🔄 Updated 26 Jun 2026
Thai festivals fall broadly into two types: fixed dates, like Songkran (13–15 April), and lunar-calendar dates that shift every year, like Loy Krathong, the major Buddhist holy days, and the Vegetarian Festival. The table below sticks to the approximate month. If you're planning around a lunar festival, double-check that year's exact date.
Festival Calendar Month by Month
| Month | Standout festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January | Bo Sang Umbrella Festival · Chinese New Year (some years) | San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai · Yaowarat, Bangkok |
| February | Chiang Mai Flower Festival · Chinese New Year · Makha Bucha | Chiang Mai · nationwide |
| March | Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival (Khao Wang) | Phetchaburi |
| April | Songkran — Thai New Year | Nationwide (highlights: Chiang Mai, Khao San, Silom) |
| May | Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) · Visakha Bucha | Yasothon · nationwide |
| June–July | Phi Ta Khon | Dan Sai, Loei |
| July | Candle Festival (start of Buddhist Lent) | Ubon Ratchathani |
| October | Vegetarian Festival · end of Buddhist Lent · Illuminated Boat Procession | Phuket · Nakhon Phanom |
| November | Loy Krathong · Yi Peng · Surin Elephant Round-up · Monkey Buffet | Nationwide · Chiang Mai · Surin · Lopburi |
| December | New Year countdown · cool mountain weather | Nationwide |
Note: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, the end of Buddhist Lent, Loy Krathong, and the Vegetarian Festival all follow the lunar calendar, so their dates shift every year. Chinese New Year falls somewhere between late January and February depending on the year.
Songkran — Thai New Year (13–15 April)
The biggest and liveliest festival of all, and a long holiday when Thais head home and travel. By day people splash water to cool off (April is the hottest month of the year). The action centers on Khao San Road in Bangkok, the Chiang Mai moat, and Silom Road. Beyond the water fights, there's the gentle pouring of water over elders' hands as a blessing, and merit-making at temples. The honest heads-up: rooms fill up and get expensive, so book bus and flight tickets weeks ahead. Some shops and venues close for a stretch, and you'll want to keep your phone and wallet in a waterproof zip-lock bag.
Loy Krathong & Yi Peng — Full Moon of the 12th Lunar Month (around November)
On the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month, Thais float krathong as a gesture of apology to the rivers. The scene is beautiful nationwide, especially along the waterways and at Sukhothai, considered the birthplace of the tradition. In Chiang Mai it's paired with Yi Peng, where sky lanterns are released together — an image that's become famous worldwide. What to know: lantern releases have rules and only a limited number of permitted dates (for aviation safety), the big synchronized lantern releases require buying tickets in advance, and some flights on certain routes may shift their times during this period — check with your airline first.
Vegetarian Festival — Phuket (October)
For 9 lunar-calendar days in October, the whole island of Phuket turns to yellow flags and vegetarian food, with people abstaining from meat. There are processions and intense shrine ceremonies (some of which aren't suitable for small children or the faint of heart). It's a time when vegetarian food is incredibly easy to find all over town, and anyone who's already vegetarian will have an especially good time.
💡 Visiting During a Festival — Know Before You Go
During Songkran, Loy Krathong, and long holidays, rooms fill up fast and prices rise. Booking weeks ahead is the better deal.
Buses, trains, and flights sell out quickly during festivals, so allow more travel time than usual.
Loy Krathong, the major Buddhist holy days, and the Vegetarian Festival shift dates every year. Confirm the date for the year you're going before locking in plans.
In temples and at ceremonies, dress modestly, remove your shoes where indicated, and ask before photographing rituals up close.
Keep your phone and wallet in a waterproof bag, and avoid carrying valuables out into the water play.
Want to know which months have good weather and fewer crowds? Read it alongside the festival calendar.
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