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You are browsing the archives of 2008 May.

Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Visakha Puja Day*, the most important Buddhist holiday. It marks the three most significant dates in the life of the Lord Buddha commemorating the day on which he was born, achieved enlightenment and passed into Nirvana. All three events occurred on the full moon of the [...]

There is some debate about the exact date of birth of Gautama Buddha, but general consensus seems to put it at around 500 to 400 B.C. He was born as Prince Gautama Siddharta into a royal warrior family in what was northern India (now Nepal). At the time of his birth, astrologers predicted he would [...]

The rainy season in Thailand varies from region to region and is largely dominated by the monsoon. Very broadly speaking, Thailand’s rainy season can be classified as mid-May/June-October. For most of Thailand, the wettest months are usually August-October. However, the Gulf Coast of the southern peninsula (e.g. Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan) is affected by [...]

Monsoon
A common misconception is that monsoon refers to rain, but in fact monsoon refers to the wind. The word, ‘monsoon’, comes from the Arabic word, ‘mausim’, meaning season and nowadays monsoon is the term used for the seasonal shift in wind direction which usually brings on a different season of weather.
South-West Monsoon in Thailand
June-September
The south-west [...]

Check prices for the Ayatana Hamlet & Spa >>
I recently stayed for just one night at the Ayatana Hamlet and Spa, but I wish it could have been longer. This is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in. I’d originally booked to stay at the Tri Yaan Na Ros Colonial [...]

Although Thailand is pre-dominantly Buddhist, there are many beliefs and customs which owe nothing to Buddhism, but instead have their roots in Hindu or animist beliefs. The presence of ghosts or spirits (phi) is a widely held belief and not something that most Thais take lightly; an unhappy spirit can cause major problems. There [...]

Following today’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok, royal astrologers have predicted a bumper rice crop and abundant supplies of food. In a country where superstitions and old traditions still play a part in everyday life, the forecast is based on two royal oxen eating rice and hay out of seven food offerings.
Although the day isn’t [...]