While I’ve devoted much of this blog to sharing what I have learned about Thai culture, with my service winding down I figured I would give a short round-up of some of the recent projects I’ve either spearheaded or had the chance to be a part of, to give you a bit more insight into what being a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand entails.
In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.
The last time I was in Ubon Ratchathani, it was for another festival, the Candle Festival. Recently, I was there during my favorite Thai holiday, Loi Krathong. Last year, I was in Sukhothai for Loi Krathong, so I was interested to see how other cities participate. Check it out!
In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.
Every year just before the rainy season, Thailand marks the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent. In Ubon Ratchathani, they host what is known as the Candle Festival every year to mark Vassa. Enormous, carved wax candles are made and drawn as floats in a parade through town. Check it out!
Now that I’ve been here for a year, I kind of have a grasp on what some of the big celebrations Thailand has and I’ve heard of some smaller, local festivals. So much Thai culture is steeped throughout the year and released all at once in these annual festivals, from celebrations of victorious battles to honoring spirits and ghosts, from taking pride in local ruins and historical sites to making merit and honoring the water spirits, there is likely a celebration of some kind just around the corner. Here are the ones that I am most looking forward to going to this year.