10 Best Festivals In Thailand

Thailand is known for its vibrant culture and festive celebrations. From lively parades to colorful traditional costumes, the country celebrates its rich heritage through various festivals. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to join in the fun and experience these 10 best festivals.

1. Songkran Festival 🎉

Songkran Festival is the most popular festival in Thailand, celebrated from April 13 to 15. It marks the Thai New Year and is also known as the Water Festival. People splash water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of negativities from the previous year and welcoming the new year with a fresh start.

History of Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival originated from a Buddhist tradition where people pour water on Buddha statues as a sign of respect and cleanse their homes and surroundings. Over time, it evolved into a nationwide celebration of happiness and unity.

How to Celebrate Songkran Festival

During the festival, people roam the streets with water guns and buckets, spraying water on each other. It’s also a time for families and friends to reunite, make offerings at temples, and participate in cultural activities.

2. Loy Krathong Festival 🎏

Loy Krathong Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place on the full moon day in November. People make krathongs, or floating baskets made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles, and release them into the river to pay homage to the water goddess and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings.

History of Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival is a Brahmanic festival that originated in the Sukhothai period as a way to pay respect to the Buddha and the water goddess. It also marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvesting season.

How to Celebrate Loy Krathong Festival

During the festival, people gather around rivers and lakes to release their krathongs, light candles, and watch fireworks. It’s also a time for couples to express their love and make wishes for a happy future together.

3. Vegetarian Festival 🥬

The Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is held in October. It’s a time for Thai-Chinese communities to observe a strict vegetarian diet and perform acts of self-mortification to cleanse their bodies and minds.

History of Vegetarian Festival

The Vegetarian Festival originated in China and was brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. It’s based on the belief that abstaining from meat and other impure foods during the ninth lunar month will prevent misfortune and bring good luck.

How to Celebrate Vegetarian Festival

During the festival, people dress in white and refrain from eating meat, garlic, and onions. Some also perform acts of self-mortification, such as piercing their tongues and cheeks with sharp objects, to show their devotion and ask for blessings from the nine emperor gods.

4. Phi Ta Khon Festival 👻

Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, is held in June or July in the Dan Sai district of Loei province. It’s a colorful and playful celebration featuring elaborate masks and costumes, parades, and traditional music.

History of Phi Ta Khon Festival

Phi Ta Khon Festival is based on a Buddhist legend about the return of Lord Buddha’s disciples from a long journey. The villagers were so overjoyed that they celebrated with masks and costumes, which evolved into the modern-day festival.

How to Celebrate Phi Ta Khon Festival

During the festival, people dress up in ghostly masks and parade around town, accompanied by traditional music and dance. The festival also includes other activities such as a rocket launching contest and a merit-making ceremony.

5. Boon Bang Fai Festival 🚀

Boon Bang Fai Festival, also known as the Rocket Festival, is held in May in various northeastern provinces. It’s a fun and exciting celebration featuring homemade rockets, parades, and traditional music.

History of Boon Bang Fai Festival

Boon Bang Fai Festival originated from a pre-Buddhist ritual to ensure a bountiful rice harvest. The rockets are believed to help summon the rain god and fertilize the crops.

How to Celebrate Boon Bang Fai Festival

During the festival, people compete to launch the highest and most creative rockets, accompanied by traditional music and dance. The festival also includes a beauty pageant and a costume contest.

6. Hua Hin Jazz Festival 🎷

Hua Hin Jazz Festival is held in May or June in Hua Hin, a popular seaside resort town. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable festival featuring jazz music, food, and drinks.

History of Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival was first held in 2002 to promote tourism in the town and celebrate jazz music, which is popular among Thai middle-class and upper-class audiences.

How to Celebrate Hua Hin Jazz Festival

During the festival, people can enjoy jazz performances by local and international artists, sample local cuisine and drinks, and take part in other activities such as workshops and exhibitions.

7. Chiang Mai Flower Festival 🌺

Chiang Mai Flower Festival is held in February in Chiang Mai, a bustling city in northern Thailand. It’s a colorful and fragrant festival featuring flower parades, exhibitions, and contests.

History of Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Chiang Mai Flower Festival was first held in 1977 to showcase the region’s abundant flower species and promote tourism. It has since become a popular event for locals and tourists alike.

How to Celebrate Chiang Mai Flower Festival

During the festival, people can enjoy flower parades featuring elaborately decorated floats and costumes, attend flower exhibitions and contests, and buy local products and handicrafts.

8. Surin Elephant Festival 🐘

Surin Elephant Festival is held in November in Surin province, known for its elephant population and history of elephant training. It’s a grand and majestic festival featuring elephant shows, parades, and races.

History of Surin Elephant Festival

Surin Elephant Festival was first held in 1960 as a way to honor the province’s elephant tradition and attract tourists. It has since become a national event and a symbol of Thai culture.

How to Celebrate Surin Elephant Festival

During the festival, people can watch elephant shows, such as painting and playing soccer, attend parades featuring decorated elephants and floats, and witness the thrilling elephant races.

9. Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival 🐃

Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival is held in October in Chonburi province, known for its buffalo racing tradition. It’s a lively and competitive festival featuring buffalo races, parades, and beauty contests.

History of Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival

Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival originated from a tradition of using buffaloes to plow the rice fields. The festival was first held in the early 1900s as a way to entertain farmers during the off-season.

How to Celebrate Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival

During the festival, people can watch buffalo races, attend beauty contests for the most beautiful and well-trained buffaloes, and enjoy local food and drinks.

10. Pattaya International Music Festival 🎶

Pattaya International Music Festival is held in March in Pattaya, a famous beach resort town. It’s a vibrant and diverse festival featuring live music performances by local and international artists.

History of Pattaya International Music Festival

Pattaya International Music Festival was first held in 2002 to promote tourism in the town and showcase its music scene. It has since become a popular event for music lovers and partygoers.

How to Celebrate Pattaya International Music Festival

During the festival, people can enjoy live music performances on multiple stages, featuring various genres such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic. The festival also includes food and drink vendors, as well as other entertainment options such as dance shows and street performances.

Complete Information about 10 Best Festivals In Thailand

Each of these 10 best festivals in Thailand offers a unique and memorable experience that captures the country’s rich culture and traditions. Whether you prefer lively water fights, colorful parades, or exciting races, there’s a festival for everyone in Thailand.

FAQ

1. Which festival is the most popular in Thailand?

Songkran Festival, also known as the Water