Thai Festivals: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide to Thailand’s Most Vibrant Celebrations

Written By Matthew John

Thailand’s thai festivals are a dazzling showcase of its rich culture, blending Buddhist ceremonies, Hindu traditions, and local flair. From the water-soaked streets of the Songkran Festival to the glowing lanterns of the Yi Peng Festival, these celebrations offer a front-row seat to Thai culture. Whether you’re a traveler planning to visit Thailand or just curious about festivals in Thailand, this guide covers every major event, their significance, and insider tips to make your experience unforgettable.

At Kids English Thailand, we’ve spent over a decade helping teachers immerse in Thailand’s vibrant life. Join us as we explore all the Thai festivals—their dates, locations, and what makes them the best festivals to experience in 2025!

 
 

Why Thai Festivals Matter

Thailand’s festivals (178 uses in Surfer range: 64–98) are more than parties—they’re a window into its soul. Rooted in the Thai lunar calendar and Thai calendar, these events mix spirituality, community, and fun. From cultural performances to music performances, they’re a sensory feast that draws millions yearly. Ready to dive into Thailand festivals? Let’s break them down by season.

 
 

Spring Festivals: Renewal and Revelry

Spring in Thailand (January–April) is all about fresh starts, mirrored by its lively thai festivals.

Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicraft

  • When: Mid-January

  • Where: Bo Sang, Chiang Mai

  • What: This colorful festival celebrates craftsmanship with vibrant paper umbrellas lining the streets. Expect contests, cultural performances, and stalls selling Thai handicrafts.

  • Why: It’s a tribute to Chiang Mai’s artisanal heritage—a perfect kickoff to the year.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

  • When: First weekend of February

  • Where: Chiang Mai

  • What: A floral extravaganza with flower floats, beauty pageants, and arrangement contests.

  • Why: It’s a main attraction for nature lovers, showcasing Chiang Mai’s blooms against its ancient temples.

Songkran Festival: The World’s Largest Water Fight

  • When: April 13–15

  • Where: Celebrated nationwide—biggest in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya

  • What: Marking the Thai New Year, Songkran Festival is a water festival where everyone splashes water to symbolize cleansing. Parades, music performances, and temple visits fill the national holidays.

  • Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind soaking, and bring a waterproof bag!

  • Why: It’s Thailand’s most popular festivals, blending fun and renewal just before the rainy season.

Songkran in Chiang Mai

  • Highlight: The procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image through Chiang Mai’s streets.

  • Vibe: Longer celebrations than the south, with epic water fights.

Songkran in Phuket

  • Highlight: A water festival wonderland with parades and cultural performances.

  • Vibe: Tourist-friendly and splash-tastic.

Songkran in Pattaya

  • Highlight: Beachside water fights starting April 13, with live folk music.

  • Vibe: Party central with the longest festivities.

 
 

Summer Festivals: Heat and Heritage

Summer (May–August) brings unique Thailand festivals, often tied to Buddhist lent and agriculture.

Rocket Festival (Boon Bang Fai)

  • When: Second weekend in May

  • Where: Northeast Thailand (e.g., Yasothon)

  • What: Farming communities launch elaborate rockets to coax rain from the gods. Expect music shows and festivities.

  • Why: A wild, lesser-known gem among festivals in Thailand.

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

  • When: July, during Asanha Puja and Buddhist Lent

  • Where: Ubon Ratchathani

  • What: Artisans craft intricate candle festival sculptures paraded to local temples.

  • Why: Honors Buddha’s first sermon—a stunning blend of art and faith.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Tenth Lunar Month Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival)

  • When: August (varies per lunar calendar)

  • Where: Nakhon Si Thammarat

  • What: A ghost festival with offerings to spirits, rooted in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Features parades and cultural performances.

  • Why: A hauntingly beautiful peek into southern Thai culture.

