Thai festivals
2010 / 2011

Last updated: 1st June 2010.

Makha Bucha Day

28th Feb 2010 / 18th Feb 2011

Note: Additional days holiday on 1st Mar as weekend

Makha Bucha Day is an important Buddhist celebration, marking a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks to listen to Buddha’s sermons. The gathering is attributed to four miracles occurring nine months after Buddha’s enlightenment; this was the day of the full moon during the third lunar month. At this miraculous gathering Buddha preached a seminal sermon outlining the principles upon which, Buddhism would be founded.

Today, Thai families rise early to make merit, by giving alms to the local monks. In the evening, Thai people gather at the local temples, they listen to sermons and perform the candle ceremony, Wian Tian. Holding flowers, incense and a lit candle, Buddhists walk three times around the central bot of the temple. Many westerners choose to take part in the ceremony and their participation is usually warmly encouraged by local Thai’s.

Chakri Day

6th Apr 2010 / 6th Apr 2011

Chakri Day is celebrated every year on April 6th and is a display of Thai reverence to the rulers of the Chakri dynasty. The Chakri Dynasty has ruled Thailand since 1782, when it was founded by King Rama I, and has seen the country through some periods of epic change.

The current king of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, personally leads the ceremonies. The king is accompanied by members of the royal family, and presides over religious ceremonies to be held at the Royal Chapel. He pays respect to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and then proceeds to the Memorial Bridge, where a wreath is laid down at the statue of King Rama. The people of Thailand join in the ceremony, performing acts that will gain merit for the king’s of the Chakri Dynasty.

Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

13th Apr – 16th Apr 2010 / 13th - 15th Apr 2011

Update 11th April 2010: Please note that this year’s Songkran Festivities, on Khao San Road, have been cancelled at short notice by the Bangkok government due to ongoing political protests.

The Songkran festival is a traditional Thai New Year. It is celebrated on 13th April each year lasting 3 days, or slightly longer if the weather is especially hot. Officially the country now recognises International New Year in line with the western world, but the Thai New Year remains a good excuse for a party and a countrywide water fight. Remember these dates and leave any personal items, that you do not want water damaged, in your hotel or hostel, you WILL get wet. Traditionally, for Songkran Festival Thai people cleaned everything, from houses to Buddha statues. Water was poured over the hands to wash away bad actions and thoughts. Scented water would be poured over the back of a person whilst good wishes and words of blessing for the coming year we’re made. Nowadays the festival has transformed into an enormously fun water fight, where passersby are frequently soaked by buckets of water and powerful water guns.

The first day of Songkran Festival is the last day of the old year. This is an important time to visit the temples and carry out meritous acts. Thai people give alms to the local monks and listen to their sermons.

The second Day of the Songkran Festival exists between the old year and the new year. On this day people traditionally carry sand into the temples and build a small pagoda as a meritous act. People leaving the temple in the past year will have taken with them small amounts of temple dust, by carrying sand back to the temple an atonement is made. At the temples the rite of pouring water onto freshly cleaned, Buddha statues is performed by the monks.

The third day of Songkran is officially the start of the New Year and the official end of the festivities, on this day people pay their respects to their elders and pay homage to their ancestors.

Songkran Festival events occur throughout Thailand at popular tourist locations; however the most popular celebrations are in Chiang Mai, where there is an enormous parade, and Bangkok.

National Labour Day

1st May 2010 / 1st May 2011

Note: Additional days holiday on 3rd May due to weekend.

Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers and is held throughout the world.

Coronation Day

5th May 2010 / 5th May 2011

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned Rama IX on 5th May 1950, and is the 9th king of the Chakri Dynasty. The coronation day festivities last for three days and consist of a series of religious rites. On the first and second days, Buddhist ceremonies are held at the Amarindra Vinichai Hall of the Grand Palace. The ceremonies are dedicated to the ancestors of the Chakri Dynasty and a high monk will be present to chant scriptures and deliver sermons. The third day is the official Coronation Day. An enormous feast is laid on for the Buddhist monks and the king attends in his full official regalia. At midday, the Royal Thai army and the Royal Thai Navy gather and, in turn, they deliver a salute of 21 guns. The final activities are in recognition of officials and Thai civilians who have carried out acts of great merit, contributing to the state or society as a whole. They are bestowed with official decorations to honour their accomplishments.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

13th May 2010 / TBA 2011

The Royal Ploughing ceremony takes place each year in the sixth lunar month, usually May, at Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The ceremony is of Brahman origin and was practiced before the birth of lord Buddha. The day and time of the event are set each year by the Royal Brahman Astrologers. The king no longer takes the lead role in the ceremony, opting for a Ploughing Lord to carry out the rites on his behalf.

