Songkran, often referred to as the Water Festival is the Thai New Year. Originally the date was set by the astrologists, Songkran, was the official New Years Day in the Thai calendar. It is a time for cleansing and renewal. Traditionally Thai's visit their local temple to pray and make merit by offering alms to the monks.

This special Hindu-influenced event takes place to signify the start of the rice-growing season. Attended by the King, ceremonial dress is donned and Royal Plough is taken through Bangkok's Sanam Luang Park by sacred oxen, which is done to help bring an abundant crop the following season.

An annual event, the Bangkok marathon takes participants down the stunning sights. Starting at Sanam Chai Road in front of the Royal Grand Palace, participants wind down the Chao Phraya River and other city landmarks.

Loy Kratong is a festival to dedicated to the spirit of water. Traditionally held in November, Loy Kratong is timed for the end of the rainy season when Thai's give thanks to the Phra Mae Khong Kaen (water spirit) for the use of the water and to apologies for any misuse of the water during the main rice growing season.

The most important celebration of HM The King's Birthday in Bangkok takes place around Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the Grand Palace, with decorations and lights starting the pilgrimage to the Sanam Luang field, where a festival celebrating Thai culture and music celebrates the life of the world’s longest serving monarch.

As with every big global city, Bangkok rocks during New Year’s Eve. A common site is all night partiers shuffling off to the countless temples around the city at sunrise for merit-making, a tradition that helps to make the following year a prosperous and happy one.

The Thai’s sure are a lucky bunch. Although celebrating their lunar New Year in April, the inhabitants of Bangkok also celebrate western New Years, and probably more importantly, the Chinese New Year. With a huge local Chinese population, this event is an annual highlight.