoen Krung Road, on Bantadthong Road, and by the Victory Monument.  The birthplace of Thai street food (and restaurants) is  Chinatown– also known as Yaowarat. Chinese-Thai dishes like oyster omelets, soup noodles, rice porridge and black sesame-stuffed dumplings tempt passersby along Yaowarat Rd, which becomes a neon-lit roadside buffet at night. Just remember: many street food stalls are closed on Monday, so check your chosen vendors beforehand.

Planning tip: While in Chinatown, visit one of Bangkok’s hippest nightlife spots, Nana Road (in Chinatown, not on Sukhumvit). Here, famous watering holes like Tep Bar ,  Teens of Thailand and the taxes-themed TAX rub shoulders with picturesque shophouses and noodle joints.

 Cycle around some incredible ruins

Before Bangkok was even a gleam in the eye of King Rama I, the country’s capitals lived further up from the Chao Phraya River, first in  Sukhotai and then in Ayutthava (also known as Ayuthaya). Now both UNESCO World Heritage sites, their ruins testify to the power and beauty of what was formerly known as Siam. Ranging over 70 sq km (27 sq miles), Sukhothai Historical Park showcases Wat Mahathat at its center, arranged like a lotus among 193 ruins. Visitors can explore the grounds by rented bicycle before heading to  Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.

At the larger Ayutthaya Historical Park, active from the 14th to 18th centuries, 425 unearthed archaeological sites include Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit, home to one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha statues. You can also hire a bicycle to survey the park or head on out with a guide, and even rent traditional Thai costumes for a photo shoot.

 See marine life on a snorkeling or diving trip

Underwater explorers of all abilities will find their dreams come true in the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand. With its warm water, striking coral reefs and many manta rays and whale sharks, Thailand is thick with top-tier diving sites in Phuket, Ko Phi-Phi, Ko Tab  and  Ko Pha-Ngan.If it’s snorkeling you’re after, the waters of Ko Chang and Ko Tarutao Marine National Park  host bountiful marine life in clear blue water.

Make your way to a temple

Thailand is home to more than 40,000 temples – choosing which one to visit can be rather difficult. Although most people will say that visits to Bangkok’s  Grand Palace and Wat Pho are musts, some other temples scattered throughout the kingdom could be the ones to reside permanently in your memories.

In the far Northern town of  Chiang Rai,Wat Rong Khun– otherwise known as the White Temple – features a “bridge of rebirth” that takes visitors over a “lake” of outstretched hands representing human suffering. Further south near ,Pattaya the Sanctuary of Truth stands as Thailand’s largest wooden building, painstakingly carved using traditional techniques.

And on the border between the North and Northeast regions in Phetchabun,Wat Phra Thad Son Kaew displays a series of giant Buddha images sitting in each other’s laps inspired by Russian nesting dolls, surrounded by Gaudi-like mosaics and a vast tapestry of stunning mountains.

If you do decide to stay in Bangkok,  Wat Aru,(aka “Temple of the Dawn”) is a beautiful and less-touristy temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya, while Wat Po also houses a massage school said to have been the birthplace of Thai massage.

Top  Attractions in Phnom Penh

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

Located right in the heart of Phnom Penh, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum preserves a tragic period in Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime. In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Toul Svay Prey High School in Phnom Penh and converted it into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Within four years (from 1975 to 1978), more than 14,000 people were imprisoned and tortured here, which made it become the largest center of detention and torture in the country.

Displays in the museum focus on main topics: the Khmer Rouge period, the living conditions of prisoners and the impact of this dark period on the present Cambodian society. The visit to Toul Sleng is really a depressing experience, especially more visceral by the displayed photographs of victims hanging on the walls. But the visit there is recommended for those who want to get greater sight about Cambodia bloody history and admire Khmer people’s strong resilience.

Toul Sleng Museum serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and encourages visitors to be messengers of peace.

Address: St.113, Boeung Keng Kang III, Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily.