Celebrating local festivals enhances your trip thanks to having deeper contact with Thais and their culture. Families with kids would love the water splashing during Songkran, while couples could surprise their partners at the romantic Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
In this guide, we've handpicked the most interactive and foreigner-friendly festivals, complete with dates, key activities, and top destinations to experience them.
1. Songkran (Thai New Year): the Most Celebrated
- Date: April 13–15 (extended to 4–5 days in some years)
- Popular cities to celebrate: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui
As Thailand’s most famous festival, Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year and welcomes the rainy season.
Water fights are deeply rooted in this festival. If traveling with active teens, grab a water gun, “fight” with smiling locals, and get soaked! Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are the most atmospheric places to experience it.
Additionally, you could also join in with locals to clean Buddha images on the morning of April 13th, see traditional parades, and taste Thai street food at local markets.
Bonus tip: One day is enough to experience the festival. Just pick a day with the parades as the rest mainly focus on the repeated water fights.

2. Yi Peng (Sky Lantern Festival): the Most Romantic
- Date: October or November (date varies, November 5th to 6th, 2025)
- Popular city to celebrate: Chiang Mai
Yi Peng is celebrated to mark the end of the rainy season and let go of all bad luck and ills by releasing sky lanterns. Once a northern Thai tradition, it is now mainly celebrated in Chiang Mai.
The dream-like backdrop of thousands of sky lanterns creates once-in-a-lifetime moments for couples celebrating milestones, such as proposals and anniversaries. For the most photogenic scene, book tickets for the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival (over 10,000 sky lanterns, check out the tickets left now).
More than releasing sky lanterns, enjoy cultural dances, see the Buddhist ceremony, meet Karen people from hill tribes, and taste typical Thai food.
Want more special experiences beyond floating the sky lanterns? Contact us to arrange traditional Thai attire for a more immersive experience or a photographer for memories that would last forever.
Get Inspirations on more romantic things to do in Thailand.
3. Loy Krathong: the Most Traditional
- Date: October or November (dates vary, November 5th to 6th, 2025)
- Popular cities to celebrate: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Krabi, Phuket
Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s oldest festivals, celebrates light and water as people float banana-leaf baskets (krathongs) with candles on rivers to make wishes for the future. While the festival is celebrated nationwide, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai stand out for their vibrant festivities.
Both cities feature parades with floats, rich local street food, and light shows at temples. The biggest celebration is held in Chiang Mai, combined with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, making it especially popular with couples.
Sukhothai, the birthplace of this festival, offers a week-long celebration with a more historical and serene vibe. You could deeply interact with locals and enjoy their cultural shows at the main venue — Sukhothai Historical Park.
4. New Year Countdown: Exotic Countdown with Sky Lantern Releasing
- Date: December 31st
- Popular cities to celebrate: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
To celebrate New Year in Thailand, the countdown usually comes with a spectacular fireworks display. Bangkok features fireworks, music performances, and the New Year countdown, mainly in local shopping malls, such as ICONSIAM. For party seekers, the New Year parties on popular islands, such as Phuket, are sure to impress.
But for the most exotic experience, go to Chiang Mai. Its CAD New Year Countdown would enhance your trip with more cultural touches. Welcome the new year with the largest fireworks display in Thailand and release sky lanterns together with your loved one(s).
Before the countdown, experience a grand and spectacular show, light a phang prathip, and explore hill tribe markets. To join in this exotic celebration, book your ticket now!
5. Visakha Bucha: the Most Religious
- Date: May (date varies, on the fourth month of the lunar calendar, May 11th, 2025)
- Popular cities to celebrate: Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Visakha Bucha honors Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. During the day, you could experience the traditions and rituals at Buddhist temples nationwide, including popular spots like the Golden Mount Temple in Bangkok as well as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
Locals usually practice almsgiving in the morning, listen to Buddhist sermons at temples during the day, and join a traditional Vien-Thian ceremony at night. As part of the ceremony, follow the monks and locals, make three rounds of the main temple hall in a clockwise direction with lighted candles, joss sticks, and flowers, and pray for good luck.
Bonus tip: Visakha Bucha comes with restrictions, such as limited alcohol sales in many places.

6. The Vegetarian Festival: the Most Vegan-Friendly
- Date: October (date varies as per the lunar calendar, October 21st to 29th, 2025)
- Popular cities to celebrate: Phuket, Bangkok
The Vegetarian Festival, rooted in Taoist traditions, celebrates the Nine Emperor Gods with a 9-day vegetarian diet. For vegans, it’s a treat — just look for yellow "Jay" flags at food stalls and restaurants, especially around Chinese temples.
In Phuket, the festival is dramatic and intense, featuring rituals like fire-walking and body piercing, creating an electric atmosphere. The grand parade is usually held on the sixth day of the festival. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a more food-focused celebration with colorful parades, lion dances, and endless vegetarian delights.

7. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival: the Most Colorful
- Date: first weekend in February (February 7th to 9th, 2025)
- Popular cities to celebrate: Chiang Mai, primarily around Old Town and Nong Buak Haad Park
If you’re in Chiang Mai in February, don’t miss the Flower Festival. In this lively 3-day event, the grand parade winds through the streets of Old Town, with beautifully decorated flower floats alongside traditional Thai dance and music.
At Nong Buak Haad Park, the scene comes alive with stunning floral displays. For families with little ones, there are playful, cartoon-inspired decorations that make it a fun spot for kids to explore too.

FAQs on Traveling During Thailand Festivals
1. Where is the best place to celebrate Thai festivals?
Chiang Mai. As a cultural hub, it hosts major events, such as Visakha Bucha, Songkran, and Loi Krathong, along with unique events like Yi Peng and the Flower Festival.
2. What is the most popular event in Thailand?
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is the most popular event. Known for its vibrant water fights and street parties, it draws both locals and travelers every year.
3. Will attractions close during the festivals in Thailand?
Most remain open but some, like Bangkok’s Grand Palace during Songkran, may adjust hours. It’s best to check ahead.
4. Are public transport and taxis available during festivals?
Yes, but road closures and traffic congestion are common. Plan extra travel time and consider using subways.
5. Is accommodation more expensive during festivals?
Yes, prices could rise, especially in popular cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Booking well in advance is recommended to secure the best deals and availability.
6. Do I need to book festival activities in advance?
For popular events like Yi Peng’s lantern release, tickets, and activities should be booked months ahead as spots fill up quickly.
Thailand Festivals Listed by Month
Festival | Date | What to Expect | Popular Cities to Celebrate In |
---|---|---|---|
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Fireworks, parties, parades, and festive celebrations. | Nationwide (especially in Bangkok and major cities) |
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival | January (usually the third weekend) | Colorful umbrella and handicraft displays, parades, and dances. | Bo Sang, Chiang Mai |
Chinese New Year | January/February (date varies) | Dragon dances, fireworks, street parades, and family gatherings. | Chinatown (Yaowarat) in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai |
Makha Bucha Day | February (full moon) | Buddhist ceremonies, meditation, and processions at temples. | Nationwide (especially in Buddhist temples) |
Chiang Mai Flower Festival | February (first weekend) | Parades with colorful floats, traditional dances, and flower displays. | Chiang Mai |
Surin Elephant Round-Up | March (usually the third weekend) | Elephant shows, parades, and traditional activities. | Surin province |
Songkran (Thai New Year) | April 13–15 | Water fights, traditional rituals, and temple visits. | Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ayutthaya |
Chakri Day | April 6 | Ceremonial events honoring the founding of the Chakri Dynasty. | Bangkok (the Grand Palace and surrounding areas) |
Labor Day | May 1 | Parades, protests, and social activities for workers. | Nationwide |
Visakha Bucha Day | May (full moon) | Buddhist ceremonies to celebrate Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. | Nationwide (especially in temples) |
Royal Ploughing Ceremony | May (date varies) | Rituals performed to mark the start of the rice-planting season. | Sanam Luang, Bangkok |
Asalha Bucha Day | July (full moon) | Buddhist ceremonies and listening to sermons on Dharma. | Nationwide (especially in Buddhist temples) |
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) | July (date varies) | Monks begin their 3-month retreat for meditation. | Nationwide (especially in Buddhist temples) |
Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) | June or July (exact dates vary) | Parades with ghost masks, music, and traditional dancing. | Dan Sai, Loei province |
Queen’s Birthday | August 12 | National celebrations and royal ceremonies. | Nationwide (especially in Bangkok) |
Chulalongkorn Day | October 23 | Ceremonies honoring King Chulalongkorn’s contributions. | Nationwide (especially in Bangkok) |
Vegetarian Festival | October (dates vary) | Vegetarian food, fire-walking, and body piercing rituals. | Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi |
King Bhumibol Memorial Day | December 5 | Ceremonies, parades, and decorations in honor of King Bhumibol. | Nationwide (especially Bangkok) |
Constitution Day | December 10 | National ceremonies and celebrations for Thailand's constitution. | Nationwide |
Loy Krathong | November (full moon of the 12th month) | Floating banana-leaf baskets, prayers, and parades. | Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Bangkok |
Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) | November (same as Loy Krathong) | Sky lantern releases, parades, and celebrations. | Chiang Mai |
King’s Birthday (King Rama IX) | December 5 | Ceremonies honoring King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. | Nationwide (especially Bangkok) |
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