Victory Day celebrations in Russia are an opportunity for travelers to gain a deeper insight into the country's history and culture. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Celebrating Victory Day

Susan Xu, 30, recently returned to Beijing after a one-month trip in Russia. One of the highlights of the trip, she said, was witnessing the celebrations commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. "Everybody showed great respect to the veterans. Children offered them flowers."

Xu, who studied in Moscow for a year from 2009 to 2010, said that in her experience, Russians really embraced national holidays.

"Usually during Russian holidays, there are music concerts held at public squares. Anyone can participate and dance in circles," she said. "They tend to have more outdoor activities, unlike us Chinese, who usually celebrate every [festive] occasion through feasting."

Xu said that Chinese people often perceived Russians as strong and battle-hardened, and visiting during national holidays and festivals was a good time to see those particular traits in action. "Especially when it comes to drinking," she said, laughing.

Russia's religious holidays were also ideal occasions for understanding the country's culture and spirit, said Xu. For travelers who wanted to have an authentic experience of Russia's festive life, Xu suggested going on the Victory Day celebrations, New Year's Day or Maslenitsa, a religious and folk holiday.

Water fight!

Wang Yuntao, 30, was in Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand last April for Songkran, also known as Thai New Year. To his surprise, he found himself in a water fight, a local custom rooted in the tradition of people sprinkling water on each other as a form of blessing.

"It was a memory that I'll cherish for life," said Wang, who is from Tianjin. "People of different nationalities who didn't know each other were having a good time, like a group of old friends."

The next morning, on their way to the local Buddhist temple, Wang and his wife found themselves drenched again while being carried on motorcycles to their destination.

Wang said he and his wife enjoyed the festivities so much that they canceled their plans for an island sightseeing tour on one of the days. Instead, they drove around on rented scooters, and continued to revel in the vibrant atmosphere of the water fights around them.

"Festivals offer tourists a better chance of experiencing local customs," said Wang. "For example, I learnt more about Thai people's good qualities, including their honesty and simplicity."

Wang suggested that with all the water being thrown around, it was advisable for people to participate in the Songkran celebrations to pack some medicine in case of catching a cold. He also said it would be wise to book well in advance, as the festival was gaining popularity among Chinese tourists. As for the water fight itself, Wang said some basic rules should be observed, such as making sure that everyone was having a good time, and not taking things too far.