Thailand Festivals and annual events - Engage in these exciting festive seasons!

Be sure to travel to Thailand at this time of the year when Thais gather to celebrate their new year which will often be up to 6 days long. Many tourists often travel to Thailand just to get themselves immersed in an exotic and different culture that can only be experienced at this particular festival. Do not expect yourself to be spick-and-span at the end of the day as there will be loads of throwing of water. read more »

A 'krathong' refers to lotus-shaped receptacle while 'loi' stands for floating. This festival usually falls in November and it is definitely one not to be missed. It will be no doubt a captivating sight when you see everyone release their krathong onto the waters at night, and all at once. read more »

Thailand Grand Sales is a mega shopping event that occurs in most of the main cities of Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiangmi, Phuket and more. Held during June to August, it is a period of frenzied shopping, as locals and tourists flock to the malls to buy various goods at bargain prices, with discounts up to 80%. With more than 15,000 shops participating, the Thailand Grand Sales is definitely an event worth waiting for. read more »

Siam Niramit is an amalgamation of the best Thai buffet you could get, together with the world renowned stage performance which illustrates the past events and cultural heritage of Thailand. There will be more than 150 performers that will be accompanied by the best effects to take you through on an enchanting journey. The performance will be able to show how Siam served as the cross road to allow the civilisations to meet one another, how the Thais regard karma and lastly, the different kinds of religious events that are important to all Thais and their everyday lives. read more »

Do you feel surreal and dreamy every time the entire field of sunflowers appear on your television screen? You will get an opportunity to come down to witness for yourself, right before you, the entire field of sunflowers in November. During the Sunflower Blossom Festival, it will be when all the sunflowers will be in full bloom and take everyone in awe as if they have entered a dreamland or fairy tale. Not only will this place be the ideal location to marvel at the entire field of sunflowers, the sunrise will also be of the most breathtaking one that you have ever seen. read more »

The Phon Lak Phra Festival is an annual celebration to mark the Chak Phra Buddhist ritual. It falls on the first day of the waning moon in the eleventh month each year. During this festival, people will bring Buddha images on a procession, with the Buddha images being placed on gilded open-sided thrones and carried through the town. read more »

The River Kwai Bridge Festival is celebrated in late November and early December annually, where visitors will get to learn more about the history of the Death Railway, the Hellfire Pass and the bridge on River Kwai. There will be various cultural performances and reenactments of the horrifying tales of the WWII, as well as a remembrance ceremony and rituals to pay respects to those who lost their lives at the bridge. There is also a fair that provides great shopping opportunities and also sells local foods and sweets. read more »

An annual event, the Tea Tasting Festival falls on a day in the month of February, and is held at Rak Thai Village. The aim of the festival is to promote the tea products of Rak Thai Village, where most inhabitants are engaged in the activity of growing tea. The Tea Tasting Festival is supported by tea growers and helps to promote tourism in the area. read more »

The Poi Sang Long ceremony is a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony that is a tradition in Mae Hong Son. Parents send their sons aged between 7 and 14 to be ordained as novices and study Buddhist doctrines, a practice believed to allow them to gain merit. The Poi Sang Long festival is believed to be a tradition that follows in the footsteps of Prince Rahula, Buddha's own son, who gave up this worldly life to follow his father's spiritual teachings. read more »

One of the most popular festivals in Chiang Mai, the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is organized by Bo Sang village, serving as a platform to showcase traditional crafts and give credit to local artists. Umbrella making has been one of the traditional crafts of Chiang Mai. Held annually, the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival features beauty contests along with the routine trade of umbrellas. read more »

Ever tasted the juicy lychees that Chiang Rai is famous for? One of the most popular fruits in Chiang Rai, it is unsurprising that residents here celebrate their very own Lychee Fair. The Lychee Fair is typically held in May, coinciding with the harvest of lychees. Apart from selling the fruit, other agricultural products and local handicrafts are also for sale here. read more »