The ceremony is important to Thai farmers because it is used to forecast rainfall, and growing conditions for the coming year. The ploughing lord is confronted with three lengths of cloth called ‘panungs’, all of which are presented so as to appear identical. He will choose a single cloth and that choice is believed to forecast the rain for the coming year. The longest panung indicates that there will be little rainfall, the medium panung means normal rainfall and the shortest panung indicates plentiful rainfall.

The ceremony continues when the Ploughing Lord is seen to don the panung around his waist. He will take charge of the sacred red and gold plough, drawn by sacred white bullocks, and he will plough furrows into Sanam Luang. Behind the plough four consecrated ladies, ‘nang thepi’, sow from gold and silver baskets filled with rice and seed. Brahmans follow alongside chanting and blowing on conch shells, accompanied by green costumed drummers and umbrella bearers. Following the ploughing of several furrows into Sanam Luang, the bulls are presented with seven different foods and drinks from which they will eat. The foods that the bulls choose to eat are foreseen to be plentiful in the coming year.

Visakha Bucha Day

28th May 2010 / 17th May 2011

Visakha Bucha is a religious festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. Across Thailand, Thai people visit local temples and listen to sermons by the Dharma. They perform acts of good merit, presenting gifts such as flowers and incense. With the arrival of sunset, candles are lit and people at temples can be seen to circle the great clockwise three times before paying their respects. In the recent years, places of entertainment have been known to close for the holiday and there have been restrictions upon the sale of alcoholic drinks in hotels and restaurants.

Mid Year Bank Holiday

1st July 2010 / 1st July 2011

Simply a Thai bank holiday.

Asarnha Bucha Day

26th July 2010 / 15th July 2011

Asarnha Bucha Day falls on the 15th night of the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar calendar. The day commemorates Buddha’s first sermon, to his first five disciples, regarding the ‘four noble truths’. The sermon set in motion the Wheel of Dhamma. The Wheel of Dhamma is the teaching of the Buddha: truth, understanding, and wisdom, and leads those who practice it to their goal; the cessation of all suffering.

The Four Noble Truths are:

1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. The path to the cessation of suffering – a gradual path of self-improvement.

Together with the teachings of The Noble Eightfold Path, The Four Noble Truths are said to describe the path to the cessation of suffering by freeing oneself of attachment to objects, people and self.

Celebration of Asarnha Bucha Day was first observed in 1958 when it was first established by the Thai government. Devout Buddhists, throughout Thailand, participate in the ceremonies. They attend local temples and present offerings to the monks, listen to sermons and perform ritual prayers. In the evening, Thai people gather at the temples to carry out the Wien Tian ceremony. They purchase candles, flowers and incense and circle the temple area three times. In the recent years, places of entertainment have been known to close for the holiday and there have been restrictions upon the sale of alcoholic drinks in hotels and restaurants.

HM the Queen’s Birthday

12th Aug 2010 / 12th Aug 2011

Each year the 12th August is a public holiday in Thailand and marks the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Decorations are hung everywhere and events are held to celebrate the occasion. As with the HM the Kings birthday, the festivities in Bangkok centre on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. This is the area of Bangkok where the Grand Palace, Wat Prakaew and Khao San Road are located. Brightly coloured lights and bunting are hung around this area of Bangkok and it makes for quite a spectacle in the evening with hundreds of thousands of Thai people gathering at Sanam Luang to watch a wonderful firework display. This is followed by an enormous music extravaganza.

Chulalongkorn Day

23rd Oct 2010 / 23rd Oct 2011

Note: Additional days holiday on 25th Oct 2010 due to weekend.

Chulalongkorn Day marks the death of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who is celebrated as one of Thailand’s greatest leaders. The king ruled Siam from 1868 to 1910 and led the country to substantial economic and social development, amongst many other great acts, the king is responsible for abolishing slavery and state labour. The Thai people show their respect for King Chulalongkorn by visiting the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, where a wreath is placed at the Equestrian statue.

