Travel Thailand: Annual Festivals You Can’t Miss
Travel Thailand: Annual Festivals You Can’t Miss
Thailand offers vibrant cultural, spiritual, and festive events throughout the year, from Songkran’s iconic water fights to Loy Krathong’s lantern-lit rivers, plus regional celebrations like Rocket Festivals, jazz gatherings, and more.
Annual Festival Highlights by Month & Region
April – Songkran (Thai New Year)
Held from April 13–15, though often extended, this festival features joyful water fights across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and beyond. Known for symbolic cleansing and renewal, Songkran draws tourists looking for high-energy fun and cultural immersion.
May – Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)
Local communities in northeastern Thailand, especially Yasothon, launch homemade rockets into the sky to encourage rain and harvest blessings. Vibrant, loud, and deeply rooted in tradition.
June – Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
Held in Dan Sai, Loei province (June 28–30), this costumes-and-masks festival features processions, playful spirits, and folklore come to life.
July – Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival & Others
A grand display of carved wax sculptures and illuminated processions marks the Buddhist Lent in Ubon Ratchathani. Also, the Pattaya Marathon (July 19–21) offers a lively mix of sport and festival energy.
August – Flower Fields & Cultural Events
Chaiyaphum’s Krachiao flower fields bloom in August. Meanwhile, the Southern Thailand Trade Fair (July 23–27) and various arts & beach events dot the calendar.
September/October – Vegetarian (Jay) Festival
A spiritual nine-day event in Phuket featuring vegan food, rituals, and cultural performances based on Taoist beliefs.
October – Phuket Vegetarian Festival spans this period as a major religious and cultural observance.
November – Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Full-moon night lighting up the rivers with floating lanterns across the country—Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai are top spots. Yi Peng in Chiang Mai features sky lanterns and magical visuals.
Late November–Early December – King’s Cup Regatta & Wonderfruit Festival
Sailors compete in Phuket from November 30–December 6 at the scenic King’s Cup Regatta. Then in mid-December, Wonderfruit, a global arts, music, and wellness festival takes over near Pattaya (December 11–15).
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FAQs
What’s the most famous festival in Thailand?
Songkran (April water festival) and Loy Krathong (November floating lanterns) are the most iconic.
Do festival dates vary each year?
Yes. Many follow the lunar calendar, so dates like Loy Krathong and the Vegetarian Festival shift annually
Is it expensive to travel during festival times?
Festival seasons attract higher tourist numbers and prices. Planning and booking early is wise to secure good rates.
