"My Business Journeys" mwat's Profile

Floating Market at Bangkok, well outside really. Early start as it closes down by 1300hrs. Visit the Rose Garden on the way back to the city

If you like Thai food , this is the place.

Thai food is renowned all around the globe for its distinctive flavours, which are a mix of spicy and sour tastes. Each area of Thailand has its own culinary specialities.

Releasing my float at the apartments pool

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.

"Loi" means "to float". "Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.

Ready to be floated

Loy Kratong in Chiang Mai has become so popular that the hotels areound the city are fully booked a month or more in advance. If you want to celebrate the festival in Chiang Mai, plan ahead and book your hotel well in advance. Note that Loy Kratong is celebrated on a full moon night, so the date will change from year to year. Check our list of holidays for the next date.

Lanterns over Chang Mai

Yi Peng Lantern Festival is the unique traditional practice of Chiang Mai locals. It is northern Thailand's version of 'Loy Kratong' celebration. About to happen in the festival are Yi Peng Lantern contest, light and sound presentation, rafts competition, rowing boat race, 'Kratong' contest and various kinds of local plays and performances.

Apple and me, both wet

Songkran is a Thai word that means "move" or "change place" as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac.

It is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water will wash away bad luck. The Songkran tradition is recognized as a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. The value for family is to provide the opportunity for family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors.

sa-wat-di pi mai = Happy New Year

suk-san wan songkran = Happy Songkran Day

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.