23 Mar Vesak Day in Thailand

Discover one of the most important festivals in Thailand 

Hey travellers, for this post we thought we’d talk about a favourite country of ours here at Coverontrip travel insurance, Thailand. More precisely, we’re talking about the religious festival of Vesak Day. This is something that’s sure to make even the doubters want to go to Thailand.   

 If you fancy a trip to Thailand, then Vesak Day is a date to mark in your calendar as it’s the perfect event to organise a trip around. Vesak Day is one of the most important festivals in Thailand and neighbouring countries, as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha (or known simply as the Buddha), who is the main figure in Buddhism.    

 Throughout Thailand on Vesak Day, also known as Visaka Puja Day, Thais flock to temples to listen to readings, worship and make offerings to the Buddha. The day itself is not on a fixed date each year as it takes place on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar (which is April/May in our calendar). 

 And Thailand is not the only country that celebrates this day, as Vesak Day is also a major event in many other Southeast Asian countries including Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka. So it’s a day that’s been marked on the calendars of millions of people for over 2,500 years! 

The Vien Tien procession in Chiang Mai 

People flock to the city of Chiang Mai from every corner of Thailand on the eve of Vesak Day and travel in procession to the temple of Doi Suthep. After sunset, thousands of Buddhists walk the 12 miles that separate Chiang Mai from the famous temple. Along the way there is plenty of traditional Thai music and dancing. Upon reaching the temple, a sacred ritual is performed to pay respect to the Buddha and is finished by placing three incense sticks in the main pagoda, which is said to contain sacred relics of the Buddha. 

 As well as the religious aspect of the procession, the show is also formed by lantern and candle lights held by people that form the route, which makes this an unforgettable sight and experience. The light is so great that you can make out the processions from the mountain sides that are miles away. And if you want to get involved and be part of the procession, make sure you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, as it lasts around 9 hours!

Celebrate Vesak Day in Thailand 

Since 1999, the United Nations’ General Assembly has recognised this day as the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. That’s why each year this day is also celebrated at the headquarters of the UN. And although it’s also celebrated in many other countries, we think that Thailand has the je ne se quoi that makes its celebrations the best out there. 

If this has piqued your interest, then start looking into your own Thailand Vesak Day adventure now. And don’t forget that an essential part of any trip planning is buying travel insurance. But don’t waste hours searching for cheap travel insurance.