Some of the world's best-known festivals take place in Thailand: Songkran, the Loy Krathong festival of floating lights, the Yi Peng sky lanterns of Chiang Mai and the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This guide explains when each one happens, where to see it and which rules visitors must follow. Dates were checked in September 2026. Many festivals follow the Thai or Chinese lunar calendar, and regional organisers often publish dates only one to two months ahead, so confirm with the organiser before you book.
Thailand's Traditional Festivals
Songkran (Thai New Year)
When: mid-April. In 2026 the Songkran public holidays were 13-15 April.
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, famous for water throwing in the streets. In December 2023 UNESCO added it to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Bangkok runs the festival in official zones. In 2026 the city used a "3S" code: Safe (water play only in designated areas, no alcohol), Soft (modest dress, no powder, no harassment) and Spirit (keep the tradition). The main 2026 zones were:
- Silom Road: 12-14 April from 13:00.
- Siam Square: 13-15 April, 11:00-22:00.
- ICONSIAM: 10-15 April, with a procession and ceremonies.
- Sanam Luang, Ratchadamnoen Road and 12 piers around Rattanakosin Island: 11-15 April.
- Khao San Road, with screening for banned items.
Powder, chalk, coloured sprays and high-pressure water guns are banned in the main zones. In 2026 high-pressure water cannons or modified guns could bring up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to 4,000 THB, and revealing clothing or indecent behaviour a fine of up to 5,000 THB. Drink-driving checkpoints ran 24 hours a day.
If you go, drink only outside the water zones, and check the zones and rules for 2027 when Bangkok announces them.
Loy Krathong
When: the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 24 November (in 2025 it was 5 November).
People float a small decorated basket, a krathong, on rivers, canals and lakes. Choose one made of natural materials such as banana trunk, banana leaves and flowers, not styrofoam. The 2026 programmes are not announced yet; the 2025 events show the usual pattern:
| Place | 2025 event | 2025 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhothai Historical Park | Loi Krathong and Candle Festival, candle tribute nightly at 21:21 | 27 October-5 November |
| Ayutthaya Historical Park | Maha Loi Krathong at Wat Phra Ram | 2-6 November |
| Bangkok | River Festival at 9 piers, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun and ICONSIAM | 3-5 November |
Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
When: the same nights as Loy Krathong. In 2026 Chiang Mai's main nights are expected to be 24-25 November; the city has not yet published its programme.
You can watch for free along the Ping River between the Iron Bridge and Nakorn Ping Bridge, on Nawarat Bridge, at Tha Phae Gate (parade and stage shows in the early evening), along the Old City moat and at temples such as Wat Phan Tao. The mass sky-lantern releases are ticketed events outside the city, such as the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival in Mae On district and Yee Peng Lanna International near Mae Jo University. Tickets for these large events cost about 4,800-15,900 THB, depending on the seat level and whether transport is included; cheaper events cost about 2,500-4,900 THB.
Sky lanterns are banned within Chiang Mai city limits and near airport flight paths, and breaking the rule can mean fines and possibly jail. In 2025 lanterns in Chiang Mai and Lamphun were allowed only from 19:00 to 01:00 on the festival nights, Chiang Mai airport ended all flights by 19:00 on those nights, and 161 flights were cancelled or rescheduled. If you fly on Yi Peng nights, choose a flight before 19:00 and check with your airline.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival
When: September or October, following the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2026 the nine main days are 10-18 October, with the Go Teng pole raised on the evening of 9 October. In 2025 the festival ran 20-29 October.
From 11 to 18 October 2026, a different shrine leads a street procession of devotees in a trance each morning, starting between about 06:00 and 08:00 depending on the shrine. Fire-walking and blade-ladder climbing start around 20:00, mainly on 14-17 October at the major shrines. The main shrines are Jui Tui, Bang Neow, Kathu, Sam Kong, Sapam and Tha Rue. Shops with yellow flags and red Chinese characters sell "jay" food: no meat, dairy, eggs or alcohol, and no garlic, onion, shallot, chives or leek.
Spectators should wear white with long sleeves and long trousers, and closed shoes, because firecrackers are thrown along the route. Arrive before the start time and protect your ears. Ask before taking close-up photos of anyone in a trance, and do not touch the mediums.
International Celebrations in Thailand
Chinese New Year
When: 17 February in 2026 and 6 February in 2027. Programmes and venues change every year, so check local announcements close to the date.
December Holidays and Events
December is busy. In 2025 it brought the Red Cross Fair in Lumpini Park, Bangkok (11-21 December) and Christmas in the Vineyard at Monsoon Valley Vineyard in Hua Hin district (20 December). Check with the organisers for the 2026 dates. On 5 December Thailand marks King Bhumibol's birthday and Father's Day; in 2026 the public holiday is on Monday 7 December.