HM the King’s Birthday

6th Dec 2010 / 5th Dec 2011

Note: This event is usually held on 5th December each year.

On HM the King’s Birthday, buildings and homes throughout Thailand are elaborately adorned with yellow flags and pictures of His Majesty. The streets around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok are filled with blooming marigolds and in the evening the roads are closed to traffic. The streets become populated by thousands upon thousands of people. A spectacular fireworks display is held in an atmosphere of festivity and celebration and a stroll along the streets makes for an extremely memorable experience.

Constitution Day

10th Dec 2010 / 9th Dec 2011

The 10th of December marks the date that the regime in Thailand changed from absolute to constitutional monarchy. This change in government was brought about by a group of young intellectuals who had been educated abroad and were inspired by democratic proceedings in the West. The group was known as “The People’s Party” and was led by Luang Pradit Maanudharm. King Rama VII agreed to abolish absolute monarchy and handed over the country’s first constitution. The reverence of the monarchy by the Thai people has not diminished and the King remains as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces and Upholder of All Religions. On Constitution Day the streets are decorated with bunting and portraits of the king and people give thanks to King Rama VII for allowing the Thai people a voice in Thailand’s politics. There is a festival atmosphere throughout the day.

Loy Krathong Sai Festival

12th Dec 2010 / 10th Dec 2011

Loy Krathong Sai, the ‘Festival of Lights’ is celebrated every year on the day of the full moon in the 12th lunar month. This is one of the most popular celebrations in Thailand. The festival gives thanks to the goddess of water, Mae Khongkha, at the end of the rainy season and is an act of appeasement. At dusk, as the full moon begins to rise in the night sky, Thai locals descend upon the countries waterways with hundreds of thousands of ornately decorated Krathong, traditional banana leaf floats, that are set adrift upon the water. The Krathong are adorned with fresh flowers, candles, incense and offerings for good fortune. The floats are set adrift, a wish is made, and the Krathong bobs along with the gentle currents, candles flickering in the cool evening breeze. The evening’s festivities include a magnificent fireworks display, and local Thai folk entertainment.

International New Year's Eve Festival

31st Dec 2010 / 31st Dec 2011

The three main, organised, New Year’s Festivals in Thailand take place in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

The New Year’s Festival in Bangkok can attract revellers from the world over and is a spectacular event. The festivities are broadcast live on Thai television and highlights include a beer festival, crafts markets and performances by famous actors, singers and musicians. To announce the arrival of midnight and the start of the New Year there is an enormous and spectacular fireworks display.

In Phuket, the New Year’s Festival attracts a welcome mix of visitors. All of them will be happy, seeing in the New Year at one of the prettiest locations on the planet. During the day, travellers can explore the many Thai food markets and crafts centres around town, sampling new foods and gaining insights into local Thai handicrafts. Time passes and the arrival of evening brings with it a huge music festival and an atmosphere that grows more and more frantic until the arrival of midnight. The turn of the New Year is marked by a large fireworks display.

Chiang Mai takes on the New Year with a wonderful celebration of culinary skill. The streets are brimming with food vendors from all over the world, showcasing their talents and providing a wonderful experience to overwhelm the senses and fill the stomachs of each and every visitor. Similar to other New Year’s celebrations throughout the rest of Thailand, there is a music festival with live performances and the arrival of midnight is marked by a spectacular fireworks display.

Thailand Festivals 2011

International New Year Festival	31st Dec 2010 - 1st Jan 2011
Makha Bucha Day	18th Feb 2011
Chakri Day	6th Apr 2011
Songkran Festival	13th – 15th Apr 2011
National Labour Day	1st May 2011
Coronation Day	5th May 2011
Royal Ploughing Ceremony	TBA 2011
Visakha Bucha	17th May 2011
Mid Year Bank Holiday	1st Jul 2011
Asarnha Bucha	15th Jul 2011
HM the Queen’s Birthday	12th Aug 2011
Chulalongkorn Day	23rd Oct 2011
HM the King’s Birthday	5th Dec 2011
Constitution Day	9th Dec 2011
Loy Krathong Sai	10th Dec 2011

Thailand regional festivals

Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

5th – 7th Feb 2010

The Flower Festival in Chiang Mai is an annual event held during the first weekend of February at Suan Buak Hart City Park. If you love beautiful flowers then this is definitely the festival for you, expect to see intricately decorated floral floats and tapestries, flower contests and product sales. The highlight of the festival is the grand parade, where floats of vivid colour and beauty make their way through the streets. Following the parade the annual beauty competition takes place and the city’s flower queen is elected for the year.

