A celebration of Thailand’s rich culture

Asia travel specialists, Experience Travel, are offering a tailor-made, two week tour to Thailand in November to celebrate two of the country’s most famous festivals - Loy Krathong and the Surin Elephant Round-Up.

During The Loy Krathong festival, held on the night of the 12th full moon in the traditional Thai calender, Thai people all over the country float tiny, beautiful, hand crafted rafts onto rivers all over the country, carrying offerings to the water gods. Believed to be connected to the Hindu festival of Dilwali, the festival also has Buddhist connotations. The ancient capital of Sukhothai is the birthplace of the festival and the best place to watch, take part in and enjoy this fascinating, fun and beautiful celebration of water.

The Surin Elephant Round-Up in the eastern Isan Province close to the Cambodia border is the next stop of the itinerary. This festival sees the villagers of Surin gather more than 400 elephants together for an immense and colourful event. It is an extraordinary spectacle featuring the most Asian elephants likely to be seen together in one place.

This private, luxury, guided tour takes in the best of Thailand beginning with a visit to the unforgettable city of Bangkok, followed by a cruise up stream to the Siamese capital Ayutthya for an introduction to Thai history. From here we move on to ancient Sukhothai for the Loy Krathong festival. A stop for elephant spotting in the Khao Yai National Park is included en-route from Sukhothai to Surin where you arrive in time for the Elephant Round-Up. Whilst in Surin you will have the chance to visit majestic Khmer temple ruins close to the Cambodian border. The tour ends in style as we head south to a beautiful beach on Phuket Island for some serious rest and relaxation.

Prices are £2499 per person including direct international flights from London. Includes 5* hotels, a private guided tour, internal flights and car transport. Flight upgrades are available.

Experience Travel offers unrivalled inside knowledge and expertise in putting together tailor made and special interest holidays in the South East Asia region.

For more information, visit Experiencesoutheastasia.com.