Music and Arts Festivals
Wonderfruit
Wonderfruit 2026 is a 5-day festival, 3-7 December 2026, at The Fields at Siam Country Club in Chonburi, in the Pattaya area. Passes are on sale on the Wonderfruit website, including Youth, Intro and Family passes, but when we checked, the site showed no prices and listed shuttles as "coming soon". You can stay in cabins, camp (boutique camping, or bring your own tent) or book a hotel outside the site.
More Music and Arts Events
- 808 Festival (electronic music): 5-7 December 2025 at BITEC, Bangkok.
- Hua Hin International Jazz Festival: 19-20 December 2025 on Hua Hin beach.
- Bangkok Art Biennale 2026, "Angels & Mara": 29 October 2026-28 February 2027 at Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Museum Siam, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, One Bangkok and other venues.
- VIJIT Thailand (light installations): 25 September-18 October 2026 in Lamphun, Trang and Roi Et.
Buddhist Holy Days
| Holy day | 2026 | 2027 (expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Makha Bucha | 3 March | 21 February |
| Visakha Bucha | 31 May (holiday on 1 June) | 20 May |
| Asanha Bucha | 29 July | 18 July |
| Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) | 30 July | not yet published |
| Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent) | 26 October | 15 October |
The 2027 dates are calculations, not official announcements.
No alcohol sales on these five Buddhist holy days. Shops, convenience stores and ordinary restaurants may not sell alcohol anywhere in Thailand. Hotels licensed under the Hotel Act, international airport passenger terminals and licensed entertainment venues are among the exempt venues. If you want a drink on these days, plan it at a licensed hotel.
Regional Festivals
| Festival | Where | Latest confirmed dates |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai Flower Festival | Nong Buak Haad Public Park, Chiang Mai | 13-15 February 2026 |
| Bua Khok Ten Million Rocket Festival | Ban Bua Khok, Tha Tum, Surin | 16-17 May 2026 |
| Phi Ta Khon (Bun Luang) | Dan Sai District Office and Wat Phon Chai, Dan Sai, Loei | 20-22 June 2026 |
| Candle Festival | Thung Sri Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani | 9-13 July 2025 |
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is usually in early to mid-February. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is held around Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa; its 2026 dates were not confirmed.
Planning Your Festival Trip
- Allow for road closures. Parades close roads, so allow extra travel time and agree a pickup point away from the route.
- Dress for temples. Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering temple halls. Women should not touch monks or hand things directly to them.
- Ask before photographing people, especially at religious rituals.
- Carry small notes for food stalls, offerings and temple donations.
- Bangkok in mid-October 2026: the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings bring extra security, and banks in Bangkok close on 16 October. Allow extra time for road trips in the city.
- Save the emergency numbers: Tourist Police 1155 (24 hours, several languages), ambulance 1669, police 191.
Getting to the Festival
Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle and one way, with expressway tolls included. You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip; if you can only pay by card, message us for a PayPal link (5% fee). Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details).
| Route | Useful for | Sedan / SUV / Van (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Pattaya | Wonderfruit | 1,500 / 1,700 / 2,000 |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya | Wonderfruit | 1,200 / 1,500 / 1,800 |
| Bangkok to Ayutthaya | Loy Krathong | 1,500 / 1,700 / 2,000 |
| Bangkok to Hua Hin | December events in Hua Hin | 2,000 / 2,300 / 2,800 |
Book a transfer from Bangkok to Pattaya, Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya, Bangkok to Ayutthaya or Bangkok to Hua Hin, and give the festival address when you book. In Chiang Mai, the full-day Chiang Mai + Doi Tour (up to 10 hours) costs 3,300 / 3,500 / 4,000 / 4,500 THB (sedan / SUV / van / VIP van); see tours and day trips. For Sukhothai, Dan Sai, Ubon Ratchathani and Surin there is no fixed fare: ask for a quote on WhatsApp or LINE.
Public transport is cheaper. Our guides on how to get from Bangkok to Pattaya and how to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai compare every option.
FAQ
When is Loy Krathong in 2026? Tuesday 24 November 2026. Chiang Mai's main Yi Peng nights are expected to be 24-25 November.
When is Wonderfruit 2026? 3-7 December 2026 at The Fields at Siam Country Club, Chonburi, near Pattaya.
When is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in 2026? 10-18 October 2026. The pole raising is on the evening of 9 October.
Is Songkran a UNESCO heritage festival? Yes. UNESCO inscribed it in December 2023.
Can I buy alcohol on Buddhist holy days? Not in shops or ordinary restaurants on the five Buddhist holy days in the table above. Licensed hotels and international airport terminals are exempt.
Planning a festival trip? Book your transfer or message us on WhatsApp or LINE.