South East Asian Trips
Thailand Festivals and Events - South East Asia
With its ethnic and cultural diversity, Thailand has a kaleidoscope of festivals up and down the country to attract the traveler. Take part in one of these festivals to get a real appreciation of Thai culture.
Thai people celebrate at the drop of a hat, so there are several reasons and various occasions to hold festivities throughout the year. Festivals in Thailand can be roughly categorized into religious, social, regional and official royal ceremonies.
Religious ceremonies are normally performed on important Buddhist holy days. These include Makhabuja Day, Visakhabuja Day, Asarnhabuja Day, Khao Phansa and Ok Phansa. The ceremonies, celebrated by most Thai Buddhists nationwide, are officially proclaimed as national holidays as well.
The most important social ceremonies, which help unite people at the national level, include Songkran and Loy Kratong. Both festivals are celebrated among the majority of Thai people and are even recognized worldwide. They are traditional Thai festivals, which have been carried out since ancient times. Anyone can join in the fun of these very special national festivals.
Other events are celebrated only among certain groups of people in particular regions. The uniqueness of these festivals has given them a reputation at the national level, and some are even promoted internationally.
The most distinguished festivals include the Rocket Festival in Yasothon (in May), Poi Sang Long Festival in Mae Hong Son (in April), Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei (in June), Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (in October), and Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani (in July).
Most regional festivals reflect the deep-rooted culture of the people in that region. Many have become annual fairs, which, each year, attract large numbers of tourists.
The government organizes official or royal ceremonies. Notable among these are the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, HM the King's Birthday, HM the Queen's Birthday, Coronation Day and Constitution Day.
Bo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas,which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant.
The Mekong Friendship Festival
Residents of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand come together to enjoy arts and cultural performances, exhibitions, and souvenir sales.
Don Chedi Memorial Fair
A historic event that took place way back in 1592 at Don Chedi, when King Naresuan the Great of Ayutthaya won a elephant-back duel against the leader of an enemy force. This led to the liberation of the kingdom from foreign occupation. The fair, held at the memorial fair, commemorates the momentous event with exhibitions and outdoor entertainment.
Phra That Phanom Homage-Paying Fair
This seven-day event that occurs at the end of January usually attracts thousand of Buddist devotees who pay homage to the famous Phra That Phanom, a relic of the Lord Buddha.
Bo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas,which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant.
Flower Festival Chiang Mai
The North is noted for its abundance of flowering plants, especially temperate zone species, which brust into full bloom towards the end of the cool season. Spectacular beatiful florals are the memorable feature of this 3-day festival in Chiang Mai also known as the "Rose of the North". There are floral displays, local handicrafts sales, and enchanting beauty pageants.
Lampang's Annual Elephant Satok Fair, Thai Elephants Conservation Centre, Lampang
Every year, an Elephant Fair is conducted and the Centre organizes a khantoke, a northern style meal, as part of the festivities. The fair also feature a spectacular northern style procession as well as typical northern cultural shows and music. Lampang Hotels and Resorts
Dove-lovers from all over Thailand, as well as from other neighbouring countries come to this southern city for this event. The major highlight is a dove-cooing competition involving more than 1400 participants.
The traditional Thai New year is an occasion for celebration throughout the country. This occasion is marked with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Water throwing among the people in a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main activity of this festival.
Pattaya Festival, Pattaya
This seaside city enjoys the summer by holding an annual festival. food and floral floats, beauty pageants, stalls selling delicious cuisine, and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach are some of the activities that attract those who want to partcipate in the fun.
Poi sang Long, Mae Hong Son
One of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, this province is home to a number of hill tribe groups. Poi Sang Long, the ordination of novices, is a religious ceremony of the Thai Yai. A spectacular colourful procession displaying the offerings for monks is paraded through the town.
The eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat are known for their abundance of tropical fruits.When the fruits are at the peak of luscious ripeness, a fair is held in which the locals sell fruits from the surrounding orchards togethre with other local products. Spectacular colourful floats decorated with fruit and flowers are paraded though the streets of these provincial capitals.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believes is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, protrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Argriculture and Cooperative who wears colourful traditional costumes.
Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival, Yasothon
Traditionally, northeastern
villages have created and launched rockets of all kinds and sizes as a belief that this will ensure that the gods will send plenty of rain for the rice-planting season. As part of this two-day festival, there are beauty pageants and various forms of folk and cultural entertainment full of merriment.
With origins from a well-known Buddhist tale, the colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession feature young men who dress up as spirits to accompany a scared Buddha image and taunt villagers. Monks relate the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. Included are competitions of masked dances and processions. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Khao Phansa, or the Buddhist Lent,is the time when all Buddhist monks must stay in their temples. In Ubon Ratchathani, a unique festival that highlights the talented skills of local artisans as well as display of religious devotion is held each year. Elaborately carved beeswax candles of various sizes and shapes are exhibited in high-spirited processions around the city before being presentation to local temples.
To display their loyalty and to homour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-know locations are bedecked with coloures lights and magnificent adornments.
Boat racing has been a part of Thai culture for centuries, and regattas are held in various parts of the country. This annual event takes place on the various river throughout Thailand. The events feature boats competing against each other with great fervour and excitement of the cheers of the spectators.
Vegetarian Festival
These annual events are conducted by the locals of Chinese descent who engage in a ten-day vegetarian diet. There are merit-making ceremonies at local Chinese temples as well as processions of ascetics performing extraordinary feats.
The water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand, but in this yearly event, they can be seen in more unsual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields; namely, buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.
Wax Cast and Boat Racing Festival, Sakon Nakhon
To celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), people in the northeast (I-san) mould beswax into miniature Buddhist temple and shrines(wax castles) in order to gain merit, which will determine their future rebirth. These crafted models can be witnessed especially in Sakon Nakhon where there is an annual festival with a grand wax castls procession, competitive boat racing as well as traditional northeastern cultural performances among many other joyous activities.
The water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand, but in this yearly event, they can be seen in more unsual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields; namely, buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.
Loi Krathong, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai
It is belives that the Loi Krathong Festival orginated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. it is thereforce appropriate that this captivating event is held on the month amid the breathtaing ruins of the glorious ancient city. Activities include krathong floating a fireworks display, cultural performances and an amazing light and sound show.
In Chiang Mai there is an unusual ritual associated with the Loi krathong Festival. This is the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which are considered by local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and local products sales and exhibitions.
Traditional Boat Races, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Phanom
These annual festivals held for more than a century, the traditional longboat races draws thousands of visions from all over. These events are further enchanced by local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and local products sales and exhibitions.
Surin Elephant Round-Up Show, Surin
Inroduced in 1960, this internationally famouse yearly event attracts people from all over the world to Surin to see more than on hundred elephants participate in spectacular shows that include colourful processions, tug-of-war between elephants and men,demonstrations of log-pulling skills, and various other extraordinary feats set in a carnival atmosphere.
Rever Kwai Bridge Week Fair, Kanchanaburi
Each year in late November to early December, the world famouse River Kwai Bridge, which was built by allied prisoners-Bridge, which was War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include historical and archaeological exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural performance, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound persentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II history.
His Majesty King bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, is well beloves and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country. Buildings and homes are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated
Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration Ayutthaya
Designated a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1991, Ayutthaya, an ancient Siamese capital, celebrates its glorious past with displays of traditional culture and lifestyles, numerous forms of entertainment, as well as spectacular light and sound presentations amid the ruins of this ancients city.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Phuket
Designated a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1991, Ayutthaya, an ancient Siamese capital, celebrates its glorious past with displays of traditional culture and lifestyles, numerous forms of entertainment, as well as spectacular light and sound presentations amid the ruins of this ancients city.
Thai people celebrate at the drop of a hat, so there are several reasons and various occasions to hold festivities throughout the year. Festivals in Thailand can be roughly categorized into religious, social, regional and official royal ceremonies.
