Songkran festival

Songkran Festival, the Water Festival of Thailand is perhaps one of the most fun festivals in the country, and possibly in the world! This long and large festival involves a 3-day water fight in which people participate across the country. With drinking, music, dancing, and people drenched from head to toe, people use buckets, hose pipes, water guns, and anything else that they can get their hands on to use to splash water on others. Sounds fun???

Held In: April

Yi Peng (The Lantern Festival)

If you want to see even more spectacular Thailand festivals and celebrations, you should plan your trip around the festival of Yi Peng or the Lantern Festival. Like in countries like China and Vietnam, Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival is one of the most amazing sights you will ever see. People gather down by the banks of the Peng River and release thousands of paper lanterns into the sky and watch them float away in the gentle evening breeze. Although it is a more of a tradition than a festival, it is definitely a fantastic photo op for capturing some beautiful memories. You can also witness religious ceremonies, firework displays, parades, and the releasing of paper boats in the river.

Held In: November

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, one of the most exhilarating Thailand celebrations can be witnessed in Yaowaraj – the official Chinatown of Bangkok. Every nook and cranny of the street as well as surrounding alleys, comes to life with dragon and lion dancers, exploding firecrackers, iconic red Chinese lanterns, crowds of worshippers as well as locals who gather to participate in the fanfare and enjoy mouth-watering Chinese banquets. So, if at all you happen to be in Bangkok around the Chinese New Year, head straight to the northern edge of Chinatown, i.e., Wat Mangkon Kamalawat on Charoen Krung Street. Hands down, it is undoubtedly one of the most joyful Thai festivals.

Held In: 1st February

Boon Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

Also known as the Rocket Festival, this is a famous festival in Thailand that is significant to the farming communities of Issan, which is in the north-eastern part of the country. Entire villages attend the festival because they are considered the last big ‘knees up’ before the start of the planting season. The rockets are shot up to encourage the Gods to send down plenty of rainfall. Elaborate rockets are built and paraded around on the first day of Boon Bang Fai, and then launched high into the air throughout the weekend. Every Rocket Festival is accompanied by live folk music, beauty pageants, drinking of local rice wine, and a party full of fun and frolic.

Held In: Annually in mid-May

Surin Elephant Festival

As the name suggests, this festival is celebrated for these giant animals of Thailand. Historically, elephants were considered a very pivotal part of Thailand during the battle, agricultural procedures, as well as for traveling. Moreover, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped in the country for the same reason. Celebrated in the northeastern region of Thailand, this festival lets you witness the majestic parade of elephants that are fed heartily with vegetables and fruits. This is one of those Thailand festivals that tourists must attend for its cultural and historical significance.

Location: Surin Province, Isan, Thailand

Held In: Third weekend of November (Saturday – Sunday)

Phuket vegetarian festival

This is one of the major festivals in Thailand and during a month before it, people abstain themselves from consuming meat, garlic, onions, etc. This month is then followed by a grand celebration in the month of October when people involve themselves in gruesome activities like laying on knives and piercing face. You’ll also witness awe-striking fireworks as well as dance in this festival!

Location: Phuket, Thailand

Held In: September – October

Candle festival

TFamous in the southeastern region of Thailand, this festival is celebrated during the Asanha Puja and Khao Pansa days, commemorating the first sermon by Buddha and celebrating the start of Buddhist Lent, respectively. In this festival, people behold the magnificently and elaborately created large sculptures of wax that are displayed during a parade. The parade is accompanied by dance and music. If you want to be a part of the best Buddhist festivals in Thailand, then do visit Thailand during the month of this festival.

Held In: July

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day festival

As the people of this country never leave a chance to show their devotion to the monarchs, they celebrate their birthdays with full enthusiasm. The Queen and King’s birthdays are considered as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, respectively. The queen’s birthday is celebrated on 12th August and the king’s birthday is celebrated on 5th December. Both the days are considered to be national holidays and are quite prominent Thailand festivals.

Held In: 12 August and 5 December