Bright festivities in Thailand

Travellers heading to Thailand this winter might want to check out the Loi Krathong, a major festival celebrated throughout the country in late November.

The event sees revellers release small rafts carrying candles and other decorations onto rivers across the country to symbolise the letting go of old frustrations and anger and the embrace of a new life.

In addition to this, fireworks shows, beauty contests and a host of other side events and activities take place to mark the festival, while locations such as the ancient city of Sukhothai go further and put on more ambitious displays such as light and sound shows, which attract thousands of people every year.

Elsewhere in Thailand, Chiang Mai holds a massive parade and erects a large market as part of Loi Krathong, while also putting on a sister event - Yi Peng - which adds to the festivities with hot air balloons and more.

Because of the festival's focus on water, be sure to visit restaurants, venues and outdoor spaces located on riverbanks and by other bodies of water, as these places tend to host the biggest celebrations.

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