The Thai Adventures of Rob B

When I moved to Thailand in 2021, I made two promises - to integrate with local people and experience real Thai festivals and traditions.  My first Bun Bang Fai rocket festival in rural Isan would go a long way towards both.

After enjoying my first Bun Fai rocket festival, it didn’t take long before another opportunity appeared — this time in rural Roi Et, with Auntie Lamyong joining the adventure. I had fun at my first delve into the Isan tradition, and now that I knew what went on, I wanted to have another look. For the uninitiated, click here to read a previous article that explains the background of Thai rocket festivals. 

It’s astonishing, at least to me, just how many Thai cities generally go undiscovered by tourists. Some may argue that many are pretty much the same. However, I feel each has nuances, traditions, festivals and food worth visiting for. One city that has gone the extra mile to draw in Westerners is Buriram.

Most visitors know Songkran for giant water fights and chaos in Thailand's tourist hotspots. My first Songkran living in a rural Isaan village couldn't have been more different, revealing a celebration built around family, tradition, music and community.