Thailand is one of a popular destinations among Asia, particularly when it comes to tourists’ top of mind as they plan for their vacay with families. If you are planning to visit Thailand and create unforgettable experiences, add to your bucket list of Thailand’s vibrant cultural calendar with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
To help you make the most of your trip, here are some noteworthy festivals that you should definitely include in your itinerary and mark on your calendar:
Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival, Chiang Mai – January
The festival usually takes place in mid-January and spans three days. It is a vibrant event that combines art, culture, and a festive atmosphere.
There are cultural performances, including traditional dance and music shows; live demonstrations of umbrella-making techniques by skilled artisans; and a bustling market where you can browse and purchase a wide variety of handcrafted umbrellas and other handicrafts.
Lunar New Year Festival – January or February
Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country, is rich in cultural traditions and festivals. The Lunar New Year, known locally as “Trut Chin” or simply “Chinese New Year,” is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in areas with large Thai-Chinese communities.
Tourists can explore various new-year-celebrating activities in Thailand such as:
- Visit temples such as Wat Mangkon Kamalawat in Bangkok to make merit and pray for good fortune and blessings in the coming year.
- Explore bustling street markets and festive stalls that have a wide array of goods, including traditional snacks, decorations, and auspicious items.
- Come to China Town in Yaowarat road to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere to the fullest with lion and dragon dance performances, firecrackers, and traditional music.
Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival – April
Songkran Festival is annually held on April 13th to 15th. The highlight of this festival is massive water fights that take place in the streets throughout Thailand, symbolically washing away the past year’s misfortunes and starting anew.
Water fights during Songkran often involve the use of water guns, buckets, bowls, so don’t forget to equip yourself with containers of your choice! And have your phone or electronic devices in a water-proof bag.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai – November
(15 Nov to 16 Nov 2024)
Yi Peng is celebrated concurrently with Loy Krathong in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai at date varies by year. All of the participants release thousands of lit lanterns into the sky, creating a magical and ethereal spectacle.
In addition to the lanterns release, the festival often coincides with the Loy Krathong festival, where people release beautifully decorated floating baskets, called krathongs, onto rivers and waterways to thank the Goddess of Water and River.
*You should book the flights and entrance tickets at least 3 months in advance!
Chiang Mai Flower Festival – February
Chiang Mai Flower Festival usually takes place on the first Friday in February and continues for three days, during the peak blooming season of many flowers in the region.
Botanical displays are set up in public parks and gardens, such as Suan Buak Haad Park and Nong Buak Haad Public Park, where visitors can admire the stunning blooms and artistic artworks. Another activity of the festival you can explore is the flower float competition.
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) – June or July
( 7 Jul to 9 Jul 2024)
Phi Ta Khon is a unique and colorful festival celebrated in the Dan Sai district of Loei Province in northeastern Thailand, typically lasting for three days. It showcases the creativity and cultural heritage of the Dan Sai community while providing a fascinating insight into Buddhism, folklore, and rural customs in Thailand.
The festival is associated with the belief in spirits and ghosts, and participants aim to appease and entertain them through their colorful performances.
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival – November
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival is an annual event held in the coastal city of Pattaya, Thailand. Each year, the festival adopts a specific theme that serves as inspiration for the participating team. Visitors from all over the world can witness world-class pyrotechnic displays while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pattaya’s coastal setting.
Wonderfruit Festival – December
Wonderfruit Music and Art Festival is a grand-scale gathering filled with a diverse array of musical performances, captivating art installations, cutting-edge fashion showcases, interactive workshops, and exquisite banquets curated by acclaimed chefs. This event is held at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand.
Visakha Bucha Day – May
Visakha Bucha Day is also known as Buddha Day, is an important day for Buddhists as it commemorates pivotal events in the life of the Buddha. It is a day of spiritual reflection, religious observance, and the cultivation of positive virtues and actions.
Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) – May
Rocket Festival, also known as Bun Bang Fai is a traditional festival celebrated in several Northeastern provinces of Thailand, such as Isan. The festival is believed to have origins in ancient rain-making rituals and is a way for the community to come together and pray for a bountiful harvest.
The Rocket Festival is a time of revelry and merriment, with food stalls, traditional games, music performances, and dance displays adding to the festive atmosphere.