Thailand never ceases to astonish its numerous visitors with the most vibrant festivities that are certain to enchant them by offering glimpses into the heritage and customs of the country. Each month presents an exhilarating opportunity to partake in these celebrations. From children to adults and elderly individuals, locals have the time of their lives during these events. Regarded as one of the finest methods to savor a memorable time in what is already recognized as an extraordinary nation, these festival celebrations in Thailand are the most popular ones to participate in.
15 Finest Festivals In Thailand
Thailand is one of the most prevalent tourist destinations and the reason extends beyond its picturesque scenery, beaches, water sports, cuisine, and temples. There are several festivities observed in Thailand that you must attend if you are a culture enthusiast. Take a look at some of the top-notch festivals in Thailand that you can join during your next vacation to this coastal paradise.
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
- Songkran Festival (Water Festival)
- Chinese New Year
- Lopburi Monkey Banquet (Food Festival)
- Yi Peng (The Lantern Festival)
- Boon Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
- Wing Kwai (Buffalo Racing Festival)
- Surin Elephant Festival
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival
- Mekong Naga Fireballs
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
- Candle Festival
- Full Moon Parties
- Wonderfruit Music And Arts Festival
- Maya Music Festival
1. Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)
Also recognized as the Ghost Festival, this is one of the most intriguing traditional festivals of Thailand. Phi Ta Khon is an event that combines religious customs, a festive atmosphere, and local handicrafts. It is celebrated over three days with numerous locals donning vibrant masks depicting ghastly faces and phallic noses, painted in vivid and flamboyant colors. The Ghost Festival has its roots in a blend of Buddhist and animist beliefs. The main parade usually takes place on Friday, followed by music performances and beauty pageants on Saturday, and Buddhist ceremonies on Sunday. Consider attending this festival if you wish to experience the ambiance of religious celebrations in Thailand.
Location: Dan Sai Town
Held On: Annual event in June
Must Read: Water Festival Thailand 2022: Your Personal Guide To Embrace All The Cool Thai Vibes
2. Songkran Festival (Water Festival)
Also known as Songkran Festival, the Water Festival Thailand is perhaps one of the most enjoyable festivals in the country, and possibly in the world! This extensive and sizable festival involves a three-day water skirmish in which individuals participate across the country. With imbibing, melody, dancing, and individuals soaked from head to toe, people employ buckets, hose pipes, water guns, and anything else that they can acquire to splash water on others. Does it sound entertaining?
Held On: April 13th to 15th 2022
Suggested Read: 5 Best Nude Beaches In Thailand That One Cannot Afford To Miss In 2022!
3. Chinese New Year
With Chinese New Year, one of the most thrilling Thailand celebrations can be observed in Yaowaraj – the official Chinatown of Bangkok. This area’s narrow, bustling alleys are always an enjoyable and exhilarating place to explore. Every corner and cranny of the street as well as surrounding alleys, comes to life with dragon and lion dancers, erupting firecrackers, iconic crimson Chinese lanterns, throngs of devotees as well as locals who assemble to participate in the revelry and relish delectable Chinese feasts. So if at all you happen to be in Bangkok during the Chinese New Year, head directly to the northern edge of Chinatown, i.e., Wat Mangkon Kamalawat on Charoen Krung Street. Without a doubt, it is unquestionably one of the most jubilant Thai festivals.
Held On: 1st February 2022
Suggested Read: 15 Holiday Homes In Thailand You’ll Never Want To Leave
4. Lopburi Monkey Banquet (Food Festival)
This is a Thailand food festival with a distinction. Located at a distance of 150 kms in the north of Bangkok, this festival takes place in Lopburi. It is renowned for the numerous monkeys that reside there, and one of the most popular activities for tourists when they visit Lopburi is feeding the simians. However, come November and the simple treats that they receive from visitors are substituted by something much more grand. A colossal banquet is laid out for about 3,000 monkeys that inhabit this part of Thailand, allowing them a day to indulge in four tons of fruits, vegetables, and an assortment of other treats. This is one of the most intriguing Thailand festivals.
