Enjoy the Poi Sang Long ceremony near Chiang Mai - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com highlights anyone who has booked Chiang Mai hotels may want to discover some of the area surrounding the city.

Every year, the northern province of Mae Hong Son hosts a unique ordination ceremony for young Buddhist monks.

Boys between the ages of seven and 14 are taken in as novices to allow them to study Buddhist doctrines.

During the ordination ceremony, the boys wear colourful robes, hats filled with fresh flowers and have their faces painted with bright colourful designs.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand explains that the people of the province believe that these celebrations should be "as grand as possible".

According to the organisation, the origins of the ceremony stem from Prince Rahula, Buddha's son who decided to follow the teachings of his father and give up his own life.

He is believed to be the first novice in Buddhism and every year in April, many young boys follow in his footsteps.

As well as observing the unique religious celebrations, travellers staying in Thailand hotels will find plenty of other things to occupy them in the region.

Trekking, rafting and elephant riding are among the activities on offer, with the forests in the province providing the perfect backdrop for all these adventures.