Explore the Land of Smiles Through its Festivals!
Explore the Land of Smiles Through its Festivals!
Get ready to get hyped for Thailand’s festivals! We’re talking about the most awesome celebrations ever! From ancient traditions that are totally old-school to modern parties that’ll blow your mind, Thailand has it all. Get excited to groove with the heart and soul of this amazing country! So grab your friends and let’s dive into Thailand’s festival scene. It’s gonna be epic fun!
Photo by learnthaiwithmod
1. Chinese New Year (January/February)
Chinese New Year in Thailand is absolutely wild! The streets turn into a colorful explosion with dragons dancing and drums beating. You can’t miss the red lanterns hanging everywhere, bringing in all the good vibes. Families gather for feasts filled with delicious dumplings and the excitement of scoring lucky red envelopes. And when the sun sets, get ready for wonderful fireworks! For an unforgettable celebration, head to Yaowarat, the vibrant Chinatown of Bangkok, or immerse yourself in the festivities at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (formerly named Leng Noei Yi Temple) on Charoen Krung Street.
Photo by The Standard
2. Chiang Mai Flower Festival (๋January-February)
You gotta check out Flower Fest in Chiang Mai—it’s awesome! The streets are full of various kinds of flowers, all bright and colorful. Enjoy admiring the flowers, trying watering street food and check out unique local products along with the music performance in the garden. Big floats covered in wonderful flowers parade through town. It’s like being in a flower wonderland, for real!
For more details on this event or any other events in Chiang Mai, you can check out https://www.chiangmaitravelhub.com/events/ There’s always something exciting happening in this vibrant city!
3. Pattaya International Music Festival (March/April)
Pattaya’s Music Fest is calling your name, dude! Imagine chilling by the beach, listening to sick beats for three days non-stop! It’s like being in a dream, surrounded by other music heads just like you! It’s the ultimate music getaway where you can get loose and vibe to a diverse range of music genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, EDM, and more. Featuring both local talents and international artists, this festival promises an electrifying atmosphere that’ll leave you buzzing! So grab your crew and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
For more details and to stay updated on this cool event, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PattayaMUSICFestival/. They’ll hook you up with info on other music festivals happening in Pattaya too. It’s time to rock the beach!
Photo by Thairath
4. Songkran Festival (April)
Let me tell you, Songkran Festival is gonna be the best party ever! The whole city turns into a water war zone, with every dude armed with water guns and buckets, ready to get soaked from head to toe. Surrounded by laughs and shouts of “Happy Songkran!” while water flies everywhere. There are also many big music festivals in town, celebrating the summer’s hottest nights with a blast of cool water. But it’s not just about getting wet, it’s also about starting fresh with everyone around you. So grab your guns and let’s make a splash at Thai New Year! And guess what? You can celebrate Songkran anywhere in the country! In Bangkok, head over to Silom Road, conveniently reachable via MRT Silom or BTS Sala Daeng. Alternatively, make your way to Siam Square, directly accessible from BTS Siam station. Or hit up Central World, just a short walk from BTS Chidlom station. Don’t forget about Khao San Road, known for its vibrant atmosphere during Songkran festivities. Wherever you go, get ready to make a splash at Thai New Year!
Photo by Thecoloursofthailand
5. Phi Ta Khon Festival (June-July)
You gotta hit up the Phi Ta Khon Fest in Loei Province! This fest is all about mixing ancient tradition and party vibes. Locals rock these sick masks and costumes, acting out ancient stories in the most awesome way possible. And the music is nothing like what you have heard before, with drums pounding and music filling the air. Get ready to be blown away by the excitement of this fest unlike any other!
Photo by Thailandelitevisas
6. Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival (July-August)
Get ready to be amazed at the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Fest! Thai peeps flex their creativity with candles carved into jaw-dropping designs from buddhist legends. Then, when the night falls, the whole place lights up with the magical glow of candlelight. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!
Photo by The Standard
7. Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival) in Phuket (August – September)
You gotta check out Phuket’s Por Tor Fest and I guarantee you, it’s gonna be insane! It’s like a blend of ancient Chinese and Thai vibes, happening every year during the seventh lunar month for the ethnic Chinese. Picture this: Colorful parades, cool traditional performance, giant figures, firecrackers shows and offerings to wandering ghosts and ancestors. It’s gonna be super fun and really show what makes Phuket awesome!
8. Vegetarian Festival (September/October):
Imagine a fest where the streets are filled with colorful decorations and excitement! That’s the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand! Starting from Phuket to everywhere else, it’s gonna be the next-level! Imagine yourself surrounded by street processions and the most delicious smells of vegetables and spices. It’s like a food lover’s dream come true! Plus, you will see peeps in white doing crazy rituals that will leave you speechless, like fire-walking, climbing a sharp ladder, walking through a nail bridge and body piercing. I know, this is totally insane! So, if you’re ready for a feast and a celebration unlike any other, the Vegetarian Festival is where you need to be!
Photo by Bangkok Airways
9. Loy Krathong (November)
Thailand’s Festival of Lights is so magical! Covered in candles and lanterns lighting up the sky like a fairy tale—so dreamy and romantic! Send your wishes down the river in a basket in this enchanting tradition of letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, joyfulness and music, it’s a magical celebration you won’t want to miss!
Loy Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand, usually in November. But since it follows the lunar calendar, the date changes every year. Sukhothai and Chiang Mai are top spots to experience it, with Chiang Mai also hosting the Yee Peng Festival. In Bangkok, head to the Chao Phraya River for a stunning view. For a local experience, hit up Asiatique, the riverfront night market, but brace yourself for traffic and long queues at the shuttle boat near Saphan Taksin BTS Station.