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Holidays shape the rhythms of Thai cultural life year-round. Many of the holidays have traditional, religious Buddhists roots but are now celebrated universally.

The holiday calendar begins with Wan Khuen Pee Mai, New Year’s Day and then proceeds to Magha Puja, the full moon celebrating in late February. April 13 marks the celebration of Songkran, the Thai New Year, which is a widely-celebrated holiday.

Thai Holiday Parade

In May, Labor Day falls on the 1st of the month, while Coronation Day celebrates King Bhumibol on May 5.

August 12 marks the celebration of the Queen’s birthday as Mother’s Day, and honors the contributions of women to Thai society.

In the fall, Chulaongkorn Day honors King Rama V of Siam, known as Chulalonkorn the Great Beloved. December 5 marks the National Day as a celebration of King Rama’s Birthday, and serves as national father’s day. Constitution Day on December 10 marks the ascension of the constitutional monarchy in 1932.

If you’re traveling to Thailand, make sure to check the holiday calendar; year-round cultural celebrations are lively, energetic events shared by the entire country.

Thai golf has a rich heritage dating back to the reign of King Rama V. Golf in Thailand has evolved from a game for nobles to a popular sport with some of the finest courses in Asia.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visiting golfers come to Thailand to play on the hundreds of signature courses created by legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The courses are considered among the finest in Asia, and host professional tournaments including the Volvo Masters, Honda Classic and the Johnny Walker Classic, among others.

Talented golfers have emerged from the country including professionals Thohngchai Jaidee, winner of the Asian Golf Tour in both 2001 and 2004. In 2004 and 2005 he won the Carlsberg Malaysian Open on the European PGA Tour.

Thailand is home to hundreds of quality golf courses, throughout the country including Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Among Thailand’s best golf courses are:

Blue Canyon Country Club

Blue Canyon Golf Course

Situated on the rolling hills of Phuket, Blue Canyon has hosted multiple professional tournaments, including the Walker Classic, and offers two 18-hold championship courses.

The Canyon course has won numerous awards including Asian Golf Course of the Year and Top Golf Hole of the Year. Designed by renowned Japanese designer Yoshikazo Kato, the 7,179 yard course features a natural landscape with challenging hazards and narrow fairways.

Laem Chabang International Country Club

Laem Chabang Country Club

Located in the hills of Pattaya, the Laem Chabang golf course is a challenging course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Natural lakes, rocks and trees create a beautiful setting for the 7065 yard course. The Club also features a 9-hold practice course, and is open 7-days a week for public golfing.

Alpine Golf and Sports Club

Alpine Golf and Sports Club

One of Bangkok’s best golf courses, the Alpine is a well-kept course that has hosted multiple professional tournaments. In 2000, Tiger Woods won the Johnny Walker Classic at Alpine Golf. Opened in 1996, the course is designed by Ronald Garl and features a well-crafted layout. The members-only course can be reserved for play Sunday through Saturday.

Thai Country Club

Thai Country Club

Designed by Dennis Griffiths, the Thai Country Club is among Bankok’s finest courses that has hosted the Asian Honda Classic and the Volvo Masters. A well-kept course, the Club features elevated greens, natural ponds and a steady, rolling path. Slopped greens create a difficult, visually beautiful course with world-class professional caddies there to over advice upon request. Consider one of Asia’s best golf courses, the world-class Peninsula hotel manages the course, which also features a full-service spa for relaxation before or after your play.