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
- New Year’s Day (public holiday): 1 January
- Children’s Day: 9 January, 2027
- Teachers’ Day: 16 January, 2027
- Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival, Chiang Mai: 15-17 January, 2027 (to be confirmed)
February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival: 5-7 February, 2027
- Chinese Lunar New Year: 6 February, 2027
- Trang Underwater Wedding: usually held mid-February to include Valentine’s Day
- Makha Bucha Day (public holiday): 21 February, 2027
March
- National Thai Elephant Day: 13 March
- National Muay Thai Day: 17 March
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): 6 April
- Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival (public holiday): 13-15 April
May
- Labour Day (public holiday): 1 May
- Coronation Day (public holiday): 4 May
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok: date to be confirmed for 2027
- Visakha Bucha Day (public holiday): 20 May, 2027
- Rocket Festivals, Isaan: date varies, usually held mid/late May.
June
- Birthday of HM Queen Suthida (public holiday): 3 June
- Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, Loei: date to be confirmed for 2027
July
- Asahna Bucha Day: (public holiday): 18 July, 2027
- Khao Phansa: 19 July, 2027
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival: 17-19 July, 2027 (parades on 18 & 19 July)
- Birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) (public holiday): 28 July
August
- HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday (public holiday): 12 August. Also celebrated as Mother’s Day.
- Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival), Phuket: 19 August to 6 September, 2026
(date to be confirmed for 2027)
September
- Thai National Flag Day: 28 September
October
- Vegetarian Festival: Phuket Vegetarian Festival 10-18 October, 2026
(date to be confirmed for 2027) - HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day (public holiday): 13 October
- Chulalongkorn Day (public holiday): 23 October
- Awk Phansa 26 October 2026
(15 October, 2027)
November
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival: 27-28 November, 2026
(dates for 2027 to be confirmed) - Loy Krathong: 24 November, 2026
(14 November, 2027) - Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai: 23-25 November, 2026
(13-15 November, 2027)
December
- King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day (public holiday): 5 December. Also celebrated as Father’s Day and National Day.
- River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair, Kanchanaburi: dates for 2026 to be confirmed.
- Constitution Day (public holiday): 10 December
- New Year’s Eve (public holiday): 31 December
15 of the most colourful festivals in Thailand
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