In Bangkok, festivities take place at Sanam Luang, where a revered Buddha image is bathed as part of the merit-making rituals. Over the years, the festival has become a boisterous affair of water throwing.
Few people escape getting soaked.
Visakha Puja in May marks the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha. It is celebrated with candlelight processions around important temples. At the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang in May, oxen and Brahmin priests predict the coming agricultural season. The Golden Mount Fair is the best chance to see a typical Thai temple fair, complete with fun fair, performers and candlelight processions. The Trooping of the Colours in the Royal Plaza is the best of many nationwide celebrations marking King Bhumibol's birthday.