Held In: November
Recommended Read: 10 Most Enchanting Thailand Wedding Venues That Are Ideal For Your Special Day
5. Yi Peng (The Lantern Festival)
If you wish to witness even more magnificent Thailand festivities and commemorations, you should schedule your visit during the Yi Peng festival, also known as the Lantern Festival. Similar to countries such as China and Vietnam, Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival presents one of the most awe-inspiring scenes you will ever encounter. People gather by the banks of the Peng River and release myriad paper lanterns into the sky, watching them gracefully drift away in the soft evening breeze. Although it is more of a tradition than a festival, it undoubtedly provides an excellent opportunity for capturing beautiful memories. You can also observe religious ceremonies, firework displays, parades, and the launching of paper boats into the river. Participating in the 2022 Lantern Festival Thailand is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of this country. Amongst all the Thai celebrations, this is unquestionably one of the liveliest.
Held On: 8th to 9th November, 2022
Recommended Read: 13 Finest Destinations For Shopping In Phuket That Demonstrate Thailand’s Utmost Paradise!
6. Boon Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
Also referred to as the Rocket Festival, this is a renowned celebration in Thailand that holds great significance for the agrarian communities of Issan, situated in the northeastern region of the country. Entire villages partake in this festival as it is considered the final grand event before the commencement of the planting season. Rockets are launched in the hope of enticing the Gods to send abundant rainfall. Elaborate rockets are constructed and paraded on the first day of Boon Bang Fai and then launched into the sky throughout the weekend. As one of the finest festivals in Thailand 2022, every Rocket Festival is accompanied by lively folk music, beauty pageants, the consumption of local rice wine, and joyful revelry.
Held In: Annually in mid May
Recommended Read: 9 Museums In Bangkok For A Historical 2022 Expedition In Thailand!
7. Wing Kwai (Buffalo Racing Festival)
One of the most exceptional celebrations in Thailand 2022, Wing Kwai is the festival wherein buffalo racing is organized. The tradition of buffalo racing has been followed for a century in Thailand. The race track is 100 meters in length situated in front of Chonburi City Hall. Besides buffalo racing, the festival also includes buffalo beauty competition, buffalo decorations, and more. After participating in these activities, you can enjoy other carnival games available at the festival.
Date of Occurrence: The day prior to the full moon night of the 11th Lunar month at the end of Buddhist Lent.
Recommended Reading: Thailand Travel Tips To Plan A Safe And Hassle-Free Trip In 2022
8. Surin Elephant Festival
As the name implies, this celebration is honored for these immense creatures of Thailand. Historically, elephants were deemed an exceptionally crucial aspect of Thailand during battles, agricultural procedures, and even for transportation. Moreover, the lord Ganesha is also worshipped in the country for seemingly the same reason. Celebrated in the northeastern region of Thailand, this festival will provide you the chance to witness the magnificent parade of elephants that are nourished abundantly with vegetables and fruits. This is one of those Thailand festivals that tourists should attend as it exemplifies the cultural as well as historical significance of the country.
Location: Surin Province, Isan, ThailandDate of Occurrence: Third weekend of November (Saturday – Sunday)
Recommended Reading: 14 Thailand Airports For Easy-Breezy Commute To The Tropical Paradise In 2022
9. Phuket Vegetarian Festival
This is one of the significant celebrations in Thailand and during a month prior to it, individuals refrain from consuming meat, garlic, onions, etc. This month is followed by a grand celebration in October when people engage in intense activities like lying on knives and facial piercing. You will also witness breathtaking fireworks and captivating dances during this festival!
Location: Phuket, ThailandDate: 24th September – 3rd October, 2022
Recommended Reading: Thailand In June: An Escape Amidst The Pristine Beaches & Ancient Temples
10. Mekong Naga Fireballs
Interested in witnessing more vibrant Thailand festivals and celebrations? The Mekong Naga Fireballs warmly welcomes and captivates individuals from various parts of the world. The festival is organized by the bank of the Mekong River, where one can observe crimson luminous orbs ascending into the sky during the night without emitting any sound. Reaching a soaring altitude of 600 feet, these fireballs ascend naturally without any human intervention. This is a mystical spectacle to behold. The true nature of this occurrence remains a mystery, whether it’s a scientific phenomenon or an enchanting spell.
Location: Mekong RiverDate: October 2022
Recommended Reading: Maximize Your Southeast Asian Holiday By Planning A Snorkeling Trip In Thailand
11. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
As the citizens of this nation never miss an opportunity to exhibit their loyalty to the monarchs, they joyfully commemorate their birthdays. The Queen’s birthday is observed as Mother’s Day on 12th August, while the King’s birthday is celebrated as Father’s Day on 5th December. These significant days are national holidays and hold great prominence among Thailand festivals.
