Top 10 Must-See Thailand Festivals in 2024 That Travelers Shouldn’t Miss!

As a country rich in culture and tradition, it's no surprise that Thailand has many enthralling festivals celebrated throughout the year. Each month offers an exciting opportunity to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. From significant revelries like Songkran, celebrated across the country, to region-specific festivals like the Surin Elephant Festival, there's plenty for eager tourists to experience. This article will show you the top 10 festivals in Thailand that travelers shouldn't miss out on!

Written by Huan NGUYENUpdated on 16-09-2024

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Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year)

• Time: Usually on April 13, 14 and 15 every year

• Location: Everywhere in Thailand

Songkran festival is the traditional New Year of Thailand and one of its most famous and cheerful festivals. It is well-known for its fun water fights. Songkran symbolizes removing bad luck and attracting good fortune. In Thailand, people splash water on one another using buckets, water guns, and hoses, transforming streets into busy battlefields. However, this custom is not just for enjoyment; it has a deeper meaning, representing purification and renewal.

In addition to the water fun, traditional celebrations are performed during Songkran, as well as family reunions. These rituals take place on Thailand’s Elderly Day, which is also known as Family Day. This time is dedicated to paying respect to older family members and spending time with loved ones. Locals visit temples to pour water over Buddha statues and gently over the hands of their elders, wishing them health and happiness. As Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, these practices give the festival deep cultural significance.

For travelers, it’s important to wear lightweight, fast-drying clothes to stay water-resistant. Many streets become pedestrian-only zones, allowing everyone, including tourists, to join in the water battles. While the water fun is enjoyable, dressing modestly and behaving respectfully in temples helps to honor traditional customs. Songkran is not just a holiday but a unique blend of Thai culture, fun, and tradition, making it a must-visit Thailand festival in 2024.

Loy Krathong (Full Moon Festival)

• Festival time: Usually on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month
• Location: Everywhere in Thailand

Loy Krathong is celebrated annually during the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, which usually falls in November, and is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and lively festivals. Commonly known as the ‘festival of lights’, the celebration involves floating lanterns and ornately made krathongs, small decorative baskets often woven from banana leaves with candles inside them.

The main aim is to honor the water spirits, particularly to pray for life and sustenance from the Goddess of Water (Phra Mae Khongkha). Therefore, it holds national significance; this cultural and spiritual occasion is crucial for both the lives of local people and visitors.

Participants send their krathongs (flower lanterns)  downstream over rivers, lakes, and ponds during Loy Krathong to symbolize letting go of bad feelings, bad luck, or old grievances. The floating basket carries a wish and hope; it asks for forgiveness and good fortune. Thousands of spectators watch in awe as numerous krathongs float on the water while lanterns light up the sky, making travel around Thailand during this time a must.

>>> Detailed information about the Loy Krathong festival for tourists

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

• Time: Usually held in October every year
• Location: Chiang Mai

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival has gone down in history as a great festival held in the northern part of Thailand, with a particular focus on the city of Chiang Mai. The sky lanterns (khom loi) released during this festival will take your breath away, leaving no doubt why it is considered one of the best festivals celebrated in the world. The Yi Peng festival is a mesmerizing sight, with the sky filled with thousands of khom loi.

It symbolizes releasing all worries and letting hope fill your heart while welcoming new beginnings. On this already enchanting occasion, there are cultural performances, traditional dance shows, and temple decorations that inspire dedicated tourists to visit at least once in their lifetime or whenever they get the chance.

Yi Peng usually takes place in November, during the full moon of the 12th month in the lunar calendar, coinciding with the Loy Krathong festival. Lanterns are released at the same time, signifying a move away from past misfortunes and welcoming good fortune for today and the future. Participants pray or wish for their dreams while releasing their own hopes and intentions.

The best locations to experience Yi Peng are in Chiang Mai, where the festival is celebrated most grandly. Key spots include Tha Phae Gate, the Ping River, and various temples like Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang. These venues offer organized events, complete with cultural performances, lantern launches, and beautiful illuminated decorations. To fully immerse in the festival, tourists are encouraged to arrive early, dress respectfully in traditional attire if possible, and follow local customs, including respecting the environment by using biodegradable lanterns.

>>> Don't miss out: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong 2024 in Chiang Mai

Visakha Bucha (Buddha's Birthday)

• Time: May 22, 2024
• Location: All temples in Thailand

Visakha Bucha Day holds significant religious importance as one of the most sacred Buddhist holidays observed in numerous countries, including Thailand. This day marks the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing away (Parinirvana) of the Buddha, all significant events believed to have occurred on the full moon of the sixth lunar month. During this day, Buddhists visit temples to worship and reflect on the Buddha's teachings and the social and spiritual values he imparted. Furthermore, they participate in merit-making activities and partake in the evening candlelight procession known as Wien Tien, where worshippers carry lit candles and circumambulate the temple three times as a symbolic gesture of reverence for Buddha, his teachings, and the monastic community.

Ubon Ratchathani (Candle Festival)

• Time: Usually held from July 11 to 17
• Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Northeast Thailand

Another Thailand festival held in the northeastern provinces of Isan, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival features a grand parade of intricately carved candles taken to local temples.  It coincides with Asanha Puja, marking Buddha's first sermon, and Wan Khao Pansa, the start of Buddhist Lent.

