Thai Festivals
From the world's biggest water fight at Songkran to the magical floating lanterns of Yi Peng, Thailand's festivals are legendary. Experience ancient traditions, Buddhist ceremonies, and joyous celebrations that bring the nation together.
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Major Festivals
All Thai Festivals
21 festivals to explore. Click on any festival to learn more about traditions, dates, and travel tips.
Songkran Water Festival
สงกรานต์
Thailand's famous New Year water festival - the world's biggest water fight celebrating renewal and respect for elders.
Waterproof your phone and valuables
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
The enchanting Festival of Lights where thousands of flower krathongs float on rivers under the full moon.
Use biodegradable krathongs
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
ยี่เป็ง
Thousands of glowing sky lanterns released into the night sky create a magical, unforgettable spectacle.
Book Mae Jo event tickets months ahead
Makha Bucha Day
มาฆบูชา
Important Buddhist holy day commemorating Buddha's sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks.
Dress modestly in white
Visakha Bucha Day
วิสาขบูชา
Buddhism's most sacred day celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing on a single full moon.
Public holiday - plan accordingly
Asanha Bucha & Khao Phansa
อาสาฬหบูชา
Marks Buddha's first sermon and the start of Buddhist Lent when monks begin their 3-month retreat.
Great time to see ordination ceremonies
Ok Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent)
ออกพรรษา
The end of Buddhist Lent celebrated with boat races, illuminated boat processions, and merit-making.
Visit Nakhon Phanom for the fire boat festival
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
เทศกาลกินเจ
Intense 9-day Taoist festival featuring spirit mediums, fire-walking, and extreme acts of devotion.
Not for the faint-hearted
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
ผีตาโขน
Thailand's most colorful festival where locals don ghost masks and costumes in a wild, joyous celebration.
Exact dates announced annually
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
ประเพณีแห่เทียนพรรษา
Spectacular procession of giant intricately carved candle sculptures paraded through the city.
Arrive early for best parade spots
Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
บุญบั้งไฟ
Wild Isaan festival where homemade rockets are launched to encourage rain for the rice planting season.
Yasothon has the biggest festival
Surin Elephant Round-Up
งานช้างสุรินทร์
Thailand's largest elephant festival featuring hundreds of elephants in parades, shows, and demonstrations.
Book hotels months in advance
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
พระราชพิธีพืชมงคล
Ancient Brahmin ceremony marking the rice planting season with royal oxen predicting the harvest.
Arrive very early for good viewing
King's Birthday (Father's Day)
วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา
National celebration honoring the King, also observed as Father's Day throughout Thailand.
Wear yellow to show respect
Queen's Birthday (Mother's Day)
วันแม่แห่งชาติ
National holiday celebrating the Queen's birthday, observed as Mother's Day with jasmine flowers.
Buy jasmine garlands for your mother
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
งานมหกรรมไม้ดอกไม้ประดับ
Stunning flower parade and exhibition celebrating Northern Thailand's beautiful temperate blooms.
Book hotels early
Pattaya International Music Festival
เทศกาลดนตรีพัทยา
Free beach music festival featuring Thai and international artists across multiple stages.
Arrive early for good spots
Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival
งานประเพณีวิ่งควาย
Exciting annual buffalo races celebrating the end of the rice harvest with decorated buffaloes.
Get there early for good spots
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
เทศกาลแจ๊สหัวหิน
Beachfront jazz festival bringing world-class musicians to Thailand's royal resort town.
Bring a beach mat
Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
งานเลี้ยงโต๊ะจีนลิง
Bizarre annual feast where tons of fruit and vegetables are laid out for the city's famous monkeys.
Hold onto your belongings
Chinese New Year
ตรุษจีน
Vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year with dragon dances, fireworks, and festivities in Chinatowns.
Yaowarat gets very crowded
Festival Calendar
Thailand celebrates something special almost every month. Here's when to visit for the best festival experiences.
January
- Chinese New Year
February
- Makha Bucha
- Flower Festival
March
- Pattaya Music Fest
April
- Songkran 🎉
May
- Visakha Bucha
- Rocket Festival
June
- Phi Ta Khon
- Hua Hin Jazz
July
- Asanha Bucha
- Candle Festival
August
- Queen's Birthday
September
- Vegetarian Festival
October
- Ok Phansa
- Buffalo Racing
November
- Loy Krathong ✨
- Yi Peng
December
- New Year Celebrations
Festival Travel Tips
💦 Songkran Survival
Waterproof everything! Use dry bags for phones and valuables. Wear quick-dry clothes and sandals. Book hotels months ahead, especially in Chiang Mai.
🏮 Yi Peng Tips
The Mae Jo mass release requires tickets purchased months in advance. For the public celebration, head to Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai's Old City.
🙏 Buddhist Holidays
Dress modestly (white is traditional). No alcohol sales on major Buddhist holidays. Join the evening candlelit processions at any temple for a beautiful experience.