Thailand Travel guide - Festivals & Events
Maha Puja (Maja Puja) February 19, - Nationwide
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious day when 1,250 of Lord Buddha's followers met spontaneously to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night, Buddhists honour the occasion by walking around the temple in a candlelit procession.
Songkran Festival 12-15 April - Nationwide
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated throughout the country. In addition to all the water throwing fun which this festival generates, the occasion is marked with religious ceremonies before the fun and goodwill starts. A day in which everyone, including officials, gets wet and enjoys the spirit of "sanuk" or fun.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony May 15, Bangkok
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, to mark the official start of the rice-growing season and predict the outcome of the next rice crop. The event concludes a series of ceremonies conducted by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1960.
Visakha Puja May 17 - Nationwide
This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Throughout the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset, the day is completed by candlelit procession around the temple.
Asalha Puja July 16 - Nationwide
The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha's first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) July 17- Nationwide
This day marks the start of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa during which monks must stay inside their temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour.
H. M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration August 12 - Nationwide
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are decorated with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
Thai Beer Festival October - December - Citywide, Bangkok
Every year, Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai Beer Festival, which highlights barbecued food, exotic Thai food and of course, beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment, there are music and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the World Trade Centre and other locations around the city.
Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) November 12/13 - Nationwide
Loy Krathong is held on the full-moon in November around 12th/13th and is one of the loveliest festivals in Thailand. Traditional floats (Krathongs) decorated with flowers, incense and candles are launched in lakes, and from seashores around the country. The idea is send your worries floating away and everyone, from the oldest to the youngest child, is involved in making and floating the kratongs. Afterwards there are local celebrations, dance competitions and concerts.
Trooping Of The Colours December 3 - The Royal Plaza, Bangkok
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
H.M.The King's Birthday Celebrations December 5 - Nationwide
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country buildings and homes are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
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