Rob’s Thai Roving Report

It is surprising just how little is known about the many festivals staged around Thailand, even by expats living there or regular visitors. I'm a prime example. Despite visiting the Land of Smiles nearly 30 times before moving here, I had no idea events such as the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival even existed.

A local rocket festival in rural Sisaket sounded like the perfect Sunday outing. What we didn’t expect was to end the day dancing through village lanes as a young Thai man prepared to enter monkhood.

I thought I was getting used to the format of Songkran celebrations in our countryside Isan village. How many times must I remind myself never to presume anything in Thailand? Once again, I expected a quiet evening at home, only to end up at a local Muay Thai boxing meeting.

Betong is one of Thailand's most intriguing destinations — yet many visitors have never even heard of it. Tucked away in the country's deep south near the Malaysian border, it combines spectacular mountain scenery, multicultural heritage, excellent food and a fascinating recent history.