Chang Mai Arts and Culture Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

9th – 13th April 2010

Each year in early April a festival is held to promote the heritage and customs of Lanna culture. The festival is held near the Tom Payom Market by Chang Mai University. There are activities featuring singing, dancing, and musical performances. Market stalls sell traditional Northern Thai food and beautiful local curios.

Yasothon Rocket Festival, Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon, Thailand.

5th – 9th May 2010

Thai legends tell that the rain god, Vassakan, loved to be worshipped with fire. The Thai people of Yasothon, in North-East Thailand, believed that the gods would see their spectacular rocket launches and bless them with rain for the coming year; there has been a drought there for quite some time now. However, not to be dismayed, local Thai’s now regard the festival as a sporting event accompanied by feasting and merriment. Every year, in the sixth lunar month, usually May, the Thai people of the region hold a parade for the festival known locally as ‘Bun Bang Fai’. Enormous rockets are launched into the sky carrying enough gunpowder, bamboo and shrapnel to wipe out the crowd several times over. There are prizes for feats such as biggest rocket, highest flight and longest flight time, with every launch accompanied by merriment and toasting.

Koh Samui Regatta, Koh Samui, Thailand.

31st May – 5th June 2010

The Koh Samui regatta takes place on one of Thailand’s most beautiful, but also rather touristy islands. The main place to join in the fun, has to be Chaweng Beach where you will find the obligatory yacht racing, cocktail parties and beachside entertainment.

Phi Ta Khon Festival, Dan Sai, Loei, Thailand.

12th – 14th Jun 2010

The Phi Ta Khon Festival is absolutely unique to the town of Dan Sai, Loei province, about 450 km north of Bangkok (7 hrs by bus). The parade is part of a grand merit- making Festival known as “Boon Luang”. The exact timing of the festival is impossible to predict from one year to the next as local mediums determine when the event will actually occur, however, it is usually held in May/June before the onset of the rainy season.

The festival is believed to originate from the tale of Lord Buddha’s last great incarnation. It is said that, his penultimate incarnation returned to his city, and the very spirits of the village came out to celebrate alongside the welcoming parade. The re-enactment of this event is the main focus of the festivities. The young men of Dan Sai dress themselves as spirits in vibrant trailing costumes, with hideous masks made from rice husk, painted in bright colours. The fun loving, friendly spirits tease and play with the crowd as the grand procession passes along the streets.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Hua Hin, Thailand.

12th – 14th Jun 2010

The Hua Hin Jazz Festival does exactly what it says on the tin. Thousands of visitors arrive each year to enjoy local and international jazz bands in the relaxing seaside resort. There are jazz workshops, food stalls and local Thai entertainment displays.

Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival, Saraburi, Thailand.

16th – 18th Jul 2010

The Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival is unique to Saraburi province. This ceremony is one of Buddhist merit making and is in atonement for past sins. In addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense and candles, the Thai people of the region offer Dok Khao Phansa flowers which are only in bloom during Buddhist Lent. It is spectacular to witness thousands of Buddhist devotees lining the streets as hundreds of monks and novices file past accepting offerings on their way to the Shrine of the Holy Footprint.

Phuket Race Week, Phuket, Thailand.

21st – 25th July 2010

Every year droves of people descend upon Phuket for the annual race week. The event is packed with yacht racing events and social functions. Visitors are able to spend the day participating in the atmosphere of the sporting event, and then at 1500 each day, the racing ends and the cocktail parties begin!

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair, Main tourist centres, Thailand.

1st Jul – 31st Aug 2010

Every year Thailand holds the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair, a shopping extravaganza where, for two long months, department stores offer discounts of up to 50% off on products and services.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Phuket, Thailand.

Estimated to be 8th Oct 2010

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival occurs on the first day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar (late September or early October). This festival is believed to draw its origins from a troupe of Chinese performers who, whilst visiting Phuket, fell ill with Malaria. The troupe followed a strict vegetarian diet for seven days and performed a number of rituals to cleanse the soul, appease the gods and thereby cure the illness.

