Nicole Long, our Regional Director of Operations based in Bangkok weighs in about what to expect for the upcoming Loi Krathong celebrations.

Loi Krathong falls in November, on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month of the lunar calendar, an important Buddhist holiday. Thais also thank the Water Goddess for the rains, and symbolically let go of any anger, grudges or misfortune that they may have been holding by sending floating krathongs downriver and releasing floating lanterns into the air. The largest celebrations take place in Chiang Mai and are typically accompanied by a grand parade and street parties.

This year, as the government of Thailand has announced a period of mourning, celebrations associated with Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai have been cancelled. This means that the Grand Parade, fireworks, street parties, and festivities have been cancelled or are prohibited.

However, the releasing of the krathongs in the river and releasing the floating lanterns will continue. So, while this is disappointing in that the celebrations won’t be as “festive” as usual, Loi Krathong will still be worth attending. In recent years, this festival has moved away from its traditional and spiritual roots, and has become more of a large city-wide party. This year we believe that the festival will return to being a spiritual and introspective event, presenting a unique opportunity for travelers. For the time being, we don’t recommend cancelling any Loi Krathong travel plans as the main focus of the festival will remain.

Most bars and restaurants will remain open as usual, but some, particularly night clubs, have closed until further notice. If a bar is open, there must not be any “celebratory” behavior, out of respect for the passing of The King. Alcohol will be sold during the usual hours of 11am-2pm and 5pm-midnight in restaurants and bars, but may not be found in all shops at this time.

For travelers visiting in December and early January, no statements have been released about New Year’s celebrations. There are usually fireworks in Bangkok, and many hotels host gala dinners. We are waiting to see if this year will be different. From what we understand, people expect after 30 days everything will return to normal, but we will continue to monitor the situation for new announcements and changes. Thailand relies heavily on tourism and so we believe that the government will not wish to dissuade tourists from visiting.

 … Read more »

By Courtney Ridgel

Our very own Makara is competing in the Mr. Siem Reap 2017 competition, sponsored by Barcode Siem Reap!  Makara has made it as one of the top 5 finalists in the semifinals on October 15^th and will be competing in the final round on Saturday, October 22nd!

Makara Put was born in Kok Chork village, right in front of Angkor Wat. He was the first of his siblings to finish high school and the first person in his village to finish university.  From a young age Makara, has worked very hard to support himself and his family, taking jobs as a construction worker, gardener and electrician in during school vacations. After high school, he spent three months studying English and then he secured a job as a waiter in a restaurant in downtown Siem Reap, eventually being promoted to manager. It was during that time that he saw an advertisement regarding scholarships from Journeys Within Our Community and decided to apply in hopes of one day attending university and was accepted.  During his fourth year at the South East Asia University he was hired at the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel as a Front Desk Manager, and since then graduated with a degree in Business Management.  Makara is now our Country Director for Cambodia.

In his free time Makara continues to volunteer with mentoring, education and fitness programs, and coaches a children’s basketball team.  His goal is to become a model and actor, and already his career is taking off!  He modeled a new fashion line for Muoy Chorm Fashion in downtown Siem Reap.  He made his film debut in the Angkor Pearl Hotel’s new commercial.

Makara – you are a wonderful person, a leader in the community and an all-around great guy and all of us at Journeys Within just wanted to say, “Good Luck!”  We are all cheering for you in your endeavors!

 … Read more »

By Courtney Ridgel

Before explaining what travelers may expect to see in Thailand over the next few months, we’d like to first put in context what the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej means to the Thai people.  King Bhumibol was more than simply a figure-head; he was both a living god-king and a beloved grandfather-figure to all Thais.  Thai law demands reverence for the King and movie theatres always play a tribute to the King before each movie showing.  Every home contains a photo of the King and he was seen a leader that truly cared and loved his people.  The loss of King Bhumibol is being felt as a personal loss for every Thai person, and his seventy-year reign means that most Thais have never known another King.  Additionally, he has been an advocate for peace and stability between Thailand’s competing political factions.

So, what does this mean for visiting travelers?

• Deep respect should be shown to the King and Royal Family at all times. Showing respect for King is the law (known as the lese majeste laws) and all people within Thailand, including foreigners, are required to abide by this law. The Thai people will be very sensitive during this time of mourning to any comments about the Royal Family or the current situation.

• As an official year of mourning has been implemented, all travelers should be very respectful and wear dark colors in conservative fashions for at least the next 30 days.  (Be sure to keep your shoulders and knees covered – this is recommended at any time, but especially over the next month).  Thais are required to wear black for the next 30 days and it is recommended for foreigners, but not required.

• The Thai government has announced that all celebrations will be toned down, and as part of this,

• Most bars and restaurants will remain open as usual, but many have closed over the weekend and may remain closed until further notice.   If a bar is open, there must not be any “celebratory” behavior, out of respect.  Alcohol will be sold during the usual hours of 11am-2pm and 5pm-midnight.  Alcohol sales and consumption are banned for this Saturday, which is Wan Ok Phansa – the last day of Buddhist Lent (Vassa).

• Nightlife such as Soi Cowboy and some popular night clubs will be closed indefinitely.  Most of our guests don’t visit these establishments, but in case this is of interest to you – these venues are considered “celebratory” and so are currently closed.

• You may see people with shaved heads.  This is an outward expression of mourning in Thailand and is nothing to be alarmed about.

• The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be completely closed from October 14-20. They will make further announcements at a later date to say whether it will reopen after that.  Government buildings are likely to be closed frequently, both to observe the national period of mourning and to accommodate large state funeral ceremonies.   Other temples such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho will remain open. You can find more information on closings and cancellations here.

• Celebrations associated with Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai have been cancelled.  This means that the Grand Parade, fireworks and street parties and festivities are cancelled or prohibited. However, the releasing of the krathongs in the river and the floating lanterns will continue.  So, while this is disappointing in that it won’t be as “festive” as usual it will likely be a unique Loy Krathong.  In recent years, this festival has moved away from the traditional and the spiritual aspects of the festival, and more towards the party &celebrations.  This year we believe that the festival will return to its roots and will be more spiritual and introspective.  We don’t recommend cancelling any Loi Krathong celebrations as the main focus of the festival will remain.

We will keep monitoring the situation and we will keep all of our guests updated about new regulations, closures, and any changes to celebrations and we’ll adjust itineraries for our travelers accordingly.  That said, we do feel that the situation merits any cancellations at this time.… Read more »