Thailand is replete with the most colorful events and festivities aimed to delight the senses. All year round, these holidays have a little something for everybody as it gives you a sampling of the country's heritage. Here are some of the major Thai festivals and events you should not miss out on.

Probably the most anticipated date in the Thai calendar, the Thai New Year or Songkran is celebrated nationwide and is perhaps, almost synonymous with the words "splashing water". Prepare yourself to get wet in this hot summer month of April, as splashing water on random strangers is no surprise. Better watch out for the combination of ice-cold water and white powder as it leaves a pasty feeling on the face! Better bring your own water gun so you can get back at them!

In other parts of Thailand, there's the Had Yai Midnight Songkran in Songkhla and Isan Maha Songkran Festival in Nong Khai, where you can come splash water and also watch a beauty pageant. Immerse yourself in traditional Thai culture as you watch a beautiful procession during the Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (Old Capital's Songkran). The Phra Pradaeng Songkran in Phra Pradaeng, Samutprakan, is formerly known as the 'Pak Lat Songkran Festival', with the notable addition of a colorful and elaborate Songkran procession staged by the local residents of Mon or Raman descent. Chiang Mai also celebrates its own Songkran Festival with the same spectacular Songkran procession, a cultural show and a beauty contest.

For art film enthusiasts and movie buffs, here is an interesting mix of international art films coming from as far as Europe and South America. There are Jazz concerts also serving to complement the artistic flavor of the series of events.

This event on the main street of Bo Sang features a festival of cultural performances, a competition and numerous stalls selling traditional paper umbrellas and handicrafts.

Witness the beautiful flower-decorated parades and ladies in the Flower Queen Beauty Pageant. It also highlights a flower arrangement contest in this highly-anticipated colorful season of the North.

Down south in the island of Phuket is known for its fantastic beaches and breath-taking scenery. What most people don't know is that a yearly vegetarian festival draws both tourists and locals alike. One of the most exciting parts of this festival is a parade featuring a gruesome display of superhuman skill - fire dancing, body piercing, men and women puncturing their necks with knives and other acts of self-mortification.

This annual event is held at a period when the crops are they're best. This kicks off a series of sales fairs organized by a community of housewives and the organization, One Tumbon One Product (OTOP), featuring fruit-decorated floats on parade, best fruit showcase, best tasting fruit, modified fruit contest and a full entertainment program.

Enjoy the breeze of the beach while lounging with the smooth sounds of Jazz. The Hua Hin Jazz Festival features renowned Thai and International Jazz musicians, classic favorites and contemporary tunes.

In the Dan Sai District in Loie province has the biggest merit-making ceremony, featuring participants wearing fancy and colorful ghost masks with pointed noses, dressing up in quilted costumes.

Thailand ushers in the New Year in different ways. Events and parties are found all over the country. For a more quiet or intimate celebration, you can head to any of Thailand's renowned beaches such as Samui or Phuket or go up north in the mountains of Chiang Mai. But most would consider the Thai capital, Bangkok as the place to be where the possibilities are endless. Here, take your pick from the raucous street parties in Khao San or maybe, the annual countdown at Central World or perhaps, to a fancy river cruise and buffet along Chao Phraya River. Because you know that the only way to start the New Year is with a bang!