The Thai spirit is at its most colourful and captivating at the many festivals that decorate their calendar. These carnivals happen across the country and celebrate the entire spectrum of Thai life, from religion to food to the arts, and are a spellbinding spectacle in themselves. Lose yourself in ancient traditions, vibrant ceremonies and the joy of the people revelling in the best of Thai culture. Whether your interests are culinary, historical, or you're just looking for a good excuse for a party, then seek out the festival that most suits your tastes, and you won't be disappointed.
JANUARY
Bangkok International Film Festival, Bangkok
A celebration of film-makers from around the world
River of Kings, Bangkok
Celebration of His Majesty the King's Birthday
Sukhothai Light & Sound Show, Sukhothai
Night show in Thailand's first capital
Lop Buri Light & Sound Show, Lop Buri
Enjoy this night show in the grounds of Narai Palace
Kanchanaburi Light & Sound Show, Kanchanaburi
In Ban Nong Khao village which dates back to Ayutthaya
Chinese New Year & Dragon Parade, Nakhon Sawan
Held to celebrate Chinese New Year
FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year, Bangkok
A colourful celebration of all types of Chinese Culture
Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Chiang Mai
An explosion of colour to be savoured with many activities
Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony, Trang
A Guinness World Record Event at Kradan Island
Lampang Elephant Satok Fair Lampang,
See these highly regarded animals at the Conservation Centre
MARCH
Thai Sports and Kite Festival, Bangkok
Held at Sanam Luang where contests have taken place since 1950
Pattaya Music Festival. Chon Buri
Part of the Thailand 'Grand Festival' held on Pattaya Beach
APRIL
Ranong & Andaman Sea Festival, Ranong
Showcase of many of Ranong's attractions
Chiang Mai Art & Culture Festival, Chiang Mai
Showcase of traditional Lanna art and culture
Songkran, Nationwide
Thai New Year celebrated most famously through splashing water
MAY
Yasothon Rocket Festival, Yasothon
A prayer for plentiful rainfall in Phaya Thaen Public Park
JUNE
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Nationwide
Many goods available are unique to their locale. Shop 'til you drop!
JULY
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, Ubon Ratchathani
Buddhist tradition of candle procession during Buddhist Lent
Pattaya International Marathon, Pattaya
Marathon, Half-Marathon and Water Marathon
Samui Festival, Surat Thani
Local art and culture show on Lamai and Chaweng beaches
AUGUST
H.M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration, Nationwide
Splendid decoration seen throughout Thailand. Also Mother's Day
Songkhla International Marathon, Songkhla
Marathon, Half-Marathon, Mini-Half-Marathon, Fitness Run
SEPTEMBER
Phichit Traditional Longboat Race, Phichit
Boat race on Nan River to worship Buddha at Wat Tha Luang
King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Hua Hin
Over 10 nations compete at Suriyothai Military Camp for this trophy
OCTOBER
Naga Fireball Festival, Nong Khai
Various sizes of fireballs can be seen along the Mekong.
NOVEMBER
International & Traditional Longboat Race, Ayutthaya
A cultural tradition enjoyed by Thais and foreigners alike.
Phuket Laguna Triathlon, Phuket
A 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km marathon
Loi Krathong & Candle Festival, Sukhothai
Famous candle festival celebrating the gods in Brahmin tradition
Pattaya Carnival, Chon Buri
Pattaya beach hosts colourful floats paraded from north to south
Surin Elephant round-up & Red Cross Fair, Surin
Originally a housewarming party for the District Office Buildings
Bridge Over the River Kwai Week, Kanchanaburi
Commemorating the brave from WWII
Monkey Chinese Banquet Festival, Lop Buri
A banquet for the tame monkeys of Lop Buri
Bangkok Marathon, Bangkok
Marathon and Mini-Marathon
King's Cup Regatta Phuket/Krabi/Phangnga South
An international event held annually
DECEMBER
H.M. The King's Birthday Celebrations, Nationwide
Celebration of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday
New Year Countdown , Bangkok
Arranged to celebrate new year at the same time as other countries |
