Thailand is built around its many festivals, events, and celebrations. I first fell in love with the country during a visit in 2004, arriving, unwittingly, during the heart of Singkran. I was soaked to the bone moment I stepped out of my taxi, trying to walk the 3 metres to my hotel entrance. Despite this harsh welcome, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the fun and friendly nature of the festival and the way the whole country passionately celebrated as one.
While many tourists head to the Land of Smiles for the tropical beaches, exotic foods, and gold-glimmering temples, it’s at the festivals that you can really indulge in the culture, meets the people, and celebrate the best of Thailand. And this is a country which boasts a plethora of festive events that will make your visit memorable. In this article, I’ll list Thailand’s best and biggest festivals and events and give my take on where to go and what not to miss.
Songkran (April 13-15)
Songkran marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The streets of Thailand turn into a massive water fight as revellers joyfully splash water on one another to wash away the sins and bad luck of the past year. It sounds like a blast, but it can be overwhelming, especially in some areas such as Pattaya, Chonburi, whether the water throwing can go on for 7 or 8 days. Be prepared to get wet, and I mean drenched head-to-toe; dress appropriately and bring a waterproof back for your phone and valuables.
While many heads to Pattaya or Siam and Khao San Road in Bangkok, it almost doesn’t matter where you go, and every city, town, and village will have their style, with everyone spilling out onto the streets for the world’s largest water gun fight.
Phi Ta Khon (June/July)
The Phi Ta Khon festival, known as the “Ghost Festival,” is one of Thailand’s most unique and colourful events. The festival is characterised by its participants donning ghost masks, patchwork costumes, and phallic-shaped accessories. Phi Ta Khon is a bizarre yet captivating blend of traditional beliefs, humour, and modern-day creativity. It is like nothing you will see anywhere else, and you must attend it at least once.
This isn’t a nationwide festival and is uniquely held in the small northeastern town of Dan Sai, in Loei and the heart of Isaan. It’s quite a remote and isolated area, with limited accommodation, so plan well ahead if you wish to stay overnight.
Vegetarian Festival (October)
The Vegetarian Festival, or “Teagan Gin Je,” is a nine-day celebration in Phuket, during which participants observe a strict vegetarian diet to cleanse their bodies and mind. While this may sound like a peaceful event, the festival is notorious for its extreme acts of self-mutilation and body piercing by devoted participants. Many tourists find these displays quite disturbing, so if you’re squeamish or faint-hearted, it’s best to avoid the Vegetarian Festival.
It’s not for everyone, as some acts of self-piercing and body mutilation can be very tough to watch. Fortunately, enjoying the festive food and avoiding the bloody bits is possible. In recent years, many other areas, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, have also begun celebrating the festival, focusing on a week of vegetarian cuisine and passing on the mutilation.
Loi Krathong (November)
Loi Krathong, or the “Festival of Light,” is a visual feast that mesmerises you. During the moon night in November, thousands of “krathongs” are released onto rivers and waterways across the country. Locals believe that removing a Krathong helps rid oneself of negative thoughts and feelings. The festival is generally seen as Thailand’s version of St Valentine’s Day, with couples dressing in traditional outfits, sharing Krathongs, and launching them on the waters together.
The most romantic setting and memorable experience I ever had was Chiang Mai. The Lio Krathong celebrations are on another level, with everyone flooding the ping river’s banks and letting off fire lanterns to the skies and Krathongs onto the water.
Monkey Buffet Festival (November)
The Monkey Buffet Festival, held in Lopburi province, is one of Thailand’s most peculiar events. The city’s primate population is invited to a yearly feast of fruits, vegetables, and other treats. While this might sound entertaining at first, the reality is that the event can turn into a chaotic scene of monkeys running amok, snatching food, and causing general mayhem. Unless you’re an avid fan of monkey antics or don’t mind having your personal belongings stolen by these mischievous creatures, it’s best to give this one a miss.
This festival is uniquely held in Lopburi and centred around the ancient Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, home to hundreds of crab-eating macaques year-round. Again, the monkeys can be a bit aggressive, especially when the chaos of the festival is in full swing.