Date: 12th August and 5th December, 2022
Recommended Reading: 10 Resorts In Thailand That Will Transform Your Vacation Into A Relaxing And Rejuvenating Experience
12. Candle Festival
Famous in the southeastern region of Thailand, this celebration is observed during the Asanha Puja and Khao Pansa days, commemorating the initial discourse by Buddha and celebrating the commencement of Buddhist Lent, respectively. In this celebration, individuals witness the splendidly and intricately made large sculptures of wax that are showcased during a procession. The procession is accompanied by dance and music. If you want to be a part of the finest Buddha festivities in Thailand, then do visit Thailand during the month of this celebration.
Held On: 13–15 July, 2022 (unconfirmed)
Suggested Read: 8 Homestays In Thailand For A Cost-Effective And Enjoyable Vacation In The Land Of White Elephants
13. Full Moon Parties
Full Moon parties are the largest beach party globally. It is an all-night party with 30,000 or more individuals on the beach each month to dance and engage in fire-related activities and have a joyful time. The vibe is incredible. One has to experience it once to believe it. Mostly attended by tourists, the full moon parties have become extremely popular. The area mostly stays busy with people celebrating every phase of the moon. Be a part of one of this outstanding Thailand festivities 2022 and have the most enjoyable time of your life.
Location: Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan) island
Held On: The night of the full moon, every month of the year
Suggested Read: 22 Exciting Things To Do In Bangkok – Thailand On A Holiday In 2022
14. Wonderfruit Music And Arts Festival
The Wonderfruit festival Pattaya is a three-day fun-filled music and art festival. It usually takes place in December on the outskirts of Pattaya. With an exceptional blend of Thai, Asian, and Western cultures, the main attraction of the festival is undoubtedly the music which is created by international designers. Food also plays a significant role in the fest with renowned chefs crafting the signature cocktails and meals. Amongst all the Thai festivities, it is indeed one of the finest music festivals in Thailand.
Location: The Fields at Siam Country Club, East Pattaya
Held On: 12th December to 16th December, 2022
Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide To Maya Bay Thailand: A Must-Visit Spot
15. Maya Music Festival
An electronic music festival, with past line-ups including heavyweights like Dash Berlin, this festival is for all the EDM festival enthusiasts in Thailand. They have hosted previous editions with famous international music giants in Pattaya and Bangkok. Make sure to keep a check on this year’s date to be a part of this grand Thailand festivities 2022.
Location: OASIS ARENA, Rama9, Bangkok
Held On: February 2022 – Date to be Confirmed
Further Read: Erawan National Park: A Handy Guide For Exploring The Most Breathtaking Attraction In Thailand
“So which festivities in Thailand do you want to be part of? Whichever your pick may be, make sure you plan your vacation in Thailand around some of these top festivities that’ll make your journey fascinating beyond your expectations.”
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us, and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals In Thailand
What is Thai New Year called?
Thai New Year is called Maha Songkran day in Thailand.
What year is 2559 in Thailand?
The Thai Calendar is 543 years ahead of the Christian calendar. So, the year 2016 is 2559 in Thailand.
What are the festivities in Thailand?
Here are some festivities in Thailand that you must experience. 1. Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) 2. Songkran (The Water Festival) 3. Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) 4. Boon Bang Fai (The Rocket Festival). 5. Surin Elephant Festival 6. Wing Kwai (Water Buffalo Racing Festival) 7. Phuket Vegetarian Festival 8. Lopburi Monkey Banquet (Food Festival)
What is the most popular festival in Thailand?
One of the most popular festivities among Thais has to be Songkran or, as it is sometimes known, the Water Festival.
Where is the Lantern Festival in Thailand?
Chiang Mai is the place to be for Loi Krathong (loy kra-tong).
What is the water festival in Thailand?
Songkran: Thailand’s Water Festival.
What is Thailand’s national flower?
Known locally as the ratchaphruek, the official botanical name of the tree bearing Thailand’s national flower is the Cassia Fistula Linn.
What animal has its own festival in Thailand?
Thailand has its own way of celebrating Holi, and they call it ‘Songkran Festival’.
