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What's your favorite Public Holiday in Asia?

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Posted by exacto on 13/7/2009 at 01:30

Mine has always been Loy Kratong. It's a celebration that takes place around the full moon usually in November.

I love watching the decorated floats on the water or the lanterns as they sail skyward. This holiday always seems to capture the graceful side of the culture, and the more remote a place I've been to celebrate the better it has been.

Plus, it isn't included on the dry day list that SBE provided for no alcohol sales. Bonus!

What's your favorite?

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Posted by MADMAC on 13/7/2009 at 03:07

exacto
I am definitely with you on that one. I really enjoy it as my wife, daughter and I will walk down to the Mekong and float our candles. We had good luck last year, and all three went into deep water and down river.

My wife is always feeling romantic that night...

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Posted by smash on 13/7/2009 at 03:26

What is Liberation Day/Reunification Day/May Day like in Vietnam? We're going to be making our way from Saigon to Mekong around that date.

I think we'll be in Luang Prabang for Buddha's Birthday. Does this mean the Full Moon Party in Thailand won't actually be on the night of the full moon? Read somewhere Thailand normally saves the Vasek celebrations until the following full moon after the date.

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Posted by SBE on 13/7/2009 at 04:55

Loy Kratong is my definitely favourite too. Beautiful!

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Posted by BruceMoon on 13/7/2009 at 05:28

Clearly, there will be differences in perspective between those appreciated by ppl living in SE Asia, and those appreciated by tourists.

For mine, PiiMaiLao is pretty fun.

Cheers

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Posted by MADMAC on 13/7/2009 at 15:14

I like Songkran too - but man it goes on so long. I have to do all my shopping the week before, because riding my bike is inviting assault. And while I don't mind it (I'm no prude certainly) the women take it as license to be VERY naughty. Given this is a society where everyone has to be just so... I guess it's healthy to be able to cut loose once a year.

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Posted by Jon_Mak_Mak on 10/8/2009 at 00:06

Gotta be songkran for me and the wife. Great fun!

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Posted by somsai on 10/8/2009 at 00:26

Pii Mai / Songkran for me too, but for different reasons. Many people leave the Indo part of Indochina at this time, for me Pii Mai means Yunnan or Hong Kong and a change of venu. Can't get much accomplished anyway, loath drunks.

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Posted by scottyheather on 1/12/2009 at 14:12

I love Songkran - guess I'm still a kid at heart.

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Posted by CunningMcFar on 1/12/2009 at 21:39

We found Songkran/Pii Mai Lao to be fun and festive, but it did get tiresome after nearly a week of soakings. Perhaps should have stayed a few days longer in Luang Prabang, left for Chiang Mai before Pii Mai Lao really got going.

Loy Krathong gets my vote, seems more focused and sincere, and so stunning visually. Plan to catch the Taunggyi Balloon Festival next year.

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Posted by MADMAC on 6/12/2009 at 09:06

Cunning
But do drunk Thai women assault you during Loy Khratong? I don't know, I find that a big plus!!! OK, maybe over the top, but interesting.

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Posted by CunningMcFar on 6/12/2009 at 21:51

the only drunk woman assaulting me on public holidays would be my lovely wife, and she's Irish. But I can see your position on Loy Krathong (no pun intended)

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Posted by MADMAC on 8/12/2009 at 09:17

My wife is funny about it - she finds other Thai women hitting on me to be a compliment, which I guess it is.

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Posted by Sophia_India on 14/6/2010 at 21:17

Mine is definately Songkran! Its so much fun, its during the hottest time of the year when it is roasting and its just a 3 day water fight which really cools you down! Its awesome.

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