Amazing Thailand Festivals You Must Attend | 2025-26

If you love water fights, Songkran is just the perfect Thailand festival for you! Songkran marks the Thai New Year and is celebrated by splashing lots of water on each other. This friendly water fight symbolizes the washing away of bad luck and sins. During the ancient time, people gently poured water on elders for blessings as a part of their tradition.

Over time, it became a fun, lively street festival with colorful parades, beauty contests, and endless water battles! Locals and tourists grab water guns and buckets to drench each other with water, smiles, and laughter.

A highlight of this famous festival in Thailand is the giant foam parties and traditional ceremonies at temples where people offer food to monks and build sand pagodas. Songkran is not just about fun - it’s about fresh starts, family, and spreading happiness.

Location: Best enjoyed in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket.
Dates: April 13–15, 2026

Imagine thousands of glowing lanterns floating into the sky - that's the magical sight you’ll see during the Loi Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festival. Loi Krathong is celebrated by floating beautifully decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers to thank the Water Goddess and ask for forgiveness.

A similar festival is celebrated in northern Thailand which is called Yee Peng. It is celebrated by releasing several sky lanterns which creates a breathtaking view, straight like a scene from a fairytale! This symbolizes letting go of negativity and making wishes for a good future. Streets are filled with candlelit decorations, traditional music, and dance performances. Travellers can join the celebrations by releasing a lantern - it’s pure magic!

Location: Best celebrated in Chiang Mai for Yee Peng and Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.
Dates: November 5–6, 2025

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Thailand. The story of this festival goes back about 150 years, when a group of Chinese opera performers fell sick in Phuket and followed a vegetarian diet to cleanse their bodies. And gues what - they miraculously healed! Since then, the community has honored this tradition every year. During this famous festival in Thailand, participants follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet for nine days to purify their minds and bodies.

What makes the Phuket Vegetarian Festival so fascinating are the daring rituals that people participate in. These rituals include walking on hot coals, piercing skin with sharp objects, and parading through the streets in colorful costumes. Although some acts are extreme, the festival is deeply spiritual and full of devotion. It’s a must-see for those looking to witness the incredible strength of faith and tradition.

Location: Phuket Town, Thailand
Dates: October 21–29, 2025

The Candle Festival of Thailand is a celebration of art, devotion, and creativity! It takes place during the Buddhist Lent, when the monks begin staying inside temples for meditation. In the past, people used to donate candles to temples to light up their surroundings during the rainy season.

Over time, it evolved into a beautiful Thai festival where giant, carved candles are paraded through the streets. These candles are amazing works of art, decorated with intricate designs carved into the stories from Buddhist legends.

Travellers can enjoy watching the stunning candles during the grand procession, accompanied by traditional music and dancers. It’s a beautiful way to see Thailand’s rich culture come alive!

Location: Ubon Ratchathani, northeastern Thailand
Dates: July, 2025 (Fixed Date is not confirmed yet)

Makha Bucha Day is a peaceful and spiritual festival in Thailand that is dedicated to a very special event in Buddhism. It celebrates the day when 1,250 monks gathered without any invitation to hear Buddha preach. This day is all about showing respect, kindness, and remembering Buddha’s teachings.

On Makha Bucha Day, people visit temples and offer alms to monks. They also walk three times around the temple carrying flowers, candles, and incense, and this procession is called "Wian Tian."

A highlight of this beautiful festival in Thailand is the glowing candle ceremonies at sunset, creating a calm and magical atmosphere. Unlike loud street festivals, Makha Bucha Day gives you a chance to connect with the spiritual side of Thailand.

Location: Wat Phra Dhammakaya (near Bangkok) and temples across Thailand
Dates: March 3, 2026

Visakha Bucha Day is one of the most important festivals in Thailand as it celebrates three key events in the Buddha’s life - his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. And acccording to Buddhist tradition, they all happened on the same full moon day.

On this sacred day, Thai people visit temples to give donations, offer food to monks, and taking part in candlelight ceremonies. During the evening, travelers can join the locals in the peaceful "Wian Tian" ritual, where they walk three times around the temple holding candles, flowers, and incense. It’s a beautiful way to experience the spiritual side of Thai culture. Being part of this Thailand festival is a memory that will stay with you forever.