Religious ceremonies are normally performed on important Buddhist holy days. These include Makhabuja Day, Visakhabuja Day, Asarnhabuja Day, Khao Phansa and Ok Phansa. The ceremonies, celebrated by most Thai Buddhists nationwide, are officially proclaimed as national holidays as well.
The most important social ceremonies, which help unite people at the national level, include Songkran and Loy Kratong. Both festivals are celebrated among the majority of Thai people and are even recognized worldwide. They are traditional Thai festivals, which have been carried out since ancient times. Anyone can join in the fun of these very special national festivals.
Other events are celebrated only among certain groups of people in particular regions. The uniqueness of these festivals has given them a reputation at the national level, and some are even promoted internationally.
The most distinguished festivals include the Rocket Festival in Yasothon (in May), Poi Sang Long Festival in Mae Hong Son (in April), Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei (in June), Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (in October), and Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani (in July).
Most regional festivals reflect the deep-rooted culture of the people in that region. Many have become annual fairs, which, each year, attract large numbers of tourists.
The government organizes official or royal ceremonies. Notable among these are the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, HM the King's Birthday, HM the Queen's Birthday, Coronation Day and Constitution Day.
January
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair and San Kamphaeng Handicrafts FestivalBo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas,which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant.
The Mekong Friendship Festival
Residents of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand come together to enjoy arts and cultural performances, exhibitions, and souvenir sales.
Don Chedi Memorial Fair
A historic event that took place way back in 1592 at Don Chedi, when King Naresuan the Great of Ayutthaya won a elephant-back duel against the leader of an enemy force. This led to the liberation of the kingdom from foreign occupation. The fair, held at the memorial fair, commemorates the momentous event with exhibitions and outdoor entertainment.
Phra That Phanom Homage-Paying Fair
This seven-day event that occurs at the end of January usually attracts thousand of Buddist devotees who pay homage to the famous Phra That Phanom, a relic of the Lord Buddha.
February
King Narai Reign Fair, Lop BuriBo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas,which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant.
Flower Festival Chiang Mai
The North is noted for its abundance of flowering plants, especially temperate zone species, which brust into full bloom towards the end of the cool season. Spectacular beatiful florals are the memorable feature of this 3-day festival in Chiang Mai also known as the "Rose of the North". There are floral displays, local handicrafts sales, and enchanting beauty pageants.
Lampang's Annual Elephant Satok Fair, Thai Elephants Conservation Centre, Lampang
Every year, an Elephant Fair is conducted and the Centre organizes a khantoke, a northern style meal, as part of the festivities. The fair also feature a spectacular northern style procession as well as typical northern cultural shows and music. Lampang Hotels and Resorts
March
ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival. YalaDove-lovers from all over Thailand, as well as from other neighbouring countries come to this southern city for this event. The major highlight is a dove-cooing competition involving more than 1400 participants.
April
Songkran Festival, NationwideThe traditional Thai New year is an occasion for celebration throughout the country. This occasion is marked with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Water throwing among the people in a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main activity of this festival.
Pattaya Festival, Pattaya
This seaside city enjoys the summer by holding an annual festival. food and floral floats, beauty pageants, stalls selling delicious cuisine, and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach are some of the activities that attract those who want to partcipate in the fun.
Poi sang Long, Mae Hong Son
One of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, this province is home to a number of hill tribe groups. Poi Sang Long, the ordination of novices, is a religious ceremony of the Thai Yai. A spectacular colourful procession displaying the offerings for monks is paraded through the town.
May
Fruit Fairs, Rayong, Chanthaburi, TratThe eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat are known for their abundance of tropical fruits.When the fruits are at the peak of luscious ripeness, a fair is held in which the locals sell fruits from the surrounding orchards togethre with other local products. Spectacular colourful floats decorated with fruit and flowers are paraded though the streets of these provincial capitals.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believes is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, protrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Argriculture and Cooperative who wears colourful traditional costumes.
Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival, Yasothon
Traditionally, northeastern
villages have created and launched rockets of all kinds and sizes as a belief that this will ensure that the gods will send plenty of rain for the rice-planting season. As part of this two-day festival, there are beauty pageants and various forms of folk and cultural entertainment full of merriment.
June
Phi Ta Khon Festival, LoeiWith origins from a well-known Buddhist tale, the colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession feature young men who dress up as spirits to accompany a scared Buddha image and taunt villagers. Monks relate the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. Included are competitions of masked dances and processions. Everyone is welcome to participate.
July
Candle Festival, Ubon RatchathaniKhao Phansa, or the Buddhist Lent,is the time when all Buddhist monks must stay in their temples. In Ubon Ratchathani, a unique festival that highlights the talented skills of local artisans as well as display of religious devotion is held each year. Elaborately carved beeswax candles of various sizes and shapes are exhibited in high-spirited processions around the city before being presentation to local temples.
August
Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday Celebration August 12,To display their loyalty and to homour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-know locations are bedecked with coloures lights and magnificent adornments.
September
Boat Races, Phichit, Phisanulok, NarathiwatBoat racing has been a part of Thai culture for centuries, and regattas are held in various parts of the country. This annual event takes place on the various river throughout Thailand. The events feature boats competing against each other with great fervour and excitement of the cheers of the spectators.
Vegetarian Festival
These annual events are conducted by the locals of Chinese descent who engage in a ten-day vegetarian diet. There are merit-making ceremonies at local Chinese temples as well as processions of ascetics performing extraordinary feats.
October
Chon Buri Buffalo RacesThe water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand, but in this yearly event, they can be seen in more unsual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields; namely, buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.
Wax Cast and Boat Racing Festival, Sakon Nakhon
To celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), people in the northeast (I-san) mould beswax into miniature Buddhist temple and shrines(wax castles) in order to gain merit, which will determine their future rebirth. These crafted models can be witnessed especially in Sakon Nakhon where there is an annual festival with a grand wax castls procession, competitive boat racing as well as traditional northeastern cultural performances among many other joyous activities.
November
Loi Krathong, NationwideThe water buffalo has always played a significant role in agriculture in Thailand, but in this yearly event, they can be seen in more unsual and entertaining ways than ploughing fields; namely, buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.
Loi Krathong, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai
It is belives that the Loi Krathong Festival orginated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. it is thereforce appropriate that this captivating event is held on the month amid the breathtaing ruins of the glorious ancient city. Activities include krathong floating a fireworks display, cultural performances and an amazing light and sound show.
In Chiang Mai there is an unusual ritual associated with the Loi krathong Festival. This is the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which are considered by local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and local products sales and exhibitions.
Traditional Boat Races, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Phanom
These annual festivals held for more than a century, the traditional longboat races draws thousands of visions from all over. These events are further enchanced by local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and local products sales and exhibitions.
Surin Elephant Round-Up Show, Surin
Inroduced in 1960, this internationally famouse yearly event attracts people from all over the world to Surin to see more than on hundred elephants participate in spectacular shows that include colourful processions, tug-of-war between elephants and men,demonstrations of log-pulling skills, and various other extraordinary feats set in a carnival atmosphere.
Rever Kwai Bridge Week Fair, Kanchanaburi
Each year in late November to early December, the world famouse River Kwai Bridge, which was built by allied prisoners-Bridge, which was War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include historical and archaeological exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural performance, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound persentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II history.
December
His Majesty The King's Birthday Celebrations, december 5His Majesty King bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, is well beloves and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country. Buildings and homes are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated
Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration Ayutthaya
Designated a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1991, Ayutthaya, an ancient Siamese capital, celebrates its glorious past with displays of traditional culture and lifestyles, numerous forms of entertainment, as well as spectacular light and sound presentations amid the ruins of this ancients city.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Phuket
Designated a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1991, Ayutthaya, an ancient Siamese capital, celebrates its glorious past with displays of traditional culture and lifestyles, numerous forms of entertainment, as well as spectacular light and sound presentations amid the ruins of this ancients city.
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