Explore: Thailand

Explore: Thailand Food Festival at Thailand Resort Phuket is set to turn into a food Paradise for vegetarians taking a Thailand holiday this autumn.

The popular hotspot is hosting a nine-day Vegetarian Festival where guests will be able to savour some of the finest dishes from around the region. It runs from September 27 to October 5 and is one of the most exciting events on Phuket's cultural calendar.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held during the ninth month of the Chinese lunar year. For members of the Chinese community in Phuket, it is a period of abstinence from meat and other animal products.

Various rituals and ceremonies are held at Chinese temples around the city and visitors can watch colourful parades to the shrines and firework displays.

A variety of speciality vegetarian dishes that capture the flavours of Thailand are offered at street stalls and markets around Phuket. You can find out more about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival here.

Surge in Thailand tourist numbers Thailand has seen a dramatic surge in the number of foreign tourists visiting the country.

There has been a 24.36% rise in the number of international visitors which totalled 8.2 million, according to figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Most of the visitors are from the US, Russia, India, China and Japan. And Phuket is one of the most popular locations for them.

With an increasing number of foreign tourists now opting for Thailand holidays, the revenue generated by the country out of the sector is expected to touch 600 billion baht by the end of the year.

Thai authorities are continuing their efforts to lure more tourists from Europe, especially from the UK and Germany.

"More tourists are heading to Phuket not just for its inexpensive lifestyle and shopping, but also to relax and enjoy the surroundings of nature," said Jarrat Beaumont, an official with real estate developer Castlewood Group.

Dance and music festival in Bangkok Tourists planning all inclusive holidays in Thailand may be interested in checking out the 13th Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music, which begins next month.

The Thailand Cultural Center will host the country's largest annual performing arts festival from September 9 to October 16.

Mariinsky Ballet Gala, Flying Superkids, Flamenco Dance, Swan Lake on Ice and Bale de Rua are some of the acts the guests will be treated to.

The festival of classical music concerts, operas, ballet, and classical, contemporary and world dance will also feature performances by renowned artists and theatre groups from all over the world.

The festival's official hotel will be the Dusit Thani Bangkok.

J S Uberoi, principal organiser of the festival, said: "Dusit Thani Bangkok, as the official hotel of Bangkok's International Festival of Dance and Music, is an invaluable partner. The hotel's involvement in helping put Bangkok on the international cultural map has been crucial by providing value-adding privileges to the festival experience."

Luxury holiday provider Kuoni Travel offer personal and tailored holidays to Thailand Cities to increase the pleasure of your trip to the Bangkok Festival.

Traditional boat race in Thailand Thailand is set to host a traditional longboat race in Phichit next month.

Travellers may want to plan their holidays to Thailand in September to watch the prestigious annual boat race, which is attended by the King of the country.

A part of Thai culture since 1907, the race takes place in front of the Wat Tha Luang temple in Phichit.

The winning group of paddlers receive the prize from the King himself.

A total of 40 long boats are participating in the competition this year in three different categories divided based on the number of oarsmen.

The largest vessels will have up to 55 paddlers and the smallest will hold less than 30.

Spectators can also enjoy traditional Thai cuisine from stalls that will be put up during the festival. They can sample tamarind sweets, local fruit and vegetables.

Jazz music festival on Koh Samui Jazz lovers planning all inclusive holidays in Thailand will be excited to hear that the Samui International Festival will take place between September 18 and 25 on the beautiful island of Koh Samui.

The festival, which is in its second year, will feature live performances from international and local musicians alike across 11 venues.

Soul singer Ntjam Rosie from Rotterdam, jazz pianist Peter Beets, Canadian vocalist Irene Atman, Russian saxophone star Oleg Kireyev and Bangkok jazz act the Aswin Quartet are among those who will be holding concerts.

Pru Chaweng will be the main venue for the gigs. The public will be offered free admission to many of the performances.

The Samui International Jazz Music Festival has its origin in the Samui Jazz Series, which had its inaugural programme in 2009 and once per month since at various venues on the island.

Be sure to complement your Koh Samui holiday with a trip to one of their many white sand beaches, fringed with coconut palms and clear water, or visit one of their luxurious spas.