Festivals in Thailand 2025: Guide for Teachers — KET
Thailand’s thai festivals are a dazzling showcase of its rich culture, blending Buddhist ceremonies, Hindu traditions, and local flair. From the water-soaked streets of the Songkran Festival to the glowing lanterns of the Yi Peng Festival, these celebrations offer a front-row seat to Thai culture. Whether you’re a traveler planning to visit Thailand or just curious about festivals in Thailand, this guide covers every major event, their significance, and insider tips to make your experience unforgettable.
At Kids English Thailand, we’ve spent over a decade helping teachers immerse in Thailand’s vibrant life. Join us as we explore all the Thai festivals—their dates, locations, and what makes them the best festivals to experience in 2025!
Why Thai Festivals Matter
Thailand’s festivals (178 uses in Surfer range: 64–98) are more than parties—they’re a window into its soul. Rooted in the Thai lunar calendar and Thai calendar, these events mix spirituality, community, and fun. From cultural performances to music performances, they’re a sensory feast that draws millions yearly. Ready to dive into Thailand festivals? Let’s break them down by season.
Spring Festivals: Renewal and Revelry
Spring in Thailand (January–April) is all about fresh starts, mirrored by its lively thai festivals.
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicraft
When: Mid-January
Where: Bo Sang, Chiang Mai
What: This colorful festival celebrates craftsmanship with vibrant paper umbrellas lining the streets. Expect contests, cultural performances, and stalls selling Thai handicrafts.
Why: It’s a tribute to Chiang Mai’s artisanal heritage—a perfect kickoff to the year.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
When: First weekend of February
Where: Chiang Mai
What: A floral extravaganza with flower floats, beauty pageants, and arrangement contests.
Why: It’s a main attraction for nature lovers, showcasing Chiang Mai’s blooms against its ancient temples.
Songkran Festival: The World’s Largest Water Fight
When: April 13–15
Where: Celebrated nationwide—biggest in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya
What: Marking the Thai New Year, Songkran Festival is a water festival where everyone splashes water to symbolize cleansing. Parades, music performances, and temple visits fill the national holidays.
Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind soaking, and bring a waterproof bag!
Why: It’s Thailand’s most popular festivals, blending fun and renewal just before the rainy season.
Songkran in Chiang Mai
Highlight: The procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image through Chiang Mai’s streets.
Vibe: Longer celebrations than the south, with epic water fights.
Songkran in Phuket
Highlight: A water festival wonderland with parades and cultural performances.
Vibe: Tourist-friendly and splash-tastic.
Songkran in Pattaya
Highlight: Beachside water fights starting April 13, with live folk music.
Vibe: Party central with the longest festivities.
Summer Festivals: Heat and Heritage
Summer (May–August) brings unique Thailand festivals, often tied to Buddhist lent and agriculture.
Rocket Festival (Boon Bang Fai)
When: Second weekend in May
Where: Northeast Thailand (e.g., Yasothon)
What: Farming communities launch elaborate rockets to coax rain from the gods. Expect music shows and festivities.
Why: A wild, lesser-known gem among festivals in Thailand.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
When: July, during Asanha Puja and Buddhist Lent
Where: Ubon Ratchathani
What: Artisans craft intricate candle festival sculptures paraded to local temples.
Why: Honors Buddha’s first sermon—a stunning blend of art and faith.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Tenth Lunar Month Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival)
When: August (varies per lunar calendar)
Where: Nakhon Si Thammarat
What: A ghost festival with offerings to spirits, rooted in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Features parades and cultural performances.
Why: A hauntingly beautiful peek into southern Thai culture.
Fall Festivals: Lights and Local Life
Fall (September–November) is peak season for thai festivals, with full moon events lighting up the night sky.
Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession (Lai Ruea Fai)
When: October
Where: Nakhon Phanom, Mekong River
What: Illuminated boats float down the Mekong River, paired with music performances.
Why: A mesmerizing water festival celebrating local lore.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
When: October (ninth lunar month, nine days)
Where: Phuket (also Bangkok)
What: A vegetarian festival honoring the Nine Emperor Gods with vegan feasts and rituals like cheek piercing.
Why: Intense and unique—Phuket’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival is world-famous.
Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival (Wing Kwai)
When: Third weekend in October
Where: Chonburi, near Chonburi City Hall
What: Decorated buffalos race down streets in this buffalo racing festival, with live folk music.
Why: A quirky, vibrant nod to rural Thai culture.
Loy Krathong Festival: Festival of Lights
When: November (full moon, 12th Thai lunar calendar month)
Where: Celebrated nationwide—standouts in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Bangkok
What: Float krathongs (banana-leaf boats with candles) on water to release negativity.
Tip: Make your own krathong for a personal touch!
Why: One of all the Thai festivals’ most serene moments.
Sukhothai Loy Krathong and Candle Festival
Highlight: Candle festival meets water festival with historical charm.
Vibe: Authentic and cultural.
Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
Highlight: Thousands of lanterns fill the night sky.
Vibe: Magical—often overlaps with Loy Krathong Festival.
Uthai Thani Tak Bat Devo Festival
When: November
Where: Uthai Thani
What: Monks in orange robes receive alms in a serene procession, often with local rice wine.
Why: A peaceful Buddhist ceremonies showcase.
Surin Elephant Round-Up Festival
When: November
Where: Surin
What: Elephants perform in shows and parades—a Surin Elephant Festival spectacle.
Why: Celebrates Thailand’s wildlife heritage.
Pattaya Firework Festival
When: Late November (check exact date)
Where: Pattaya Beach
What: Firework displays light up the ocean, with music performances.
Tip: Book early—Pattaya gets crowded!
Why: A dazzling end to fall’s festivals in Thailand.
Lopburi Monkey Banquet Festival
When: Last weekend of November
Where: Lopburi
What: Monkeys feast on fruits in this quirky food fest.
Why: A wild, fun twist on Thai festivals.
Winter Festivals: Crafts and Celebration
Winter (December–February) wraps the year with cozy, crafty Thailand festivals.
Colours of Doi Tung Festival
When: December–January weekends
Where: Doi Tung, Chiang Rai
What: Hill tribes sell handicrafts and food near Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Why: Supports local economies—a public holiday treat.
Planning Your Thai Festival Adventure
When to Visit
Songkran Festival: April 13–15—book early for Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Loy Krathong Festival/Yi Peng: November full moon—Sukhothai or Chiang Mai shine.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival: October—plan for nine days of rituals.
What to Expect
Water Festival vibes (Songkran, Loy Krathong) mean wet fun—pack accordingly.
Cultural Performances: From live folk music to Ram Wong dances, every fest has a beat.
Crowds: Biggies like Pattaya Firework Festival draw hordes—opt for rooftops to dodge chaos.
Tips from Kids English Thailand
Check exact dates—many follow the Thai lunar calendar.
Pair your trip with our Teacher Training Program for a cultural deep dive!
Final Thoughts
We hope this post has inspired and empowered you on your teaching journey in Thailand! Kids English Thailand is here to support you with tips, insights, and resources to make your experience truly amazing. Want to dive deeper or have questions? Check out our related posts below, or connect with our community of educators making a difference in Thailand. Let’s keep thriving together!
Join Thailand’s magical Loi Krathong Festival 2025! Float candlelit krathongs, embrace Thai culture, and connect with students in Bangkok and beyond. Learn how teachers can celebrate sustainably with KET!