Elaborate wax sculptures, often depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, are showcased on floats, representing various Thai provinces. Around temples, smaller candles are used, and people offer food and clothing to monks. The festival includes vibrant street parades with traditional music and dances.

Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)

• Time: Usually held at the end of June every year
• Location: Loei Province, Northeast Thailand

The three-day Phi Ta Khon festival is famous for its colorful masks and blends religion, local crafts, and a lively festive atmosphere. With spiritual significance, the festival expresses gratitude to protective spirits. Participants dress as mischievous spirits, wearing brightly colored masks made from coconut husks and large pointed hats. The festival includes traditional music, dances, and energetic parades that mix spirituality with fun.

Tourists can enjoy the parades, take photos, and join community activities. It's important to respect customs, such as not touching masks or costumes without permission and being mindful during religious ceremonies. Dressing modestly and being respectful will enhance the experience of this lively Thai folklore-cultural-spiritual mix.

>>>Discover unique Southeast Asian culture with our combination Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand tours

Tesagan Gin Je (Vegetarian Festival)

• Time: October
• Location: Phuket

Tesagan Gin Je, or the Vegetarian Festival, is a spiritual event celebrated across Thailand, especially in Phuket, typically in September or October. For nine days, participants follow a strict vegetarian diet to purify both body and mind. Rooted in Chinese Taoist traditions, the festival aims to cleanse spiritually and physically, while promoting good fortune and health.

The festival features dramatic rituals, including piercing and fire-walking, performed by devotees known as 'Ma Song,' who believe they are possessed by gods. These acts of self-mortification are seen as manifestations of divine power and part of the purification process.

Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival)

• Time: 7th lunar month
• Location: Phuket, Bangkok, Songkhla

Por Tor, or the Hungry Ghost Festival, is observed in Phuket each August to honor ancestors and appease restless spirits. Rooted in Chinese tradition, the festival involves making offerings to spirits believed to roam the earth. Families place food, flowers, and candles at altars, and burn incense and paper money for these spirits.

A special treat during the festival is the oily red cakes called "ang ku", shaped like turtles. These cakes symbolize luck, long life, and intelligence. During parades and rituals for the deceased, these cakes and others are offered. Tourists often participate in processions and enjoy the cultural displays that characterize Por Tor season.

Surin Elephant Round-Up

• Time: November 16–17
• Location: Suirn

Thailand’s Surin Elephant Round-Up, held every November in Surin, northeast Thailand, celebrates the nation's deep connection with elephants. This event showcases their cultural and historical significance through colorful parades and impressive elephant performances.

Colorful parades characterized by impressive performances by elephants take place during such festivities with visitors invited from different parts of the world. Some of these include elaborate costumes worn by elephants during key events among other activities such as demonstrations of their skills or historical reenactments. The mahouts also exhibit ancient training techniques that they have inherited from their ancestors.

Beyond entertainment, the festival highlights the elephant’s role in Thai culture as symbols of power, wisdom, and luck while raising awareness about conservation and management.

>>> Discover: Surin Islands

Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)

• Time: The party takes place on the night of the full moon every month
• Location: Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan.

Under the moon so bright this would be celebrated; people would swim in and out the sea but it was very risky. The Full Moon Party is one of Thailand’s most legendary festivals that take place every month at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan Island. What began as a small gathering in 1988 has grown into an internationally renowned event, attracting over 20,000 people worldwide. It starts in the evening under a full moon with neon lights illuminating the beach until dawn, featuring various music performances, fire shows, and games.

The main electronic music genres include house, trance, and techno, alongside activities like flaming jump rope. While the event is thrilling, caution is advised: avoid drugs, wear closed shoes to protect your feet, and be careful when swimming at night. A ticket costs about 200 baht, offering a full night of fun and unforgettable memories.

>>> Read More: Everything about the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan 2024

Practical Tips for travelers in Thailand

• Learn a few Thai phrases: Locals love it when you try speaking their language. Even if you stumble, they'll appreciate the effort. While English works in tourist areas, a few Thai words can be helpful in remote spots. You can read more about "Hello in Thailand"
• Carry cash: Most places in Thailand, except high-end or touristy spots, require cash payments, as card machines are rare in local shops.
• Check your visa requirements: Check visa requirements before booking. Most passports get a 30-day free visa, but confirm online. To extend for another 30 days, visit immigration after 15 days with required documents and 1900 THB. Avoid overstaying to dodge fines and issues with future travel. Check out the latest updates about Thailand visas.
• Prepare Sim Card: Internet connection is important for viewing maps, communicating online, updating social networks and transferring money internationally. Therefore, when you arrive in Thailand, you can easily buy a SIM card right at the airport to facilitate these needs. Find out more: Thailand Sim Card
• Use reputable transportation: Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. For long-distance travel, book with reputable bus or train companies. Get more detailed: How to get around Thailand

Conclusion

Along with beautiful beach getaways and energetic city life, Thailand is full of culture and festivities that welcomes all. All of these festivals in Thailand are great occasions to submerge yourself in the local culture and enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
 

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