Holidays in the Kingdom of Thailand

In each of Thailand’s 80 provinces and in every one of its 30,000 temples, unique local festivals and ceremonies are held throughout the year. Besides these regional celebrations, the country observes a variety of national civil and religious holidays. Here, we’ll tell you about the most significant and vibrant ones.

Since religious holidays follow the lunar calendar, and provincial events are often scheduled for weekends, these festivities don’t fall on fixed dates. You can always find the current year’s calendar of festivals at your hotel or at the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), and also in free magazines and brochures available in hotels and shopping malls. On national and religious holidays, banks, government offices, and museums are closed.

Learn More About Thai Holidays

Chinese New Year (Between January 21 and February 21)

Except in Nakhon Sawan, where the Chinese community stages fireworks and “dragon dances,” Chinese New Year in most parts of Thailand is celebrated quietly, as a family holiday. Meanwhile, ethnic groups such as the Mien, Lisu, and Lahu hold lively village celebrations around the same time, turning the season into an especially tempting period for excursions to the north of the country.

Makha Bucha Day (Full Moon of February)

This national Buddhist holiday commemorates the day when 1,250 followers gathered to hear Buddha’s sermon. On this day, Thais alternate prayers with acts of kindness such as offering food to monks, releasing birds from cages, and setting fish free from aquariums. After sunset, people gather at temples nationwide for a candlelight procession. Each person carries flowers and a triple candle, symbolizing respect for Buddha, his teachings, and the Buddhist community.

Chakri Day – April 6

On this day in 1782, the Chakri Dynasty, which still rules Thailand today, was founded by King Rama I. Currently, King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej) reigns as the ninth monarch of this dynasty.

Pattaya Festival – Early April

April turns Pattaya, Thailand’s most famous seaside resort, into a stage for parades, beach shows, and vibrant floral float displays. In the evenings, spectacular fireworks light up the coastal skies.

Songkran (Thai New Year) – Mid-April

Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival and is especially spirited in Chiang Mai. The celebration lasts from three to five days, involving pilgrimages to sacred sites, parades, and cultural performances. According to tradition, people splash water on each other, believing this will bring good luck and wash away bad fortune. They also pour water on the ground to encourage the arrival of the rainy season. If you plan to join the fun, leave anything sensitive to water at your hotel! On the final day, Buddha statues are carried into the streets and ceremonially bathed.

Coronation Day – May 5

This holiday marks the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1950. For his compassion and tremendous contributions to Thailand’s development, he is revered as “The Great.” Among world leaders and Thai monarchs, Rama IX held the throne the longest.

Visakha Bucha (Full Moon of May)

One of the holiest days in Buddhism, Visakha Bucha marks three key events in the Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and death. The day is observed nationwide with acts of merit, temple offerings, and symbolic animal releases.

Fruit Festival – May

In the eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, famous for their tropical fruit plantations, residents hold large fairs when the fruits ripen. Markets are filled with exotic fruits and local crafts, while colorful parades with floral and fruit-covered carts fill the streets. Folk dance troupes and singers perform as part of the celebrations.

Royal Plowing Ceremony – Early May

Held near Bangkok at Sanam Luang, this ancient Brahmin ritual marks the start of the rice-planting season. The King performs symbolic actions to bless the land, while royal officials in traditional attire act out roles in a ceremonial field. The future rice harvest is predicted based on the behavior of sacred oxen during the event. At the end of the ceremony, farmers eagerly scramble for sacred rice grains, believed to bring good luck.

Langsat Festival – May to June

As the langsat fruit ripens, towns and villages across Thailand hold parades, games, and fruit fairs, celebrating the harvest season with joy and color.

Rocket Festival – May to June

In rural Thailand, villagers believe that launching giant homemade rockets into the sky will ensure plenty of rain for their rice fields. This event is also a chance to relax before the hard work of farming begins. The Rocket Festival includes parades and lively dance performances, with the largest celebrations taking place in Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon.

Asalha Bucha – Early July

This Buddhist holiday marks the Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples. It also signals the beginning of the Buddhist Lent (Vassa), during which monks retreat to monasteries for three months of meditation and study, staying until the rainy season ends (Ok Phansa).

Candle Festival – Early July

Huge, intricately carved candles are prepared and carried to monasteries to be used during the rainy season retreats. Festive processions fill the streets, accompanied by folk dancing. The most elaborate celebrations take place in Ubon Ratchathani.

Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday & Mother’s Day – August 12

On this day, Thais celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Concerts, books, sporting events, and new charitable foundations are dedicated in her honor. Streets are decorated with blue flags (the Queen’s color) and her portraits. The day is also celebrated as National Mother’s Day. People give jasmine-flower-themed gifts to the women in their lives, as jasmine symbolizes the Queen.

Long-Tailed Boat Races – September

Traditional boat races take place throughout Thailand, alongside vibrant land and water festivals. Local fruits and crafts are sold at the festivities, and the race winners receive the prestigious Royal Trophy.

Vegetarian Festival – Early October

In Phuket and Trang, the Chinese community observes nine days of strict vegetarianism. The festival opens with a parade of participants dressed in white. Colorful processions follow, with statues of deities carried through the streets and various rituals performed to purify the body and spirit.

Boat Races – October

During the Kathin period, marking the end of the rainy season, boat races are held alongside bustling markets. The most famous regattas happen in Nan, Surat Thani, Phichit, Nakhon Phanom, and Pathum Thani.

Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights) – Full Moon of November

One of Thailand’s most beautiful holidays, Loi Krathong is a celebration of water spirits. At night, people float small lotus-shaped boats made of banana leaves with candles, flowers, and coins on rivers and lakes, symbolically washing away sins. The skies light up with fireworks and, in Chiang Mai, hundreds of lanterns are launched into the sky. In Sukhothai, spectacular shows attract thousands of visitors.

Elephant Show in Surin – Mid to Late November

A breathtaking event where around 100 elephants demonstrate their intelligence, strength, and skills by playing football, racing, reenacting ancient battles, and performing various tricks.

River Kwai Bridge Week – Late November to Early December

In Kanchanaburi, historical and archaeological exhibitions are held alongside folk performances, fairs, fireworks, and even steam train races. The famous “Death Railway” built during World War II draws thousands of tourists.

His Majesty the King’s Birthday & Father’s Day – December 5

On this national holiday, government buildings are decorated with portraits of the King and illuminated with colorful lights. On December 3, the Royal Plaza in Bangkok hosts a solemn ceremony where elite guards renew their oath to the King. December 5 is also celebrated as Father’s Day.

Constitution Day – December 10

A national holiday commemorating Thailand’s first constitution, enacted in 1932.

Christmas and New Year – December 25 and January 1

While not traditional Thai holidays, Christmas and New Year are increasingly celebrated, especially in cities and tourist areas.