Thai Events

amyy.ib — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:29:25 +0000

Thailand hosts a vibrant calendar of annual events, from the colorful Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February to the majestic Loy Krathong and Yi Peng celebrations in November, showcasing lantern parades, illuminated temples, and communal rituals that celebrate culture, nature, and gratitude.

Thailand’s Annual Festivals

A journey through the vibrant celebrations and sacred traditions that occur throughout the Thai calendar.

January (3rd Weekend)

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

Held in Chiang Mai, this festival celebrates the traditional craft of paper umbrella making with colorful parades, exhibitions, and beauty pageants.

February (Full Moon)

Makha Bucha Day

A major Buddhist holiday commemorating the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks. Thais visit temples for candlelight processions (Wian Tian).

13–15 April

Songkran (Thai New Year)

The world-famous water festival. Beyond the giant water fights, it is a time for merit-making, cleaning houses, and pouring scented water on elders’ hands.

June / July

Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)

Unique to Loei province, locals wear colorful masks made from sticky rice steamers and coconut husks to celebrate a vibrant Buddhist legend.

September / October

Vegetarian Festival

Primarily celebrated by the Chinese-Thai community, particularly in Phuket. Participants observe a strict diet and perform rituals to purify soul and body.

November (Full Moon)

Loy Krathong

The “Festival of Lights.” People release decorated baskets (krathongs) into rivers and lakes to honor the water goddess and float away bad luck.

November

Yi Peng (Lantern Festival)

Concurrent with Loy Krathong in Northern Thailand, thousands of sky lanterns (khom loi) are released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Holidays – Thailand