Bangkok - Event

Attended by the King of Thailand, the Hindu-influenced Royal Ploughing Ceremony kick-starts the rice-growing season. Officials in ceremonial dress lead sacred oxen and the Royal Plough around Bangkok's Sanam Luang park, predicting the abundance of the next crop.

Sanam Luang, opposite the Royal Palace, is also called the Royal Field - a welcome open space in this hectic city where people gather to meet, eat, play, fly kites or have their fortunes told. The less fortunate also sleep there. It borders Thammasat University and Wat Mahaphat and features a small Goddess of the Earth statue. Around Lak Muang, a foundation stone laid by King Rama I in the south-eastern corner, you may see lottery ticket sellers - the stone is thought to be lucky.

Sanam Luang is a short walk from Banglampu and the Khao San Road, Bangkok's famous backpacker hangout. There is also a ferry stop nearby on the Chao Praya River.