Discovering the Best Ways to Enjoy Vesak in Bangkok

Vesak comes from the Sanskrit word Vaisakha, the Pali Vesakha. Vesak Day commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, Siddhartha Gautama.

Different names know Vesak Day in various countries. For example, in India, Vesak Day is also known as Visakah Puja or Buddha Purnima.

In Tibet, Vesak is called Saga Dawa. In Malaysia and Singapore, it is called Vesak. While in Thailand, it is called Visakha Bucha.

Vesak Day is usually carried out with exceptional services and doing good, such as distributing food or alms to monks (monks) and releasing captive birds.

Vesak Day in Thailand is when cities come alive with colorful lanterns, spiritual chants, and vibrant cultural celebrations. As a Malaysian tourist, you can join in the celebrations and experience the Buddhist traditions in Thailand.

In this guide will take you through the top things to do and see during Vesak in Bangkok.

Visiting the temple is an integral part of Vesak celebrations in Bangkok. As a Malaysian tourist, you can see the splendor of the city's most iconic temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.

You can admire the intricate designs, gold statues and glittering gems that adorn this shrine. Remember to dress appropriately and respect the traditions of the shrine as this is where they worship.

Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Thailand's Wat Phra Kaew called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the prima donna for Bangkok tourism. The area reaches about 500 x 300 meters. According to information, this Buddhist temple complex was built in 1782, precisely during the reign of King Rama I.

Wat Phra Kaew has at least 35 buildings. This area is divided into three areas: Outer Court, Middle Court, and Inner Court. The buildings in this complex have a distinctive mix, especially the Grand Palace.

To celebrate the Vesak Day celebration, people will come to the Wat Phra Kaew temple to worship. They will walk around the temple three times while carrying a candle or so-called Qian Tian. You can order an entrance ticket to Wat Phra Kaew and do a 2.5-hour tour directly through the Traveloka application here.

Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600

Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple built on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River with a tower more than 80 meters high. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the 6 temples that has the tallest tower.

Wat Arun is the most respected temple in Thailand, and is the oldest temple in Thailand because it was built during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which at that time was known as Wat Makok.

Wat Arun is famous for its towering prang tower. This Khmer architectural-style tower is decorated with millions of pieces of Chinese porcelain that vary in color. A steep staircase on the side of the prang leads to the terrace and provides panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River.

Like other temples in Thailand, when Vesak Day is in Thailand, people flock to Wat Arun to worship.

If you want to take a walk along the Chao Phraya River, you can order boat tickets directly here.

Location: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200

Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

Wat Pho is located in Phra Nakhon with the official name Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana which is then shortened to make it easier to pronounce. Inside is the famous reclining Buddha covered in gold and inlaid with pearls, so Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha.

This temple is extraordinary because it is one of the temples with the highest status given directly by the Kingdom of Thailand. This temple is also home to more than 1,000 Buddha statues.

The golden Buddha statue, the center of uniqueness, is 15 meters high and 46 meters long. Surrounding the aisle are 108 bowl-shaped containers where visitors can give money to give alms and pray for good fortune.

You can order Wat Pho entrance tickets only here.

Location: Various locations around Bangkok

Opening Hours: Typically in the evening, after sunset.

The candle lighting ceremony is also important during Vesak, where Buddhists will light candles and pray for world peace.

You can participate in this spiritual ceremony in temples or even on the streets of Bangkok. The atmosphere will be very serene, and the sight of hundreds of twinkling candles is an awe-inspiring experience.

During the Vesak celebration, lighting candles certainly has a deep meaning for Buddhists. Lighting a candle aims to dispel darkness, and is also interpreted as lighting human life.

Usually, the candles used are in the shape of a lotus flower. The lotus flower itself also has its own meaning, because the beautiful lotus flower is able to live in murky water.

In this way, the lotus flower symbolizes the beauty that can emerge from a world that can be considered messy. There is also a story that says that the Buddha himself once magically appeared from this lotus flower.

The lighting of this candle is also interpreted as a form of prayer for the ancestors who have gone before us.

Location: Various locations around Bangkok

Opening Hours: Typically in the evenings, from around 5 pm to midnight.

The Vesak night market in Bangkok is a shopper's paradise, offering a wide variety of traditional crafts, souvenirs and delicious Thai street food.

You can stroll through the colorful stalls, interact with the locals, and indulge in some shopping therapy. The market is open late, so you can enjoy the excitement and shop to your heart's content.

In Bangkok, usually the night market or shops are never off. In fact, after praying and lighting candles, many local people return to their activities. Even tourists can also visit the night market, a shopping attraction in Thailand.

Night markets in Bangkok offer a different experience, more than just shopping or looking for typical culinary delights. Visiting the night market in this city means experiencing Bangkok's creative, modern life, which still highlights the authentic Thai cultural side. Its strategic location also allows the night market to be tucked into the sightseeing itinerary at night.

Several night markets are open on Vesak Day in Thailand, such as:

By visiting this night market in Thailand, you can feel another sensation of going on vacation to Thailand while celebrating Vesak Day.

Location: Various locations around Bangkok

Opening Hours: Typically in the mornings or afternoons, depending on the event.

The Vesak Parade is one of the most interesting things you can have while visiting Thailand now. The Thai Vesak Parade is a spectacle that showcases Thailand's rich Buddhist culture.

The parade will feature colorful floats, traditional music and performers in vibrant costumes. There are several Buddha statues decorated with colorful lotus flowers around them.

You can watch the procession from the streets or even participate in the parade as a volunteer. The experience is entertaining for those of you who are interested in interesting activities while on vacation in another country.

This event usually lasts from morning to noon. Depending on each location that celebrates. After the parade, the public will visit the shrine to pray solemnly and quietly.

The community also usually distributes food or alms to the monks and releases captive birds.

This event usually lasts from morning to noon. Depending on each location that celebrates. After the parade, the public will visit the shrine to pray solemnly and quietly.

The community also usually distributes food or alms to the monks and releases captive birds.

The day after Vesak, the monks will have a three-month retreat. They meditate and don't leave the monastery. If they usually leave the temple every morning to receive donations from the community, this has not been done for three months.

The atmosphere of Vesak in Thailand will certainly be felt by tourists who come, especially since almost 90% of Thai people adhere to Buddhism. Of course, preparing for the celebration in May or June will be even more lively.

The pagodas in Bangkok are still preening. One of them is the tallest pagoda in Bangkok, Wat Arun. Tents have also been prepared for the lively Vesak ceremony.

The series of activities during the Vesak holiday in Thailand provided many interesting and unforgettable experiences for Malaysian tourists.

Differences in religion, culture, and customs certainly make those of you who come to Thailand during the Vesak celebration better understand how Buddhists celebrate this important day.

Suppose you have time in May or June and want to come while watching Thai people celebrate Vesak. In that case, you can immediately order flight tickets and book hotel rooms directly through the Traveloka application!

With Traveloka, you can also order a rental car to make getting around Thailand easier. If you want to book accommodation, flight tickets, and travel activities you can get the best recommendation from Traveloka.

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