Thanksgiving may not be a Thai tradition, but that doesn’t mean you should give it up while here. The holiday season can be an emotional time for expats and travelers alike. For some, it may be their first time spending the holidays away from home. The trick to avoiding the holiday blues is to start your own tradition, create new memories, and make new friends. At the end of the day, if you want to keep Thanksgiving alive in Thailand, you will have to start somewhere! Let go of what Thanksgiving should be and adapt it to the spirit and flavors of your surroundings.
Thai Pumpkin Dishes Reel | Thailand Insider Instagram
The easiest way to bring everyone together, regardless of the occasion, is through food. It’s also the center of the Thanksgiving tradition: sharing dinner with family. Unfortunately, turkey and mashed potatoes aren’t really a thing in Thailand—but grilled chicken and sticky rice are. For dessert, pumpkin can make the menu. Thais love incorporating it into their famous sweets, like pumpkin custard or pumpkin with coconut milk. Plus, creating a Thai-inspired menu for your Thanksgiving feast will save you a ton of money, as local ingredients are still affordable, while imported items can be pricey.
Spicy Larb Turkey Reel | Thailand Insider Instagram
Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude, spending quality time with friends and family, and reflecting on yet another year about to come to a close, with the food helping to foster deeper bonds and a chance to reflect on it all. In Thailand, the closest equivalent to Thanksgiving would be Loy Krathong, a celebration that coincidentally also tends to occur in November. This festival is observed nationwide, with its date varying each year depending on the evening of the full moon in the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar.
Loy Krathong, which translates to ‘float a basket,’ is a holiday focused on honoring the goddesses of water. Believed to have originated in the ancient Sukhothai kingdom around the 14th century, it has since evolved in modern times into a day for Thais nationwide to have fun and let go of past sins or transgressions. Depending on how you look at it, letting go and saying thanks are similar in their intentions.
Celebrated under the full moon, Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most picturesque and popular festivals. Across the country, community-led festivals spring up as friends, families, and loved ones gather to release their krathongs into nearby bodies of water. These celebrations feature Muay Thai, beauty contests, concerts, and an abundance of street food to sample; still no turkey or mashed potatoes, but lots of yummy regional dishes to sample.
While Loy Krathong was celebrated earlier this month, you can combine your American Thanksgiving celebration. While it may be a public holiday in America, you can expect Thailand to be business as usual. Everyone will be at work, dreading the commute back home. Even though Loy Krathong already passed, combining the two holidays is an option, depending on your schedule, but celebrating both might be even better!
It’s important to find ways to blend and embrace both cultures. Whether Thanksgiving or life’s daily grind, being flexible means being able to adapt; you are where your feet are. Stay anchored and live the present without clinging to memories from the past. If that doesn’t resonate, check out your local expat pubs—they’ll indeed serve up a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings.
Here are some expat bars that you should visit during your stay:
Bangkok
Bangkok’s entertainment scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself, offering something for everyone, from rooftop lounges to hidden bars. Whether you’re seeking a touch of old-world charm, live jazz, or a cozy space to unwind with friends, Bangkok’s expat-friendly bars deliver unforgettable experiences. Here are some expat bars to check out during your trip to Bangkok:
- Havana Social – a vintage Cuban bar with a modern twist located at Sukhumvit Soi 11
- Hemingway’s Bangkok – A relaxed bar with a vintage vibe on Sukhumvit Soi 11, ideal for socializing with expats and locals.
- The Bamboo Bar – Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, it’s a classy spot known for jazz and crafted cocktails.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has recently become a haven for expats and digital nomads drawn to its laid-back lifestyle, affordable living, and vibrant community. Beyond its serene temples and bustling markets, the city has a thriving social scene where newcomers and long-term residents mingle effortlessly. From relaxed pubs to lively music venues, Chiang Mai offers countless opportunities to connect with fellow expats, exchange ideas, and unwind after a day of exploring or remote work. Here are some spots where expats gather:
- The Red Lion Pub – Located near the Night Bazaar, it has a sports bar atmosphere and serves a mix of international and American favorites like burgers, fries, and wings.
- The North Gate Jazz Co-Op is known for its live jazz performances and friendly, creative expat scene.
- Zoe in Yellow – Located in the Old City, this is a popular spot among younger expats and backpackers.
Phuket
Phuket has become one of Thailand’s thriving hubs for expats and digital nomads. With its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and diverse community, Phuket offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The island is home to various expat-friendly spots where you can enjoy great food, live music, and lively conversations. Whether you’re looking to network, unwind after a day of work, or simply soak up the local nightlife, these expat bars in Phuket are perfect for making connections and enjoying the island’s dynamic social scene:
- The Siam Supper Club – Located in Cherngtalay, it is an elegant and upscale bar and grill with a refined atmosphere. Known for prime ribs, steaks, and classic cocktails, it’s a sophisticated spot that caters to an expat crowd.
- Benny’s Cocktails & Grill – Inspired by American bars of London in the 19th and early 20th centuries, this bar & grill serves classic cocktails and fresh grilled meats in a welcoming and warm environment.
