Holidays and festivals in Thailand

The Thai calendar is packed with festivals, national and religious holidays, in addition to no less than three new year celebrations. Thais are multicultural so there is always an excuse to celebrate. Many travelers adjust their vacation dates to Thai holidays and festivals, and the Thais are more than happy to accommodate them. This is a fun, authentic and unique experience that is worth checking out on a trip. We have compiled here everything you need to know about the most worthwhile holidays and festivals in Thailand, which you should not miss.

celebrations of the year The civilian The new

Although there is no Christian majority in the population in Thailand, New Year's Eve every year is one big party. The festivities begin on December 31st with events all over the country, from wild parties on islands in the south to a countdown with a massive crowd at the World Trade Center in Bangkok, just like New York's Times Square! With lots of music, happy tourists from all over the world, fireworks, good food, alcohol and dancing until dawn, Thailand is definitely a good place to properly celebrate the new calendar year.

children's day

Every year, on the second Saturday of January, there is a celebration in Thailand that is entirely dedicated to the little ones. Thai culture loves and respects its children very much and therefore they get their own holiday - Wan Dek in Thai. Just like at Christmas, the Thai children receive gifts from their families and then they all go out together to have fun. On that day, children get free rides on public transportation, parties are held in schools and army bases are opened to visitors.

Chinese New Year celebrations

There is a significant Chinese population living in Thailand, so it is no wonder that their New Year is celebrated in Thailand in all its glory and splendour. Chinatown district in bangkok Wrapped in traditional Chinese decorations and becomes crowded with revelers. There are folklore performances, dragon dances, fire juggling and a selection of fine Chinese food available at stalls. The event lasts three days on dates that change every year. In 2024 the holiday will begin on February 9.

 Makha Bucha Day

One of the many Buddhist holidays celebrated in Thailand. The holiday is held on the night of the third full moon every year (in 2024 it will be held on February 24) and is entirely dedicated to the Buddha and his teachings. Many Buddhists throughout the country crowd the temples and honor the great statues with offerings. You can also see various candle ceremonies that are held and especially feel the magical spiritual atmosphere.

Chakri Day

Every year on April 6, a holiday is celebrated in honor of the Thai royal dynasty. The king who rules Thailand today is Rama XI. It is a national holiday, various ceremonies are held throughout the country and the Thais all have a day off at home.

Songkran

A well-known Thai festival celebrated in the middle of April, the Thai New Year. All over the country crowds are taking to the streets to fight...water wars. You can feel the happy atmosphere especially in the capital Bangkok, where sometimes you can't leave the house without getting wet. The wet celebrations last up to about a week and it is recommended to join in the fun and not be afraid to get wet, because you really have no chance of staying dry.

Coronation Day

At the beginning of May, every year, it is celebrated throughout Thailand A national holiday in honor of the coronation of the current king, Vajiralongkorn. This is a public holiday, so for you what is important to know is that most of the shops and entertainment centers will be closed.

Royal Plowing Ceremony

In the middle of May, in a designated square in Bangkok, a unique and somewhat strange-looking ceremony was held. Dry rice is scattered everywhere in a place called Sanam Luang. The origin of the rice is in the fields of the Royal Palace of Thailand, therefore many Thais believe that if they manage to catch some of it, they will be blessed with good luck and a rich grain. The spectacle of crowds trying to catch grains of rice in the ground is special and amusing, maybe you can try your luck too.

mother's Day

Mother's Day in Thailand is a double celebration - in honor of motherhood and in honor of the Queen Mother, Sirikit, who is considered the mother of the Thai nation. Mother's Day is celebrated every year on August 12 and is considered a national holiday. You will see crowds of Thais flocking to the temples and if you are in Bangkok you will see flags and pictures of the Queen Mother everywhere. Khawasan street Decorates with lights to celebrate the occasion. Many restaurants offer special menus and tourist attractions and public transportation are also free for mothers.

The vegetarian festival

For nine days every year, starting from the ninth full moon (September or October), the Thais, and especially the Chinese, celebrate the vegetarian festival - Tessagan Gin Jay in Thai. During the entire period, the participants consume only vegetarian food, wear white and avoid alcohol, gambling and sex. This is to cleanse the body and mind. The holiday is popular with vegetarians and also affects meat lovers, as many restaurants and food stalls become vegetarian. In addition, vegetarian and healthy food stalls are set up in various places. If you visit Chinese temples you will be able to watch believers singing and playing and feel more in the holiday atmosphere. The same is true in the Chinatown area of ​​Bangkok.

Loy Krathong

Every year, on the 12th full moon (usually in November), the most romantic and magical festival in Thailand is celebrated. The essence of the holiday is to thank the river spirits for the abundance of rains and water supply, and in a deeper sense to sail the negative habits and bad events that happened this year away from here. Crowds of Thais throughout the country prepare and ship a strange kind of offering. You can watch the show in any body of water, even in the hotel pool. in Chiang Mai There is the most famous celebration of the holiday, which includes a particularly spectacular spectacle of launching fire lanterns into the sky.

Holidays and FestiSpending time in Thailand by month: