Events & Festivals

Archive for the ‘Events & Festivals’ Category

Be at Awe with a World-Class Fireworks Display in Danang, Vietnam

Mar 4th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Citizens and visitors of Danang are preparing for what is sure to be another awesome fireworks show. On March 27th and 28th 2010, the city will host the International Fireworks Competition. This will mark the third time that Danang has hosted the event.

Last year’s festivities saw a team from China win the competition against Spain, Philippines, Australia and the hosts Vietnam. The highlight of the Chinese performance was its firework heart display accompanied by a romantic musical piece. All the other countries also out up magnificent performances and it was quite a shame that only one winner can be picked.

The theme for this year’s competition is “Legend of the Han River”. Through a careful selection process, participating teams were handpicked from France, Portugal, the US and the host country. These teams have been responsible for many fireworks displays at prestigious international events and have won numerous competitions from around the world.

Each team has about 20 minutes to put up a choreographed show consisting of music and fireworks in an art form called Pyro-Musical Synchronization. Judges will watch for concept design, mood, color usage and integration as a basis for determining the winner. Spectators will be able to watch the show from two 30,000 seat grand stands that has been purposely built for this event. The city’s many restaurants and hotel balconies are also great spots to watch the show. City officials estimate that over 500,000 spectators will fill the streets of Danang for the event.

The International Fireworks Competition will be the main attraction commemorating Danang’s 35th year of liberation. In addition to this, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung chose this and seven other nationwide events as showpieces celebrating Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary.

In addition to the fireworks show, there will also be flower garlands and art exhibitions. The beach will be alive with activities and the skies filled with kites and colored lanterns cumulating into one truly festive atmosphere.

If you would like to see a truly world class fireworks display and be part of a truly jovial environment in Vietnam, then you should head over to Danang during the mentioned dates. While in Danang, you can stay at the Furama Resort Danang. Boasting excellent service and charming hospitality, it is the perfect beach resort blending traditional Vietnamese design with French colonial accents. You may also visit nearby attractions with A Day Hoi An and My Son day trip. March and April are great times for a beach break at Hoi An and you can also learn a bit about Champa history and culture by visiting the ruins at My Son. You may also contact us if you have any questions about the fireworks festival or would like to tweak any of our Vietnam tours to fit your needs and schedule.

Filed under: Events & Festivals, Vietnam Travel

Celebrate the Founding of the Current Thai Monarchy on Chakri Memorial Day

Mar 2nd, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Chakri Dynasty is the current ruling royal house of Thailand. It was founded by Rama I in 1782 after the capital of Thailand, then known as Siam moved to Bangkok. All successive heirs to the throne including the country’s present King are descendants of King Rama I. To commemorate the founder of the dynasty, a holiday called Chakri Memorial Day is celebrated on April 6th.

To fully appreciate the holiday, it is best to understand the history behind the Chakri Dynasty. Prior to the establishment of the current lineage, Siam (ruled by King Taksin) was in a state of turmoil. The Burmo-Siamese War was in full swing and the Burmese army had just invaded and captured the northern Kingdom of Lana as well as Phitsanulok and was quickly approaching the capital of Ayutthaya. The city’s resistance forces, led by a young man named Thong Duang (Rama I) fought valiantly, but Ayutthaya eventually fell on April 8th 1767. This prompted the people to flee and move the capital down the Chao Phraya River into Thonburi. Rama I continued to be involved militarily in campaigns to fight back lost territories and expand Siam’s influence further. He eventually became a highly respected general and emerged as Siam’s most powerful military leader.

In the meantime King Taksin, weary from war, failed to address the people’s concerns, which caused rebellions to break out. The rebels called for Thong Duang to ascend to the throne, and on April 6th 1782, became the King of Siam. Knowing that Thonburi could be easily attacked by the Burmese from the west, King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River into what is now Bangkok.

On April 6th Thais perform rituals to honor the past kings of the ruling dynasty, led by the current monarch of the Chakri, King Rama IX. He also pays his respects by leading religious ceremonies at the royal chapel and donning the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge with a garland.

