12 Popular Festivals in Thailand: Dates, Tips, and How to Plan from Pakistan

From water-soaked New Year street parties to candlelit river rituals and sky-full lantern releases, Thailand’s festivals are reason enough to plan a trip. This 2025 guide spotlights the country’s most iconic events, with confirmed or officially announced timings where available, practical tips, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can handle the planning for you.

Tip: Festival dates in Thailand often follow lunar calendars and local announcements. Always reconfirm close to travel, our team does this for you.

1) Songkran (Thai New Year) - Nationwide

When: 11 to 15 April 2025 (Bangkok’s flagship “Maha Songkran World Water Festival”)

Where: Countrywide; major shows in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Hat Yai

Why go: Thailand’s most famous festival, good-natured water battles, cultural parades, merit-making, and special light and music shows in Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen/Sanam Luang zone.

Planning Tips

• Book rooms near old towns early; Bangkok hotels around Rattanakosin fill fast.
• Keep phones/cameras in waterproof pouches; many streets become splash zones.
• Respect the traditions, morning temple visits and water-pouring rituals on elders are just as central as the street fun.

 

2) Loy Krathong & Yi Peng (Lantern & “Floating Baskets” Festivals), Countrywide / Chiang Mai

When: Loy Krathong falls in early November; Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng lantern nights are expected 5-6 November 2025 (city programs vary).

Where: Sukhothai, Bangkok, Ayutthaya (Loy Krathong); Chiang Mai (Yi Peng lantern releases)

Why go: Float banana-leaf krathong on rivers to release misfortune and give thanks; in Chiang Mai, thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky.

Planning Tips

• Chiang Mai sells out months ahead; pre-book seats at ticketed lantern events.
• Choose eco-friendly krathong (bread or natural materials) and follow local guidance on lantern releases.
• Bangkok and Sukhothai also stage large cultural shows around temples and historical parks.

 

3) Chiang Mai Flower Festival

When: 7-9 February 2025 (annual first weekend of February)

Where: Nong Buak Haad Park & city parade routes

Why go: Giant floral floats, orchid displays, and a very photogenic old-city parade.

Planning Tips

• Arrive by Friday to see judging and early blooms; Saturday is peak parade day.
• Book balconies/cafés along the parade route for seated views.

 

4) Chinese New Year - Bangkok’s Yaowarat (Chinatown)

When: Festivities and lighting installations ran 19 Jan - 9 Feb 2025; CNY Day was 10 Feb 2025.

Where: Yaowarat Road, Bangkok

Why go: Dragon dances, street performances, and spectacular night lighting celebrating 50 years of Thai-Chinese relations in 2025.

Planning Tips

• Go on weeknights for lighter crowds; book a hotel walking distance from Odeon Circle for easy access.
• Try set menus at heritage shop house restaurants, many run seasonal specials.

 

5) Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival (Khao Phansa)

When: 7-13 July 2025 (Buddhist Lent period)

Where: Ubon Ratchathani

Why go: Monumental beeswax sculptures paraded to temples, one of Thailand’s finest craft traditions.

Planning Tips

• Arrive a day early to visit carving workshops.
• Dress modestly for temple visits; mornings are best for photos before the heat.

 

6) Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) - Loei Province

When: 28-30 June 2025 (Dan Sai district)

Why go: Colourful masked processions, folk music, and merit-making linked to Buddhist legends, energetic, quirky, and very local.

Planning Tips

• Book Loei or Dan Sai stays early; limited rooms sell out.
• Bring sun protection; most parades are daytime.

 

7) Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) - Yasothon

When: 16-18 May 2025 (official provincial listing)

Why go: Hand-made rockets launched to “ask” for rain; epic parades and Isaan folk performances.

Planning Tips

• Ear protection recommended; rocket launches are loud.
• Expect road closures around Chaeng Sanit Road parade areas.

 

8) Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Nine Emperor Gods Festival)

When: Commonly cited for 21-29 October 2025 (exact ceremonies differ by shrine)

Where: Phuket Town shrines (e.g., Jui Tui, Bang Neow)

Why go: Processions, fire-walking, and ritual piercings as acts of devotion; streets turn white with participants’ dress code.

Planning Tips

• Wear white if observing rituals; avoid blocking processions.
• Expect fireworks and loud drums; stay behind barriers for safety.

 

9) Surin Elephant Round-Up

When: Mid-late November 2025; city program published 15-26 Nov 2025 including fair and shows (main weekend mid-Nov)

Where: Surin Province

Why go: Grand displays of elephant skills and historical pageantry; a unique Isaan cultural showcase.

Planning Tips

• Book grandstand tickets and accommodation early.
• Combine with visits to Khmer ruins around Surin/Buriram.

 

10) Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival

When: Traditionally the last Sunday of November; 2025 listings cite 23 Nov or 30 Nov-final local program confirms near the date.

Where: Phra Prang Sam Yod, Lopburi

Why go: A playful buffet laid out for resident macaques, plus cultural performances; great for families and photographers.

Planning Tips

• Protect bags and lenses; macaques are curious.
• Day-trip by train from Bangkok or stay overnight to explore ruins.

 

11) Wonderfruit - Music, Arts & Sustainability

When: 11-15 December 2025

Where: Siam Country Club, Pattaya

Why go: Asia’s leading cross-genre festival with art installations, wellness, and gastronomy in an open-air “fields” setting.

Planning Tips

• Book early tier tickets and on-site camping or nearby resorts.
• Pack for heat by day and breezy nights; shuttle services reduce traffic.

 

12) Sukhothai & Ayutthaya Loy Krathong Shows

When: Early November (aligned with Loy Krathong; programs vary annually)

Where: Sukhothai Historical Park, Ayutthaya Historical Park

Why go: Heritage sound-and-light shows in UNESCO-listed settings; a quieter, more traditional alternative to big-city events.

Planning Tips

• Buy reserved seating for sound-and-light nights.
• Arrive early to explore ruins in golden hour light.

 

Practical Festival Travel Tips (Save Time, Avoid Stress)

• Book early: Peak events like Songkran, Yi Peng, and Wonderfruit sell out hotels and domestic flights months in advance.
• Dress code: Temples and many ceremonies require covered shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf.
• Weather: April is hot for Songkran; November–February is cooler and drier—ideal for Loy Krathong, Surin, and Chiang Mai events.
• Getting around: Domestic low-cost carriers connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Ubon, Loei, Phuket, and Surin; reserve festival-weekend flights early.
• Safety & etiquette: Follow local guidance during processions; never touch monks; remove shoes in temples.
• Cash & connectivity: Festivals can overwhelm ATMs; carry some cash and a local SIM for ride-hailing and maps.

 

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Helps

• End-to-end trip design: Multi-city routing (e.g., Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Sukhothai → Phuket) aligned to exact festival dates.
• Flights & hotels: Competitive fares and curated stays near parade routes and event grounds.
• Festival logistics: Ticket sourcing (when applicable), reserved seating, transfers, and day tours around each event.
• Visas & insurance: Thailand visa guidance for Pakistani travelers, document checklists, and comprehensive travel insurance options.
• Local add-ons: Food tours in Yaowarat during Chinese New Year, lantern workshop visits in Chiang Mai, heritage guides in Sukhothai/Ayutthaya.

 

Contact Malik Express to turn your favourite festival into a seamless itinerary.