WHEN TO GO - November

Coinciding with the full moon festival, visitors flock to Taunngyi from far and wide to celebrate on the night of the full moon. Balloons in the shapes of animals, including horse, ox, pig, owl and elephant are lit up and released into the night sky as an offering to the Gods and Nats, to ward off evil spirits.

This important three-day Buddhist festival is held at one of Laos’ most sacred temples. A procession takes place in the evening around Vientiane’s founding pillar. People carry ‘castles’ of wax flowers and incense and the following day, offer them at That Luang. On the day of the full moon, offerings are made to the monks.

Loy Kratong (floating decoration) is undoubtedly the prettiest festival in the Thai calendar. On the full moon of the 12th lunar month, locals flock to the river to release their homemade floats, containing flowers and candles. Over the surrounding three or four days, the night skies are brilliantly lit by lanterns and fireworks.