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If you really want to experience festivals in Thailand the way locals do, you should definitely look beyond the celebrations and take a closer look at what people are wearing. That’s because traditional costumes are an integral part of the festivities and a rich heritage.

Loy Krathong
Traditional attire can be seen during Loy Krathong, known for its light-filled floats on the water. Women often choose jewel-toned silk ensembles like chut thai chitlada (a traditional costume), complemented with elegant sabai drapes and jewellery. Men, on the other hand, wear formal Thai jackets paired with rich-coloured pha muang. If you happen to be staying at Chiang Rai hotels during this time, definitely be on the lookout to spot such attire while enjoying the festival.

John Shedrick from Chiang Mai, Thailand, Thai people setting their candle-lit krathongs in the Ping river at night during Loy Krathong 2015-10 (22715933524), CC BY 2.0

Songkran
Songkran (usually in April) may be famous for water fights, but the traditional attire brings a surprisingly elegant aspect to it. During formal ceremonies, women wear pastel-coloured chut thai with graceful sabai drapes and sinh skirts symbolising new beginnings. Meanwhile, men don light-coloured Thai-style jackets with subtle floral motifs. Look to enjoy such festivals during a stay at properties like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, an ideal base for cultural experiences too.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Generally held in May, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony showcases some of Thailand’s most exquisite traditional costumes. Officials can be seen wearing some rather stunning gold-embroidered suea khrui jackets and brocaded garments, crafted with meticulous handwork. Women in attendance appear in formal styles like chut thai dusit, shimmering with intricate silk and gold thread.

Vegetarian Festival
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival (usually in October) brings together Thai and Chinese customs, and its costumes tell the story beautifully. Participants wear white outfits symbolising purity and merit. Mediums and performers sometimes add touches of red for protection and good fortune, with some garments decorated with Chinese calligraphy, which definitely adds to the beauty of the attire.

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