Visit Thailand in September for the Phichit boat race

Travellers with flights to Bangkok booked next month may want to take a trip to Phichit to watch the annual boat race, which is attended by the king of Thailand.

Holidaymakers may want to book cheap flights to Bangkok next month so they can witness the annual Phichit boat race.

The event takes place in the north of the country and up to 40 long boats participate in the competition.

Such is the importance of the prestigious race, the king of the country turns up each year to award the Royal Trophy to the winning boat.

There are three classes of vessel, with the smallest holding less than 30 paddlers and the largest powered by up to 55.

It takes place in front of the Wat Tha Luang temple in Phichit and it has been an important part of Thai culture since 1907.

Those who attend the exciting event will be able to sample a number of traditional Thai foods from the many stalls that gather at the race, for example tamarind sweets and local fruit and vegetables.

Before travelling from Bangkok to Phichit, jetsetters may want to spend some time in the capital, where they can stroll around stunning sites such as the Grand Palace.

Written by Alex Cochrane