Location: Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho in Bangkok, and temples across Thailand
Dates: May 11/12, 2025

Asanha Bucha Day is a festival that celebrates the Buddha's first sermon to his disciples. This day marks the beginning of Buddhism. Thai people spend the day visiting temples, making offerings, and listening to sermons. Many people also start their journey into monkhood on this day.

Travelers who want to truly feel the spirit of this Thailand festival can visit temples, participate in meditation sessions, and watch traditional ceremonies. Since Asanha Bucha Day is a public holiday, you will find many beautifully decorated temples and a peaceful vibe across the country.

Location: Major temples across Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai and Bangkok
Dates: July 10, 2025

Boon Bang Fai is also known as the Rocket Festival. It is one of the most fun and lively festivals in Thailand. This festival is mainly celebrated in the northeastern part of Thailand and is associated with ancient traditions. According to the local beliefs, the rockets are launched into the sky as a prayer to the gods to bless the land with rain for the rice-planting season.

This festival is a perfect opportunity for travellers to see the giant homemade rockets, parades with colorful costumes, music, and dancing. They can even join in the fun by watching the rocket competitions. It’s an exciting, loud, and joyous celebration that shows the playful side of Thai traditions. If you're looking for a unique experience during your trip to Thailand, the Boon Bang Fai festival will not disappoint!

Location: Yasothon Province, northeastern Thailand
Dates: May 9–11, 2025

Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on their beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. Every year on 5th December, people come together to show their respect and love by decorating the streets with royal colours. The portraits of their King are displayed everywhere and many special ceremonies are held across Thailand in their King’s honor.

People roam around the street wearing yellow clothes, which is their King’s color. Travelers visiting during this Thailand festival can join candlelight ceremonies, watch fireworks displays, and be part of the grand celebrations. The atmosphere is full of pride, joy, and heartfelt emotion. It is a wonderful opportunity to understand how deeply the Thai people love and honor their king.

Location: Grand Palace and Sanam Luang in Bangkok
Dates: December 5, 2025

The Queen’s Birthday in Thailand is on August 12th, which is also celebrated as Mother’s Day. This day is dedicated to Queen Sirikit and all mothers across the country. It is a sweet and touching celebration filled with love and family gatherings. Cities and towns are decorated with lights, especially in blue, which is also the Queen’s color.

Children give jasmine flowers to their mothers as a sign of love and respect. Tourists visiting during this famous festival in Thailand can witness charming ceremonies, public concerts, and candlelight events. If you want to feel the warmth of Thai family values, attending Mother’s Day festivities during your Thailand trip will make your experience even more special.

Location: Bangkok, especially Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Grand Palace area
Dates: August 12, 2025

Chinese New Year is one of the most colorful festival in Thailand celebrated by the Chinese-Thai community. It marks the start of the lunar new year and is based on ancient legends like the story of Nian, a monster scared away by loud noises and red colors.

The streets of Chinatown are decorated with red and gold colurs. Travelers can enjoy this Thailand festival with watching the dragon dances and firecrackers here. You can also visit the Chinatown and join traditional prayers at temples, and try delicious street food. What’s truly special about this festival is the lively atmosphere filled with drums, costumes, and joyful family gatherings.

Location: Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), Bangkok
Dates: February 17, 2026

While Songkran is the official Thai New Year, many parts of Thailand still celebrate the traditional Thai New Year Festival in local ways, with rituals focusing more on spirituality than water fights. People visit temples to make merit, offer alms to monks, and pour water gently over Buddha statues for blessings.

Travelers who prefer a more peaceful experience during the Thai New Year can attend these traditional ceremonies and community events. What makes this Thai festival unique is the beautiful blend of spirituality, respect for elders, and community bonding that can be seen everywhere.

Location: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural villages across Thailand
Dates: April 13–15, 2026 (aligned with Songkran)

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a unique Thailand festival rooted in ancient Brahmin rituals. It is celebrated to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Farmers offer prayers to be blessed with good harvests. The ceremony is performed by officials dressed in traditional costumes and sacred cows predicts the agricultural fortune for the coming year.

The highlight about this famous festival in Thailand is the ceremonial ploughing itself, accompanied by prayers, songs, and royal traditions. Travelers visiting Bangkok during this time can witness a this royal and historic festival that highlights Thailand's connection to farming and nature.

Location: Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Dates: May 9, 2025 (exact date may vary slightly depending on royal calendar)

If you want to attend one of the quirkiest festivals in Thailand, the Lopburi Monkey Banquet is a must-see! This fun event started as a way to thank the monkeys that live around the ancient Khmer temples for attracting tourism to the town.