Falling in the month of April, Chakri Memorial Day also offers Thais a day to relax before the start of the New Year (known as Songkran or Water Festival), which is only a week away. You can fully experience the April holidays in the country with our Thailand Overland tour. Discover its many wonders while you uncover traditional Thai culture, visit ancient temples and experience its natural beauty. You can also see Exotissimo’s Thailand tours page for other unforgettable trips in this marvelous country or contact us if you have any questions.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Thailand History, Thailand Travel

Get Wet and Celebrate the New Year in Southeast Asia

Mar 1st, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

April is one of the hottest months in Southeast Asia. It is also the New Year for Thais, Burmese, Laotians and Cambodians. Many take the time and wish each other luck and prosperity by gently pouring water on each other as a symbol of goodwill and cleansing. Others combat the heat by splashing water on the streets in scenes of joy and merriment. The New Year is called Songkran in Thailand, Pee Mai Lao in Laos, Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia and Thingyan in Myanmar. It is also known as the Water Festival to foreigners.

Even though the changing of the calendar year is adopted from the West and the New Year is officially recognized as January 1st on most Southeast Asian calendars, their traditional holidays are still kept intact. It was actually based on the solar calendar, but is now fixed on April 13th – 15th. The holidays can be even longer if the New Year falls just before or right after the weekend. If the Water Festival falls in the middle of the week, many take the Monday or Friday off and to travel and visit family members and elders.

Traditionally, people will go to temples to pray and make merit. They will also clean Buddha images by gently pouring water over them. It is believed that this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. Sand is also brought to the temple grounds and stupa-shaped piles are sculptured, decorated and given to monks as a merit making gesture. Another way to make merit is to free animals such as crabs, birds and fish.

The pouring of water was originally a way to respect elders. The water, which had been poured onto Buddha images and therefore blessed, was seen as a way of giving good fortune to family members and elders by gently pouring it onto their shoulders.

The image most people associate with the New Year is the party-like atmosphere on the streets and the throwing and splashing of water at each other, which is a great antidote to combat the April heat. Tourists are more than welcome to partake in the celebrations and attend the traditional ceremonies in the temples or join the water fights in the streets.

The Water Festival is the most anticipated holiday in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Many shops and businesses will be closed during the day because everyone is busy with the celebrations. You too can join in the festivities with Exotissimo’s Celebrate Myanmar New Year tour. Head out with your guide in an open-air truck and partake in a ritual of water throwing and splashing with the smiling Burmese. Or if you would like to celebrate the New Year amidst the infamous Angkor temples in Siem Reap, then our Celebrate Khmer New Year tour is for you. You can also see our Thailand tours page and Laos tours page for other interesting options to celebrate the New Year in Southeast Asia or contact us if you have any questions about the Water Festival.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Southeast Asia travel

Call in the Spirits and Bring Harmony with a Baci Ceremony in Laos

Feb 18th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Despite the prevalence of Buddhism in Laos, animist beliefs are still widespread amongst the people of the country. The belief in phi (spirits) is blended into Buddhism. Some monks are respected to have the ability to exorcise spirits from a sick person or drive them away from one’s home. Many Lao people believe that they are protected by kwan (similar to the concept of a soul). A baci ceremony is meant to ‘call’ the kwan in celebration of certain events or to protect one during illness.

Before getting into the baci ceremony it is important to understand the concept of kwan. Some westerners have described kwan as vital forces giving harmony and balance to the body. It is an ancient belief in the country that human beings consist of a collection of 32 organs and that one kwan is assigned to protect one particular organ. It is imperative that a person keeps as many in the body as possible. It is also believed that a person gets ill when one or more kwan leaves the body. So, the baci ceremony is meant to re-call the kwan and secure them in the body, thus re-establishing balance. For other purposes, the baci ceremony is meant to re-call the kwan for good luck and fortune.

The baci ceremony (otherwise known as su kwan which means calling of the soul) is the center-piece of many celebrations and rituals. Some of the people who are given bacis include a mother who is recovering from birth, newlyweds for happiness and prosperity, novice monks before entering a temple and as mentioned before the sick to speed up recovery. The ceremony can take place at any time of the year and at anytime of the day, but noon or before sunset is preferred.

Before the ritual, the younger people present would pay their respects to the elders. There will also be a pha kwan, which is an arrangement consisting of a silver bowl containing a banana-made cone sprouting from the top, some flowers and white silk threads. Around the base is the food for the kwan which usually includes eggs, fruits, sweets, a bottle of rice whisky and whole boiled chicken. The pha kwan is placed on a white cloth in the center of the room and everyone touches it before the start of the ritual.

The ceremony is performed by a respected elder who is an ex-monk. He calls the kwan in a loud song-like chant asking it to bring well-being and happiness and to share in the feast that will follow. When the chanting is finished, the elder puts the food (usually the egg as it symbolizes fertility) onto the recipient’s hand. He then takes the white silk thread and ties it around the main receiver’s wrist, and then to everyone else at the ceremony. The thread must be left on the wrist for three days (or until it falls off by itself), and can be broken or untied but never cut.

The baci ceremony is a very important ritual in Laos and although it is not necessarily a tourist attraction, you can contact us if you would like to be a part of this special ceremony in any of our Laos tours. In the meantime, you can enjoy a thorough Southeast Asian experience with our Colorful Capitals tour where you will visit each city’s main attractions and rarely seen sites as well as partaking in a baci ceremony in Vientiane.

Filed under: Events & Festivals, Laos Travel, Southeast Asia travel

Makha Bucha – A Day to Repent your Sins in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Feb 5th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Makha Bucha is an important religious festival observed by Buddhists in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month, which usually falls in late Febuary or early March. In 2010, it will occur on Febuary 28th. Makha Bucha is a public holiday and an occasion where followers of Buddhism are reminded of Buddha and his teachings. Many will go to a temple and perform merit making activities on this day. The spiritual aims of the day are not to commit any kinds of sins and to purify one’s mind.

Full moon days are a revered occasion in Buddhism and considered a holy day. On these days, people will make merits at their local temples. A good Buddhist will adhere to the precepts laid upon by Buddha, much like how followers of Christianity obey the Ten Commandments. Some of these precepts include avoiding consumption of alcohol, killing, stealing, lying and cheating. Some of the less ‘severe’ precepts are broken regularly by many (such as alcohol consumption) and Makha Bucha is a chance for people to seek forgiveness. The festival also reinforces the idea of pure and sacred path to enlightenment.

Makha Bucha commemorates the ordainment of Buddha’s first 1250 disciples who spontaneously came to see him and to listen to his sermon that day 2500 years ago. It is also said that on this day more than 2550 years ago, Buddha announced his passing away, which would happen three months later. He correctly predicted his death and it is now remembered as Visakha Bucha Day (which also happens to be his birthday and enlightenment day).

In the evening, most temples in Thailand hosts a candle procession called Wien Tien (Wien meaning circle and Tien meaning candle). With a candle, incense sticks and lotus flower in hand, people walk around the temple three times, once each to venerate Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and the Sangha (monastic life).

Thailand, Cambodia and Laos hold strong Theravada Buddhist traditions, making this holiday a very important one in each country’s calendars. If you have any questions or are going to visit one of these countries during this day, you may contact us if you would like to tweak your itinerary with a temple visit and fully experience the festival. Discover the beautiful culture and heritage of these three countries with Exotisimo’s Colorful Capitals tour. Discover some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful cities with a tour to its historical sites and rarely seen locations. You can also see our suggested multi-country tours page for other memorable trips into this beautiful and captivating region.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Southeast Asia travel

Take Part with over 80,000 People at the Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, Laos

Feb 4th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Elephant Festival is an event organized by ElefantAsia to promote the conservation of these animals in Laos. The first festival was a huge success and has now become an annual event in February, with this year’s festivities taking place on February 20th-21st. Elephants, their trainers (called mahouts) as well as people from all over Laos gather in Sayaboury Province for this popular event with all kinds of activities and shows on display at the festival.

The Asian Elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia. The elephants can grow to about 2-3.6 meters tall and weigh 3,000-5,000 kilograms. Its habitat includes South Asia and Southeast Asia. This species of elephant is considered endangered, with less than 50,000 left in the wild and only 700 of those in the Laotian wilderness. In addition, there are only 560 domesticated elephants in the country. Throughout history, the animals have been tamed and trained for a number of reasons such as logging, milling, ceremonial purposes and as a military animal during warfare.

The combination of habitat loss, expansion of agriculture, and hunting has left this beloved animal endangered. Estimates have the Asian Elephant to be totally extinct in Laos in 50 years if conditions do not improve. Laos, formerly known as Lang Xang, (the Land of a Million Elephants), enjoys a long history and culture with these animals. It would be a shame if the land of a million elephants has no more of these animals left in the wild.

ElefantAsia is a non-profit organization dedicated towards the protection of the Asian elephant. ElefantAsia is attempting to reverse this unfavorable trend towards the elephants by concentrating conservation efforts in three main areas: veterinary, educational and economical support. A lot of logging elephants get injured or are overstressed and do not receive adequate healthcare. In response, ElefantAsia is trying to find alternative employment for the elephants, such as ecotourism that can benefit the animal, the handler and the environment. However, logging still persists, so the organization offers mobile veterinary units to travel to the rural areas and offer free health care to the animals.

The Elephant Festival was first held in 2007 as a reminder of the delicate situation Laos and these giant animals face. It was a huge success and has now become an annual event. Elephants and mahouts come from all over the country to Sayaboury to attend this festival. Last year’s event coincidentally took place on February 14th, with a lot of the activities having Valentine’s Day themes.

There will be an elephant baci ceremony and monk blessing at this year’s festival. This moment further underlines the importance of the elephants to the people because baci ceremonies are usually reserved for auspicious Laotian occasions.

The festivities include a logging demonstration displaying the strength and agility display of these animals. They will obey a series of sophisticated commands from their mahout, again showing the intimate bond and communication man and elephant can share.

The elephants will also casually march their way through the crowded streets of Sayaboury, so all can catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. Others will shower themselves by the river and even go as far as diving into the water to cool off even with the mahout on its back.

The Elephant Festival is more than just an elephant-themed event. Last year, the event generated $2.8 million, according to the provincial finance department, and about $1.5 million was injected back into the Sayaboury community. Money from food, guesthouses, handicraft and marketplace sales all contribute much-needed income into one of Laos’ poorest districts. Slowly, this charming community is garnering a reputation as a must visit for visitors to Laos.

The Elephant Festival in Sayaboury is an anticipated event where Laotians from across the country as well as tourists gather to see these mammoth animals. Last year’s festival had over 80,000 attendees. If you are interested in the festival, you may contact us and have us include it in your itinerary. If you have the time, we would like to introduce a day tour where you can get up close and personal with an elephant. Our Elephant Adventure – Luang Prabang day trip will take you to the Elephant Park Project, not too far from Luang Prabang. You will climb aboard the back of an elephant and rumble through the beautiful scenery on a one hour ride. You will also visit the Elephant Asia Show, an outdoor museum focused on elephant preservation. The day trip is a great extension to our Luang Prabang Discovery tour.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Laos Travel

Enter the Year of the Tiger during Tet in Vietnam

Jan 18th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Tet Nguyen Dan, otherwise known as Tet, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is similar to Chinese New Year, which follows the lunar calendar and also commemorates the beginning of spring. In 2010, Tet will take place on February 14th, which marks the year of the Tiger.

Tet is the most anticipated holiday in Vietnam. Most people take Tet Eve, Tet and the day after Tet off. Families usually prepare for Tet weeks in advance. Money is saved, food is bought and stored, all debt is paid and renovations to the home are done in preparation for the New Year. It is also time when people in Vietnam travel to be with their families.

The atmosphere leading up to Tet is of excitement and anticipation. The markets are very busy the week before Tet as people go there to buy the necessary items for the holidays such as food, firecrackers, flowers and clothes. Shops will stay open until about 4pm on Tet Eve, giving shopkeepers time in the evening to go home and prepare for the coming of Tet on midnight.

The holidays are also a chance for people to pay respects to deceased family members. Vietnamese believe that they will make a visit during the holidays. Family altars are decorated with incense, flowers and photographs of the deceased family member. The family will also offer a tray filled with fruits, coins and flowers to the altar, which symbolizes prosperity in the future. The third day of Tet is also an opportunity for people to visit their deceased family members at their burials with the tombstones being colorfully decorated with flowers, incense and candles.

Interestingly, birthdays are also celebrated on Tet. Unlike Western birthday customs where people ‘age’ on the date they were born, traditional Vietnamese customs recognize a person being older on the year of the symbol of the lunar calendar. For example, a baby that is born on Jan 1st 2010 (which coincides with the Year of the Buffalo), will age one year on February 14th 2010 (Year of the Tiger) and age another year on February 3rd 2011 (Year of the Cat). Children receive their birthday presents on Tet morning.

Tet is also a time when people feast with their family members and friends. One type of meal the family may feast on is boiled male virgin chicken and a soup made with vermicelli and bamboo shoots. Many households also feast on Banh Chung, which is tightly packed sticky rice filled with meat or beans wrapped in banana leaves. Cu Kieu (pickled small leeks), Hot Dua (roasted watermelon seeds) and Mut (dried candy fruits) are also eaten during Tet. Thit Kho Nuoc Dua (meat stewed in coconut juice) is another traditional Tet meal. It is a dish consisting of pork stomach and medium boiled eggs stewed in broth-like sauce made from coconut juice and fish sauce.

You can experience the holidays throughout the country with Exotissimo’s Vietnam in Style tour. Travel to this charming country with grace and flair as we take you to the most interesting sights and landmarks in Vietnam while you stay in the best hotel rooms. Our Vietnam Insight tour promises an experience beyond normal sightseeing as we showcase the country beyond the beaten path and introduce you to the country’s locals and their customs. Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding Vietnam or your Tet trip.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Vietnam Travel

The Colorful Process to Monkhood in Thailand

Dec 9th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with roughly 95% of the people following this belief. In Thailand, all young men are expected to go into monkhood at least once in their lives (preferably before the age of 20) so that their mother can ascend into heaven. The coronation ceremony is attended by the whole family and close friends (and later the whole town) and is celebrated with traditional proceedings and contemporary activities.

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The ordination is a two day process. On the first day, the monk-to-be will gather with his family and pay respects to their ancestors. He then washes his elder’s feet as another sign of showing respect.

It is then time for the young man to have his hair shaved. All of his friends and family attending the ceremony will take turns cutting a piece of his hair. After that, the senior monk will do the rest and shave the young monk-to-be’s hair right down to the skin. During this process, all the cut hair is placed on a lotus leaf and is not allowed to drop to the ground. The cut hair is kept at his relative’s home for three days before being floated off on a nearby river. After shaving his head, the senior monk makes his way to the eyebrows and shaves them off. Crushed herbs are then rubbed all over the boy’s body and then washed off by his friends and family, signifying cleanliness and purity. The cutting of hair is purely symbolic. Around the time of Buddha, long hair was considered to be a sign of royalty. When Buddha became enlightened, he cut off his hair as a way of renouncing all of his worldly goods.

After the hair shaving ceremony, the young man may then take an additional shower before being paraded around town in white garments. The clothes signify that he will become a monk soon. During the parade, he may visit shrines and pray for good luck. After that, the young man then enters the local temple and listens to a chanting session, where a sermon is also present. After the chants, the sermon gives advice to all the people present.

The next day, a procession around the temple can be attended by anybody, even strangers to the man. This part of the ordination can be very colorful as people will be playing music and dancing and umbrellas can be seen everywhere. Then, the soon-to-be monk stops at the temple entrance, lights incense sticks and kneels down. He then throws coins over his shoulders, symbolizing his renouncement of worldly possessions. The crowd behind him usually scrambles for the coins, as it is considered good luck.

It is almost official, but the man still has to perform chants in order to become a monk. This can be quite intimidating for many because of the memorization involved. Before the whole ordination procedure, the young man is given a chant book to study and memorize. The chants themselves are also not in Thai, but in Pali (a literary and liturgical language of the early Buddhist scriptures originating from India) which makes it even more difficult to remember. The white garments on the young man are then exchanged for the orange clad ones. Then, he would repeat after a senior monk vowing to honor the precepts (the fundamental code of ethics for monks), which is again done in Pali. Finally, the young man is declared a monk.

The young monk’s friends and family may throw a party nearby the temple celebrating the ordination process. Singing, dancing and eating can be done right next to the temple. However, the young man must resist temptation and not join in the fun because he is a monk now.

As you have read, a man being ordained into monkhood can be a big deal. It is a cause for celebration for family and friends. Some will enter monkhood only briefly (as little as two weeks) while others may continue being a monk for a longer period of time. Some institutions in Thailand even allow three month leave for employees so he can become a monk during Buddhist Lent. Exotissimo has two day trips where you can experience some aspects of monk like either with our A Morning with the Monks in Chiang Mai tour or our Chanting at Wat Po & Grand Palace tour. You will hear for yourself why some men cringe at the fact that they have to memorize the chants. It is long and complicated! You can also see our recommended Thailand tours page for exciting trips into this wonderful country or contact us if you have any questions.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Thailand Travel, Thailand culture

Visit Spirits on Mount Popa in Myanmar

Nov 23rd, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Mount Popa is a volcano in central Myanmar about 50 kilometers south-east of Bagan and rising over 1500 meters above sea level. The crater of the volcano is over a kilometer and a half in diameter. Scientists believe the volcano to be extinct, with the last known eruption, according to legend occurred in 442 BC. The mountain is best known for the neighboring Popa Taung Kalat monastery where statues of 37 spirits reside.

Scholars believe the name Popa could have been derived from the ancient Pali word popa, which means flower. The area is a haven for nature with trees, flowers, plants and other vegetation covering the mountain. However, the word Popa could also come from another Pali word. Pubba, which means east. This word could have been originally used to describe the mountain easterly location from Bagan.

Mount Popa is the residence of Myanmar’s most powerful spirits (nats), similar to Mount Olympus being the home of the gods in Greece. The nats themselves were once human beings who have died violently. Some of the nats include Thagya Min (considered king of the nats), Min Mahagiri (a son of a blacksmith who was strong and considered a threat to the throne and eventually burned alive), Mintara, the king of Innwa (who saw a fairy, went insane when the fairy disappeared and was murdered by one of his followers) and Shindaw (a young novice monk who died of a snakebite).

The site around Mount Popa consists of two attractions. One is the actual volcano itself which is Mount Popa (usually called Taung Ma-gyi locally) and the nearby Popa Taung Kalat hill, where the monastery for the nats reside.

Mount Popa and Popa Taung Kalat hill, are regularly visited by pilgrims who pay their respects to the 37 spirits. The main expidetions to the monastery occur twice a year, one in summer in accordance with the full moon of Nayon (either in May or June) and once more in winter during the Nadaw full moon (either in November or December).

Climbing up Taung Kalat will offer some incredible experiences. On your way to the top, you will meet some wild Macaques. If you happen to drop anything, the best advice is to let the monkeys keep it. They are quick and are relentless in getting what they want. After all, they are wild animals. Once you reach the top, be prepared to witness a scenic view of the land below.

Mount Popa and Popa Taung Kalat are full of history, legends and natural beauty. Exotissimo can take you on this epic journey with our Mount Popa and Salay Tour – Bagan. This one day tour will enlighten you about the nats and their roles in Burmese lives.

Myanmar is a fascinating country and one of the least visited by tourists in Southeast Asia. You can always see Exotissimo’s recommended Myanmar tours for other exciting escapades in this charming and varied country in Southeast Asia.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Myanmar Travel, Sightseeing

The Kitchen Guardians in Vietnam

Nov 10th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Vietnam’s festivals and celebrations are very colorful. Rows of streets are brightly decorated and lit and the aroma of incense sticks fills the air. One such event is the Kitchen Guardians, otherwise known as Ong Tao chau troi.

This festival is celebrated on the 23^rd day of the 12^th lunar month. It is a time for families to spend time together and offer food to the Kitchen Gods. The Kitchen Gods (or guardians) protect the family and it is on this day that they go to heaven and present a report of the family to the Heaven God. Carps are used extensively during this festival. It is believed that carps are a means of communication to the Kitchen Gods so after worshipping the guardians, the carps are freed. Others offer paper carps and those are burnt after worshipping.

Family members will help around the house and enjoy a meal together during this festival. People are also anticipating the Vietnamese New Year (Tet), which is right around the corner. You can be a part of this festive season in Vietnam by visiting Exotissimo’s Vietnam tour page for travelling information in the country.

Incense burning is a common sight in Vietnam during holidays and festivals.

Incense burning is a common practice in Vietnam during holidays and festivals.

Filed under: Events & Festivals, Vietnam Travel

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Archive for the ‘Events & Festivals’ Category

Be at Awe with a World-Class Fireworks Display in Danang, Vietnam

Celebrate the Founding of the Current Thai Monarchy on Chakri Memorial Day

Get Wet and Celebrate the New Year in Southeast Asia

Call in the Spirits and Bring Harmony with a Baci Ceremony in Laos

Makha Bucha – A Day to Repent your Sins in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Take Part with over 80,000 People at the Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, Laos

Enter the Year of the Tiger during Tet in Vietnam

The Colorful Process to Monkhood in Thailand

Visit Spirits on Mount Popa in Myanmar

The Kitchen Guardians in Vietnam

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Archive for the ‘Events & Festivals’ Category

Why Travel with Exotissimo?

Where to find us

Nguyen Tien Quang - Vietnam MICE Ground Coordinator - Hanoi

Phan Thi Thu Hien

Peter

Corporate Information

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Exotissimo Travel Thailand

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