Some travelers remember the temples. Others, the food or the islands. But many fall in love with the festivals & events. They’re loud in some places, silent in others. However, always sincere.
A lantern floating into the sky or a masked dancer in motion, these moments stay with you.
They’re a window into Thai culture and an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Thailand’s calendar is full of them. But we’ve picked ten of the most unforgettable festivals for you. So read on and see which one aligns with your upcoming trip to Thailand!
10. Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival – A Parade of Light and Art
The Candle Festival is Ubon Ratchathani’s most famous event, held to mark Asalha Puja and the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Locals create massive, hand-carved wax sculptures, some several meters high, depicting mythological scenes and Buddhist stories. These are paraded through the city on floats, accompanied by music and traditional dance.
It’s both spiritual and artistic, with temples and schools spending weeks on their entries. The main parade draws big crowds, so book your stay early. The atmosphere is respectful but festive. If you want to see Thai craftsmanship and devotion on a grand scale, this is the festival to catch.
When: July (marking the start of Buddhist Lent)
Where: Ubon Ratchathani, northeastern Thailand
9. Bo Sang Umbrella Festival – Craft and Color in Chiang Mai
The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival celebrates one of Thailand’s most charming handicrafts. This small village is famous for handmade paper umbrellas, painted in bright floral patterns.
During the festival, streets are lined with umbrellas, lanterns, and traditional Lanna decorations. There are parades, music, and a beauty contest, but the focus stays on craft. You can watch artisans painting by hand or try making your own. It’s quieter than other festivals, with a relaxed, friendly feel.
Entry is free, however, workshops may charge a small fee. If you’re in Chiang Mai in January, this colorful village is worth the detour.
When: January
Where: Bo Sang Village, near Chiang Mai
8. Bun Bang Fai – The Rocket Festival
Bun Bang Fai is loud, fun, and totally momentous. Villagers in Isaan launch homemade rockets into the sky to call for rain and bless the rice season. It’s part religious ritual, part wild party.
Rockets can be several meters long and packed with gunpowder. Teams compete for the highest launch and the most impressive explosion. Expect music, dancing, alcohol, and cheeky humor throughout the parades.
Yasothon hosts the biggest celebration. Hotels fill quickly, so book ahead if you’re going. This is rural Thailand at its most energetic and eccentric, with centuries-old roots and a whole lot of fun.
When: May (before the rainy season begins)
Where: Yasothon and northeastern provinces
7. Buffalo Racing Festival – Chonburi’s Wild Ride
The Buffalo Racing Festival is fast, loud, and unlike anything else.
In Chonburi, prized water buffaloes are raced at full speed by barefoot jockeys over a short dirt track. It’s a celebration of rural traditions and the role buffaloes still play in Thai farming. There are parades, beauty contests (for both people and buffaloes), and plenty of street food.
Crowds gather early and cheer every wild, muddy sprint. Entry is free, however seating fills fast. It’s a local festival with real heart. If you’re nearby in October, it’s well worth the trip.
When: October (usually during the end of Buddhist Lent)
Where: Chonburi, eastern Thailand
6. Chinese New Year – A Bangkok Street Celebration
Streets filled with people watching parades and lion dancers leaping to drums. The atmosphere is electric.
Chinese New Year in Thailand bursts with color, sound, and energy. Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road becomes a sea of lanterns, dragon dances, and firecrackers. Families visit temples, make offerings, and enjoy feasts of symbolic dishes. Red envelopes, or ang pao, are given for luck.
It’s free to explore, but arrive early, the crowds are intense. Many shops close for the holiday, but food stalls stay busy. Wear red for good luck. Whether you’re watching or joining in, it’s a vivid celebration you won’t forget.
When: January or February (based on lunar calendar)
Where: Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat Road), plus major cities with large Chinese communities
5. Bangkok’s International Dance and Music Festival
This is Thailand’s leading stage festival for classical music, opera, ballet, and modern dance.
Held over several weeks, it brings performers from across the world to Bangkok’s top theatres. You’ll see everything from Russian ballet companies to contemporary jazz ensembles and European orchestras.
The audience is a mix of locals and expats, with performances in grand venues like the Thailand Cultural Centre.
Tickets sell quickly for headline acts. Dress smartly, as many shows are formal. It’s a rare chance to experience global performing arts right in the heart of Bangkok.
When: September to October
Where: Bangkok (Thailand Cultural Centre and other major venues)
4. Phi Ta Khon – Thailand’s Ghost Festival
Ever seen a parade led by dancing ghosts? You will at Phi Ta Khon. Locals dress as ghosts wearing tall, painted masks made from rice husks and coconut leaves.
The festival marks the return of Prince Vessantara, a past life of the Buddha, and celebrates his unexpected arrival. Parades, dancing, and loud music fill the town for days. It’s chaotic but full of heart.
Events are free, but accommodation in Dan Sai is limited, so book early or stay in nearby Loei town. You won’t see anything else in Thailand quite like it.
When: June or July (exact date varies)
Where: Dan Sai, Loei Province (northeast Thailand)
3. Loy Krathong – Thailand’s Festival of Lights
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most graceful festivals. People gather by rivers, lakes, and canals to float krathongs, small lotus-shaped vessels made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles.
Each release symbolizes letting go of anger, regrets, or misfortune. The atmosphere is peaceful, with soft music, candlelight, and families making wishes. Bangkok’s celebrations beside the Chao Phraya River are notably beautiful, whereas Sukhothai offers a more traditional feel.
You don’t need a ticket to join in; however, hotels with river views fill quickly. Krathongs are sold everywhere, or you can try making your own. It’s quiet, reflective, and momentous.
When: November (same night as Yi Peng)
Where: Celebrated nationwide, notably in Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai
2. Yi Peng – Lantern Festival
Yi Peng is Thailand’s most breathtaking festival. Held in Chiang Mai, it’s known for thousands of glowing lanterns released into the night sky.
The act of releasing a lantern symbolizes letting go of misfortune and inviting good luck.
You’ll see temples glow with candles, and locals dress in traditional attire. Head to the Ping River or Tha Phae Gate for the most atmospheric views. It’s quieter and not as fun as Songkran; however, it’s a deeply spiritual experience.
Make sure to book tickets in advance and arrive early.
When: November (exact dates vary with the lunar calendar)
Where: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
1. Songkran – Thailand’s Traditional New Year
Songkran is Thailand’s biggest and we’d say arguably the best festival.
Its history goes back to the 13th century when water rituals were used to cleanse misfortune and honor the Buddha. Back then, people gently sprinkled water to symbolize starting fresh for the new year.
However, it evolved over time, and today, it’s a joyful, all-out water fight. Buckets, hoses, and water guns take over the streets.
In our experience, Chiang Mai throws the wildest celebration, but every city joins in. Locals and tourists all get soaked.
Songkran is deep-rooted in tradition and community. It’s fun, noisy, and completely unforgettable.
Don’t forget to bring a dry bag and wear light clothes. And please avoid splashing elders and monks.
When: April 13–15
Where: Celebrated nationwide, extraordinarily in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket
There’s always something happening in Thailand, no matter the time of year. If you’re planning a trip and want to go deeper than beaches and nature (though those are great too), festivals are a meaningful way in.
We’ve put together ten top festivals that reflect Thai culture in all its colors and variety. Some are spiritual, others wild, and a few are just plain fun.
Check your travel dates, see what lines up, and add one (or more) to your itinerary.