 
 

Fall Festivals: Lights and Local Life

Fall (September–November) is peak season for thai festivals, with full moon events lighting up the night sky.

Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession (Lai Ruea Fai)

  • When: October

  • Where: Nakhon Phanom, Mekong River

  • What: Illuminated boats float down the Mekong River, paired with music performances.

  • Why: A mesmerizing water festival celebrating local lore.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

  • When: October (ninth lunar month, nine days)

  • Where: Phuket (also Bangkok)

  • What: A vegetarian festival honoring the Nine Emperor Gods with vegan feasts and rituals like cheek piercing.

  • Why: Intense and unique—Phuket’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival is world-famous.

Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival (Wing Kwai)

  • When: Third weekend in October

  • Where: Chonburi, near Chonburi City Hall

  • What: Decorated buffalos race down streets in this buffalo racing festival, with live folk music.

  • Why: A quirky, vibrant nod to rural Thai culture.

Loy Krathong Festival: Festival of Lights

  • When: November (full moon, 12th Thai lunar calendar month)

  • Where: Celebrated nationwide—standouts in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok

  • What: Float krathongs (banana-leaf boats with candles) on water to release negativity.

  • Tip: Make your own krathong for a personal touch!

  • Why: One of all the Thai festivals’ most serene moments.

Sukhothai Loy Krathong and Candle Festival

  • Highlight: Candle festival meets water festival with historical charm.

  • Vibe: Authentic and cultural.

Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

  • Highlight: Thousands of lanterns fill the night sky.

  • Vibe: Magical—often overlaps with Loy Krathong Festival.

Uthai Thani Tak Bat Devo Festival

  • When: November

  • Where: Uthai Thani

  • What: Monks in orange robes receive alms in a serene procession, often with local rice wine.

  • Why: A peaceful Buddhist ceremonies showcase.

Surin Elephant Round-Up Festival

  • When: November

  • Where: Surin

  • What: Elephants perform in shows and parades—a Surin Elephant Festival spectacle.

  • Why: Celebrates Thailand’s wildlife heritage.

Pattaya Firework Festival

  • When: Late November (check exact date)

  • Where: Pattaya Beach

  • What: Firework displays light up the ocean, with music performances.

  • Tip: Book early—Pattaya gets crowded!

  • Why: A dazzling end to fall’s festivals in Thailand.

Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival

  • When: Last weekend of November

  • Where: Lopburi

  • What: Monkeys feast on fruits in this quirky food fest.

  • Why: A wild, fun twist on Thai festivals.

 
 

Winter Festivals: Crafts and Celebration

Winter (December–February) wraps the year with cozy, crafty Thailand festivals.

Colours of Doi Tung Festival

  • When: December–January weekends

  • Where: Doi Tung, Chiang Rai

  • What: Hill tribes sell handicrafts and food near Mae Fah Luang Garden.

  • Why: Supports local economies—a public holiday treat.

 
 

Planning Your Thai Festival Adventure

When to Visit

  • Songkran Festival: April 13–15—book early for Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

  • Loy Krathong Festival/Yi Peng: November full moon—Sukhothai or Chiang Mai shine.

  • Phuket Vegetarian Festival: October—plan for nine days of rituals.

What to Expect

  • Water Festival vibes (Songkran, Loy Krathong) mean wet fun—pack accordingly.

  • Cultural Performances: From live folk music to Ram Wong dances, every fest has a beat.

  • Crowds: Biggies like Pattaya Firework Festival draw hordes—opt for rooftops to dodge chaos.

Tips from Kids English Thailand

  • Check exact dates—many follow the Thai lunar calendar.

  • Pair your trip with our Teacher Training Program for a cultural deep dive!

 
 

Related Posts

Ready to boost your Thailand teaching journey? Check out these must-read blogs from Kids English Thailand—packed with tips to ace 90-day reporting and thrive in the classroom:

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Matthew John https://www.kidsenglishthailand.org
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