There are many colourful festivals taking place around Thailand throughout the year. Some of these events, such as the Songkran New Year Water Festival, are celebrated nationwide and the dates are fixed in advance. However, for a number of Thai festivals and Buddhist holidays, the exact date varies each year depending on the lunar calendar. These dates aren’t always confirmed until much nearer the time, but we will add updates once known. And for any of you who are missing Thailand, we will also highlight dates of special Thai-themed events taking place around the UK and Ireland. Check out our news and events page for more details.
15 of the most colourful festivals in Thailand
January
(tbc) = to be confirmed
- New Year’s Day (public holiday): January 1
- Children’s Day: January 8, 2022
- Teachers’ Day: January 15, 2022
- Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival, Chiang Mai: January 14-16, 2022 (tbc)
February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival: February 4-6, 2022 (tbc)
- Chinese Lunar New Year: February 1, 2022
- Makha Bucha Day (public holiday): February 16, 2022
- Trang Underwater Wedding: usually held mid-February to include Valentine’s Day
March
- National Thai Elephant Day: March 13
- National Muay Thai Day: March 17
April
- Poy Sang Long Festival: held at various locations around north Thailand, particularly in Mae Hong Son (late March/early April).
- Chakri Memorial Day (public holiday): April 6
- Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival (public holiday): April 13-15
Thailand welcomes in the traditional Thai New Year in mid-April. Normally, Sonkgran sees playful water fights, parties and street parades. However, as part of health measures for Covid-19, there will be no water fights or large-scale public events this year. Instead, Thai people are being asked to mark the occasion in a more traditional, low-key manner.
May
- Labour Day (public holiday): May 1
- Coronation Day (public holiday): May 4
- Visakha Bucha Day (public holiday): Date for 2022 (tbc)
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok: Date varies, usually held in May. Date for 2022 (tbc)
- Rocket Festivals, Isaan: Date varies, usually held mid/late May.
June
- Birthday of HM Queen Suthida (public holiday): June 3.
- Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, Loei: Date varies, usually held in June.
July
- Asahna Bucha Day (public holiday): July 13, 2022 (tbc)
- Khao Phansa: July 14, 2022 (tbc)
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival: July 13-15, 2022 (tbc)
- Birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) (public holiday): July 28
- Phuket Yachting Race Week: Date for 2022 (tbc)
- Pai Jazz & Blues Festival: Date for 2022 (tbc)
August
- HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday (public holiday): August 12. Also celebrated as Mother’s Day.
- Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival), Phuket: Date for 2022 (tbc)
September
- Thai National Flag Day: September 28
October
- HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day (public holiday): October 13
- Awk Phansa: October 21, 2021 | Date for 2022 (tbc)
- Chulalongkorn Day (public holiday): October 23
- Vegetarian Festival: October 6-14, 2021 Phuket Vegetarian Festival | Date for 2022 (tbc)
November
- Loy Krathong: November 19, 2021 | November 8, 2022 (tbc)
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai November 18-20, 2021 (tbc) | November 7-9, 2022 (tbc)
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival: November 26-27, 2021
December
- River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair, Kanchanaburi:
November 26-December 5, 2021new dates are December 17-26 - King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day (public holiday): December 5. Also celebrated as Father’s Day and National Day.
- Constitution Day (public holiday): December 10
- New Year’s Eve (public holiday): December 31
