Thai Festivals Calendar 2026

Thailand celebrates the Western New Year with countdown parties, fireworks, and temple visits. Major celebrations occur along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, at Central World, and in tourist areas across the country.

A day dedicated to Thailand's children with free admission to zoos, museums, and government buildings. Military bases open to the public, allowing children to see tanks, helicopters, and aircraft. Schools and organizations host special activities.

Thailand's large Thai-Chinese population celebrates Chinese New Year with elaborate festivities. Bangkok's Yaowarat (Chinatown) transforms with dragon dances, fireworks, and street performances. Phuket hosts spectacular celebrations due to its strong Chinese heritage.

One of Buddhism's most sacred days commemorating when 1,250 disciples spontaneously gathered to hear Buddha preach. Thais visit temples for merit-making, listen to sermons, and participate in candlelit Wien Thien (circumambulation) ceremonies at night.

A spectacular three-day celebration showcasing Chiang Mai's famous flowers and ornamental plants. Features elaborate floral floats, beauty pageants, cultural performances, and a grand parade through the city. Gardens and parks display stunning flower arrangements.

Thailand celebrates its national symbol with special events at elephant sanctuaries and conservation centers. Elephants receive special treats, fruit buffets, and blessings. A day to raise awareness about elephant conservation and Thailand's deep connection with these majestic animals.

A lively annual fair in Phetchaburi province celebrating the historic hilltop palace. Features traditional performances, local crafts, food stalls, light and sound shows at the palace, and cultural exhibitions showcasing the region's heritage.

Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 when King Rama I established Bangkok as Thailand's capital. The Royal Family pays respects at the Royal Pantheon in the Grand Palace. A day honoring the monarchy's role in Thai history.

International Workers' Day is a public holiday in Thailand. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close. Some labor unions organize events and gatherings.

Commemorates the coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) on May 4, 2019. Government ceremonies and merit-making events are held. Buildings display royal portraits and decorations.

An ancient Brahmin ritual marking the beginning of the rice-planting season. Held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, sacred oxen are offered foods and their choices predict the year's harvest. After the ceremony, crowds rush to collect sacred rice seeds scattered by the Ploughing Lord.

The most sacred Buddhist holiday commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) - all occurring on the same lunar date in different years. Thais visit temples, make merit, and participate in evening candlelit processions around temple halls.

A spectacular pre-Buddhist tradition in Isaan (Northeast Thailand) where villages launch homemade rockets to encourage rain for the planting season. Features colorful parades, outrageous costumes, traditional music, and fierce competition between villages for the highest-flying rocket.

Celebrates the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida. Government buildings and public spaces display her royal portrait and decorations. Merit-making ceremonies are held nationwide.

Commemorates Buddha's first sermon after his enlightenment - the setting in motion of the Wheel of Dharma. This day marks when the first Buddhist monk was ordained and the Buddhist sangha (community) was established. Thais make merit and attend temple ceremonies.

Marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa) when monks remain in their temples during the rainy season. Many Thai men enter the monkhood temporarily during this period. Thais present monks with robes, candles, and necessities. The famous Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani features elaborate carved wax sculptures.

Originally celebrating the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, now honored as National Mother's Day. Thais wear light blue (the Queen Mother's color), give jasmine garlands to their mothers, and perform acts of charity. Many offices and public spaces display her portrait.

Chinese-Thai communities honor deceased ancestors who are believed to visit the living during this month. Offerings of food, paper money, and incense are made. Phuket and areas with large Chinese populations host elaborate ceremonies. Red turtle cakes are a traditional offering.

Marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent when monks can resume traveling. Celebrated with offerings to monks, boat racing festivals, and the beautiful Illuminated Boat Procession (Lai Ruea Fai) in Nakhon Phanom, where decorated boats float on the Mekong River.

Honors King Rama V (Chulalongkorn the Great), beloved for abolishing slavery and modernizing Thailand. Thais pay respects at his equestrian statue at Royal Plaza in Bangkok, laying wreaths and flowers. Many consider him Thailand's greatest king.

Traditional long boat races held along rivers throughout Thailand during the rainy season. Teams of up to 60 rowers compete in elaborately decorated boats. Major events in Nan, Phichit, and Surat Thani attract thousands of spectators.

The largest gathering of elephants in Thailand, held in Surin province - the historic center of elephant training. Features elephant shows, demonstrations of traditional elephant handling, cultural performances, and a spectacular elephant buffet breakfast. Showcases the bond between mahouts and their elephants.

Originally celebrating King Rama IX's (Bhumibol Adulyadej) birthday, now observed as National Day and Father's Day. Thais wear yellow (the King's color), buildings display royal portraits, and merit-making events are held. Though King Rama IX passed in 2016, the day remains highly significant.

Commemorates the 1932 granting of Thailand's first permanent constitution by King Rama VII. Government ceremonies mark the occasion, though public celebrations are minimal. A day reflecting on Thailand's transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy.

Thailand celebrates New Year's Eve with massive countdown events, spectacular fireworks, and parties across major cities. Central World in Bangkok hosts one of Asia's biggest celebrations. Beach destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui have vibrant parties.