Thailand festivals and events Guide

January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

January :
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair January 19- 21 Bo Sang village,San Kamphaeng District 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. Come and see this festival for yourself. Advance reservations are necessary.

February :
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair February 6- 14 Phra Nakhon Khiri and around area, Phetchaburi Phra Nakhon Khiri (City on the Mount), a hill on which are located several religious structures and a nineteenth-century palace, overlooks the city of Phetchaburi, some two hours drive southwest of Bangkok. A light & sound presentation celebrating local history is one of the attractions of the popular fair.

March :
Sweet Grape Week Fair March 23-31 Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi. This area known for its famous floating market comes alive with a fair featuring some typical and unusual activities, These include a Thai cooking competition, a "sea-boxing" competition, boating competitions, as well as local product sales.

April :
Songkran Festival April 12-15 Nationwide 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. Throughout the city, Chiang Mai
To really enjoy Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, to its fullest, one should travel to Chiang Mai where there is a variety of religious and fun-related activities conducted along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.

May :
Royal Ploughing Ceremony May 16 Sanam Luang, BangkokAn ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe 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, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

June :
Phi Ta Khon Festival June 23-24 Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei With origins from a well-known Buddhist tale, the colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession features 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 July Thung Sri Muang Park, Ubon Ratchathani 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 displays 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 presented to local temples.

August :
Rambutan Fair August Around co/op , Surat Thani Surat Thani is known for its luscious rambutans that grow throughout this province. Each year, a fair is held to highlight this fruit that includes exhibitions of local products and floats adorned with rambutans, as well as many other exhilarating fun-filled activities.
H.M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration August 12 Nationwide To display their loyalty and to honour 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-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.

September :
Phichit Anuual Boat Races September 1 - 2 Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang, Phichit 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 Nan River, Phichit, one of the most naturally panoramic parts of Thailand. The event features boats competing against each other with great fervour and excitement of the cheers of the spectators.

October :
Phuket Vegetarian Festival October Amphoe Kathu,Amphoe Muang & Amphoe Thalang,Phuket) It is not known for certain when the first Vegetarian Festival was held in Phuket. It is assumed that the custom started in the period of Thalang Governor Jerm in 1825 when a number of Chinese came to work in tin mines in Ban Get Hoe in Phuket. Legend has it that a Chinese drama troupe turned vegetarian in the belief that by doing so malaria prevalent on the island at the time could be driven away. Followers must abstain from meat, alcohol and sex for nine days and night as a homage to the Nine Emperor Gods (The Star Deities). The Chinese community then sent an emissary to South China to learn more about vegetarian rites.
During the festival which normally falls on the first nine days of the ninth Chinese lunar month, thousands of participants turn completely vegetarian to purify both body and mind in order to attend ceremonies. Aesthetic displays are performed by participants which include piercing the body and face with sharp objects and walking barefooted on hot charcoal, all in the belief that good health and peaceful mind will be attained.

November :
Northern Lantern Festival & Yipeng Loi Krathong October 31 - November 1 Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide, Chiang MaiCreating a mesmerizing sight, an unusual ritual of this northern capital's Loi Krathong Festival is the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is considered by locals to rid them of their troubles. Traditional floats (Krathongs) are also set adrift on the Ping River. In addition, there are various other forms of fun and a glamorous beauty pageant.

December :
H.M.The King's Birthday Celebrations December 5 NationwideH.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. is well beloved 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.
River Kwae Bridge, Kanchanaburi Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge, which was built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include historical and archaeological exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II history.