Many Thai festivals follow the lunar calendar, so their dates change every year. Check the Tourism Authority of Thailand's announcements for this year's dates.
April 13-15Nationwide (Silom and Khao San in Bangkok, Chiang Mai)
A festival celebrating the Thai New Year, when people splash each other with water in the streets to wish for good luck. Silom and Khao San Road in Bangkok and the area around Chiang Mai's moat are the liveliest spots.
Tip Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and leave valuables at your hotel.
Photo: Chainwit. / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Usually the November full moon (varies by year)Nationwide
A festival where people float krathong made of banana leaves and flowers, topped with candles and incense, on rivers while making a wish. The Chao Phraya River and lakes across the country fill with light.
Tip Check the Tourism Authority of Thailand's announcements for this year's date.
Photo: John Shedrick from Chiang Mai, Thailand / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
During Loy KrathongChiang Mai
A northern Thai festival famous for the spectacular sight of thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky.
Tip Sky lanterns can only be released at authorized event sites. Ticketed events sell out early.
Photo: Nik Cyclist from Bangkok, Thailand / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
9 days at the start of the 9th lunar month (usually September-October)Phuket Old Town
A festival centered on Taoist shrines, where participants eat vegetarian for nine days to purify body and mind. Street processions and vegetarian food stalls are the highlights.
Tip Some rituals during the processions can be graphic. Keep this in mind if you're going with kids.
Photo: Phuket@photographer.net from Phuket, Thailand / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Lunar New Year (January-February)Chinatown, Bangkok
All of Chinatown is decked out in red lanterns and decorations, with lion dances, performances, and street food.
Tip Roads are closed, so take the MRT to Wat Mangkon Station.
Photo: Phoebus 28 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
First weekend of FebruaryChiang Mai
Chiang Mai's festival welcoming spring, with a parade of flower-covered floats and flower displays.
Tip Haze can start around this time, so check the PM2.5 levels.
Photo: John Shedrick / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Around each full moonHaad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan
A world-famous all-night beach party held on full moon nights.
Tip Ferries and hotels fill up fast, and lost valuables are common, so be careful.
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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| When | Festival | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-February (Lunar New Year) | Chinese New Year | Yaowarat (Chinatown), Bangkok | Red lanterns, lion dances, and street food |
| First weekend of February | Chiang Mai Flower Festival | Chiang Mai | Flower-decorated parade |
| April 13-15 | Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) | Nationwide (Silom and Khao San in Bangkok, Chiang Mai) | Street water fights, which last even longer in some regions |
| September-October (9th lunar month) | Phuket Vegetarian Festival | Phuket Old Town | Nine-day Taoist festival and processions |
| Full moon in November (varies by year) | Loy Krathong | Nationwide | Festival of floating krathong (flower boats) on rivers |
| During Loy Krathong | Yi Peng Lantern Festival | Chiang Mai | Spectacular sky lantern releases (only at designated sites) |
| Around each full moon | Full Moon Party | Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan | All-night beach party |
Last updated: 2026-10-30