FESTIVALS
Famous Festivals in Thailand
Thailand is known for its vibrant and unique festivals, deeply rooted in culture, religion, and traditions. Here are some of the most famous festivals celebrated across the country
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)
Date: April 13-15 (sometimes extended in different regions)
Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival, marking the traditional Thai New Year. The celebration includes water fights, where people splash water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and good fortune. Many also visit temples, make merit, and spend time with family.
Best Places to Experience: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket
Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
Date: Usually in November (the full moon of the 12th lunar month)
This beautiful festival involves floating small decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers, lakes, or ponds to pay respects to the Water Goddess and let go of negativity. In northern Thailand, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival is celebrated at the same time, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky.
Best Places to Experience: Chiang Mai (Yi Peng), Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya
Date: Usually in November (the full moon of the 12th lunar month)
This beautiful festival involves floating small decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers, lakes, or ponds to pay respects to the Water Goddess and let go of negativity. In northern Thailand, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival is celebrated at the same time, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky.
Best Places to Experience: Chiang Mai (Yi Peng), Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya
Chinese New Year
Date: Varies (January or February, based on the lunar calendar)
Celebrated mainly by Thai-Chinese communities, this festival includes dragon dances, firecrackers, temple visits, and family feasts. Many people wear red and give out "ang pao" (red envelopes) to wish for prosperity.
Best Places to Experience: Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown), Phuket, and Nakhon Sawan
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
Date: Varies (Usually in June or July)
A colorful and lively festival celebrated in Dan Sai, Loei province. Participants wear giant ghost masks and parade through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dances. The festival is part of a larger Buddhist event called "Bun Luang" and is believed to call spirits for protection and good fortune.
Date: Varies (Usually in June or July)
A colorful and lively festival celebrated in Dan Sai, Loei province. Participants wear giant ghost masks and parade through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dances. The festival is part of a larger Buddhist event called "Bun Luang" and is believed to call spirits for protection and good fortune.
Best Place to Experience: Dan Sai, Loei Province
Vegetarian Festival
Date: September or October (9 days during the 9th lunar month)
A significant festival among Thai-Chinese communities, where participants observe a strict vegetarian diet for spiritual purification. In Phuket, the festival is known for its dramatic rituals, including body piercing and firewalking.
Best Places to Experience: Phuket, Bangkok (Yaowarat), Trang
Candle Festival
Date: July (Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent)
A festival celebrated mainly in Ubon Ratchathani, featuring elaborate wax candle sculptures in grand processions. These candles are offered to temples to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Best Place to Experience: Ubon Ratchathani
Date: July (Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent)
A festival celebrated mainly in Ubon Ratchathani, featuring elaborate wax candle sculptures in grand processions. These candles are offered to temples to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Best Place to Experience: Ubon Ratchathani
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Date: May (exact date varies)
A traditional Brahmin ceremony held in Bangkok to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Sacred oxen predict the upcoming agricultural year by choosing from different types of food and drink.
Best Place to Experience: Sanam Luang, Bangkok
Date: May (exact date varies)
A traditional Brahmin ceremony held in Bangkok to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Sacred oxen predict the upcoming agricultural year by choosing from different types of food and drink.
Best Place to Experience: Sanam Luang, Bangkok
New Year's Eve & Countdown Celebrations
Date: December 31 - January 1
Thailand celebrates the Western New Year with grand fireworks displays, countdown parties, and temple visits for blessings.
Best Places to Experience: Bangkok (ICONSIAM, CentralWorld), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya
Date: December 31 - January 1
Thailand celebrates the Western New Year with grand fireworks displays, countdown parties, and temple visits for blessings.
Best Places to Experience: Bangkok (ICONSIAM, CentralWorld), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya
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