During the Vegetarian Festival, Thai Buddhists wear white clothing and refrain from eating meat, drinking alcohol and having sex. Stalls selling street food appear on every corner serving vegetarian delicacies that are unique to the festival. Some local people rise early, about 6am, and head out seeking to their nearest Chinese shrine. Once there participants meditate until they enter a trance and claim to be possessed by spirits. Under the trance, they perform acts of self mutilation, piercing their skin with nearby objects such as poles, furniture and garden tools, then at about 7am they paradeout of the shrine and make their way happily through the streets into Phuket town. Throughout the morning, popular attractions include bladed ladder climbing, fire walking and the processions of self-mutilated festival goers.

Naga Fireball Festival, Nong Khai, Thailand.

23rd – 24th Oct 2010

Nong Khai is home to a strange phenomenon that has kept scientists baffled since its early discovery. On the full moon during October, coinciding with the end of the rainy season, hundreds of colourful fireballs rise out of the Mekong River. The strange occurrence, and its coincidence with a Thai religious day, has led locals to believe that the fire comes from the Naga as a symbol of homage to the Lord Buddha. The fireballs are now the main focus of a two day festival incorporating a sound and light show, illuminated boat contest and the King’s Cup Long Tailed Boat Race.

Illuminated Boat Procession, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.

29th Sep – 15th Oct 2010

As the night sets in at Nakhon Phanom, visitors will be amazed to see brightly illuminated boats set adrift on the currents of the Mekong River. The boats are intricately decorated and typically made from bamboo or banana leaf, they are a symbol of Thai homage to Lord Buddha.In typical Thai fashion, the festival will also feature a colourful street parade, long boat races, a food fair and various cultural performances.

Phimai Festival and Boat Race, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

12th – 14th November 2010

In true Thai tradition the Dragon Boat racing festival has been taking place in Nakhon Ratchasima for over 100 years. The thrill of the race is supported by a Khmer sound and light show, traditional arts and craft stalls and traditional Thai entertainment.

Lop Buri Monkey Feast

28th Nov 2010

Every year on the last Sunday of November, in the town of Lop Buri, 153 km North of Bangkok, you can witness the amazing Monkey Feast. There are over 3000 long-tail macaque monkeys that inhabit the town and it has long been famous for the sheer number of them hanging around every street corner. They even use the local trains to commute to places where they know they can find food.

A local hotelier thought up the feast to thank the monkeys for the endless stream of tourists that they draw to the town. He decided to put on an extravagant monkey banquet in honour of the macaques at the local Pra Prang Sam Yot Temple; 200m from the train station on Vichyen Road. Pra Prang Sam Yot was a beautiful old Hindu temple built in the 13th century. It was converted into a Buddhist shrine but later fell into ruins. It makes the perfect backdrop to such a spectacular event.

The feast is prepared with style; every table is covered by a bright red table cloth and loaded with platters of food. The platters are stacked to the rafters with just about every kind of fruit and vegetable you could possibly remember. Each year, thousands of people descend upon the temple to watch the monkeys devour the food. A word to the wise, leave sunglasses and valuables back at the hotel or hostel. This way, when you turn your back on the monkey unsuspectingly, the opportunistic, pouncing, vagabonds can’t get their paws on your personal belongings. They love nothing more than flogging a pair of expensive sunglasses to a local in exchange for half a banana!

Dok Bua Tong Wild Flower Blooming Season, Mae Hong Son, Thailand.

1st Nov – 15th Dec 2010

Head down to the Khun Yuam district in Mae Hong Son and witness a wonderful natural spectacle. Every year in the hills and valleys surrounding the town, Bok Dua Tong Wild Sunflowers come into full golden bloom. The wonderful sight attracts hundreds upon thousands of visitors every year.

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, Phuket, Thailand.

6th – 11th December 2010

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s largest, most popular sailing event. The event has been held every year, in the first week of December, since 1987 when it was arranged to celebrate the Kings 60th birthday. The weeklong event consists of sailing, daily great parties and lots and lots of traditional Thai entertainment.

Disclaimer

Public holidays are subject to change, astrological interpretation, and regional variation. To the best of our knowledge the information provided is accurate, and has been thoroughly researched. However, the information provided is only a guide, we will take no responsibility for any loss arising from its use.

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