Travel Tips

Holidays in Thailand

January/February
Chinese New Year, depending on the lunar cycle
This isn’t an official holiday but is celebrated by Thai-Chinese for three days. The exact dates differ every year depending on the position of the moon.

February
Makha Bucha, full moon day
This is the third of the years’ Buddhist festivals, which includes merit making and candle processions at temples across the kingdom.

April
Chakri Day, 6th
Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, by Rama I in 1782.

Songkran, 13-15th
Officially running for three days, Thai New Year is a time to be with family, wash Buddha images and make merit. Nowadays it amounts to a 63 million person, nationwide waterfight. This festival is most popular in the northern provinces where it’s celebrated for up to a week.

May
Coronation Day, 5th
Marks the crowning of King Bhumibol, Rama IX, the current king of Thailand, who has been on the throne since 1946, making him the longest reigning, living monarch in the world.

Royal Plowing Ceremony, depending on the lunar cycle
This takes place at Sanam Luang (Bangkok), opposite the Grand Palace and marks the beginning of the rice planting season.

Bun Bang Fai, second week
This interesting festival in Yasothon province sees locals fire huge, homemade rockets into the air to encourage rain for the coming season. Combine drinking and merry-making and you’ve got all the ingredients for a huge party!

Visakha Bucha, full moon day
This is the most important date on the Buddhist calendar. It celebrates the birth, Enlightenment and death of the Buddha. There are beautiful candlelit processions at temples nationwide.June
Phi Ta Khon Festival, mid/late month
This wild festival takes place at the village of Dan Sai in Loei province. Masked players reenact the legend of Prince Vessandon, the Buddha’s penultimate incarnation. Plenty of colorful people, masks and lots of partying – hang on for the ride.

July
Asanha Bucha, full moon day
The second of the year’s major Buddhist festivals, commemorating the anniversary of the Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his five disciples.

Khao Phansa, full moon day
This time marks the start of the three-month Buddhist Rains Retreat at which time monks stay at their temples to concentrate on study, meditation and young men usually ordain.

August
Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday, 12th
This is also Mother’s Day across the country.

September
Vegetarian Festival, late month or early October
Celebrated with fanfare at Phuket and Trang provinces with locals performing self-mortification rituals following abstinence from meat. Many Thais across the nation tend to eat vegetarian dishes during this special time.

October
Chulalongkorn Day, 23rd
Commemorates the death of Rama V, one of the most beloved Thai kings; credited with modernizing the country. He was also the first Thai king to make state visits to Europe.

Ok Phansa, full moon day
Celebrates the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreats with nationwide celebration of Lord Buddha’s reappearance on Earth after a season spent preaching in heaven.

November
Elephant Roundup, third week
Held at the province of Surin, this festival pays honor to the national animal, its role in society and is capped-off with displays of forestry skills and a mock battle. Expect 150 elephants in attendance.

Loy Krathong, full moon day
One of the kingdom’s biggest and most beloved festivals. It honors the goddess of water Mae Khongkha and asks her for forgiveness for polluting her. Locals float ‘krathongs’ on waterways in the evening, making for a very beautiful spectacle.

December
Trooping of the Colors, 3rd
This very colorful event takes place at Royal Plaza, Bangkok, when Royal Guards parade past the King and Queen, pledging their allegiance.

His Majesty the King’s Birthday, 5th
One of the biggest days of the year on the calendar. Locals pay homage to His Majesty, erect large pictures of him across the country and show their deep love for their beloved monarch. This also serves as Father’s Day across the nation.

For an official list of festival/event dates in the kingdom please visit the Tourist Authority of Thailand's website.

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