On this day the tables around the temple are filled with fruits, vegetables, and treats. Thousands of monkeys feast happily while visitors watch. What makes this Thai festival truly unique is the playful chaos — monkeys climbing everywhere, stealing food, and even posing for photos! Travelers can join the fun by feeding the monkeys and taking part in the friendly celebrations.

Location: Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi
Dates: November 30, 2025

Phi Ta Khon, also known as the Ghost Festival, is one of the most lively and strange festivals in Thailand. It is based on Buddhist folklore where spirits are called upon to join a parade which is celebrated on the return of a prince who was believed to be dead. Locals dress up in bright, spooky masks and colorful costumes, parading and dancing through the streets.

The highlight of this famous festival in Thailand are the incredible costumes and playful spirit of the people which is a mix of fun, religion, and folklore. Travelers can even join the parade, paint their own ghost masks, and dance with the locals!

Location: Dan Sai District, Loei Province
Date: June 28–30, 2025

The Surin Elephant Round-Up is a spectacular Thailand festival that celebrates the strong bond between humans and elephants. Based on centuries-old traditions, this festival showcases the skills of these gentle giants as they participate in mock battles and fun parades.

What makes this famous festival in Thailand so special is the grand elephant buffet, where hundreds of elephants feast on fruits and vegetables! Travelers can watch the elephants performance, take part in feeding the elephants, and even go for fun short rides. It is a unique experience that shows Thailand’s respect for these majestic animals.

Location: Surin Province, northeastern Thailand
Dates: November 21, 2025

Khao Phansa is the beginning of the Buddhist Lent period, a time when monks start staying in the monasteries to study and meditate during the rainy season. This peaceful festival is celebrated with candle processions and temple visits. The Thai people also believe that practicing good deeds on this day ,like donations, charity, etc will bring them luck and prosperity.

Travelers can experience this Thailand festival by attending candle parades, watching traditional dances, and learning about Buddhist customs. Visiting Thailand during Khao Phansa offers a beautiful chance to see the country’s spiritual side shining brightly.

Location: Ubon Ratchathani and temples all over Thailand
Dates: July 10/11, 2025

The Buffalo Racing Festival is a lively and unique event that has been a part of the Thai culture for over a century. This popular festival in Thailand is held just before the rice harvest, where farmers organise and participate in various fun activities and pray for good harvest.

The highlight of this famous festival in Thailand is the high-speed buffalo races, colorful parades, and fun fair atmosphere. Travelers visiting during this time can watch the exciting races, enjoy local street food, and experience rural Thai traditions up close.

Location: Chonburi Province
Dates: October 6, 2025 (Tentative Dates)

The Dance and Music Festival in Bangkok is a true celebration of global culture. The festival features world-class performers in ballet, opera, jazz, and traditional dances. Participating in this festival is like enjoying the best of performers from around the world on one stage in Thailand.

This Thailand festival is an incredible mix of Thai and international talents performing at stunning venues. Travelers who love art, music, and live performances can attend shows, workshops, and cultural exhibitions spread across the city.

Location: Bangkok Cultural Centre and other venues in Bangkok
Dates: 6 September– 19 October 2025 (Tentative Dates)

The Street Festival of Thailand is a vibrant and fun celebration where the heart of the city becomes alive with art, music, dance, and performances. Streets are transformed into colorful galleries, filled with food stalls, parades, street shows, and workshops.

Travelers can explore buzzing local markets, watch talented street performers, enjoy open-air concerts, and even join spontaneous dance battles! What’s truly exciting about this Thailand festival is how it brings together people of all ages and cultures to celebrate the arts under the open sky.

Location: Main streets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Dates: December 2025 (dates vary by city)

The Music Festival Pattaya is one of the most awaited beachside events in Thailand, which attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world. For 3 electrifying days, Pattaya Beach becomes a huge open-air stage with live performances from famous Thai and international artists across different genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, and EDM.

A highlight of this famous festival in Thailand is dancing with your feet in the sand and the sea breeze in your hair! Travelers can enjoy night-long concerts, vibrant street food zones, and an unforgettable party vibe right by the ocean.

Location: Pattaya Beach, Chonburi

Dates: March, 2026 (Fixed Dates are not confirmed yet)