Celebrating the Fascinating Traditional Festivals in Bangkok, Thailand

Not only famous for its romantic landscapes, unique architectural structures, and diverse cuisine, but Thailand’s traditional festivals also captivate travelers. If you have a penchant for Thai culture, let’s explore the 10 most renowned traditional festivals in Thailand with Admin right now.

The traditional festivals of Thailand are held annually, but their specific dates vary. Therefore, if you plan to experience this cultural richness, it’s advisable to check festival information on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website: tatnews.org.

1. Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

Location: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon Province, Thailand.

Time: Annually from April to June

In the Northeastern provinces of Chiang Mai, Yasothon, and Isaan, when the climate turns dry, locals gather to organize rocket festivals to pray for rain. This is one of Thailand’s oldest traditional festivals.

Every year, residents from these provinces form teams and construct bamboo rockets. These 20-foot-tall bamboo rockets are fueled by a mixture of sulfur and charcoal, then launched into the air, signaling to the rain god Phaya Thaen to fulfill the promise of rainfall.

2. Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi

Location: Phra Prang Sam Yod (Monkey Temple), Lopburi Province, Thailand.

Time: Annually on the last Sunday of November

Lopburi, an ancient city dating back to the Dvaravati period from the 6th to the 13th century, is inhabited by both humans and monkeys.

Legend has it that Lopburi’s monkeys trace their lineage to Hanuman, a monkey deity who purportedly saved a deity’s daughter from a demon. Thus, an extravagant buffet is organized annually at the local Phra Prang Sam Yod temple, serving around 4,000 monkeys. The feast is considered a blessing for the locals.

3. Loy Krathong Lantern Festival

Location: Loy Krathong can be celebrated anywhere. Hotels along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Taak…

Time: Annually in November

Loy Krathong literally means ‘float a basket,’ where people release lanterns or small boats onto water, creating a beautiful scene. This is regarded as Thailand’s largest-scale traditional festival.

Throughout Thailand, people release their krathongs into rivers, lakes, and ponds until the waterways are illuminated. This act is to pay homage to the water goddess and thank her for the gift of life, as well as to atone for waste and pollution.

Each region has its own schedule for Loy Krathong festivities, notably in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Taak.

4. Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai

Location: From Tha Phae Gate to Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province. (The festival is held all around Chiang Mai, with Tha Phae Gate being the main area.)

Time: Annually in mid-November

While the Loy Krathong lantern festival is a nationwide event, Chiang Mai hosts another local festivity: the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival. It is held one day before Loy Krathong and is a traditional Thai celebration.

The Yi Peng lanterns are paper lanterns released into the night sky, and they outnumber the Loy Krathong lanterns. As a local festival, the timing of Yi Peng is less predictable, with the schedule known only a few weeks in advance.

5. Mekong Naga Fireball Festival

Location: Nong Khai Province (Northeastern Thailand), particularly in Phon Phisai District (east of Muang Nong Khai).

Time: Annually in October

Thai folklore speaks of mythical snake-like creatures, Phaya Naga, living beneath the Mekong River. The Naga creatures possess divine power, believed to cause a peculiar phenomenon on the Mekong River’s surface.

Every October, for around 90 days, people witness pinkish-red fireballs rising from the Mekong’s waters into the sky. The Naga fireball phenomenon has gained substantial traction with videos on YouTube and social media, being considered supernatural. As a result, tourists flock to witness the Mekong Naga Fireball Festival, deemed one of Thailand’s most traditional festivals.

6. Thai Vegetarian Festival

Location: Primarily held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Time: Annually from September to October

The Thai Vegetarian Festival is not about commemorating vegetarians but views abstaining from meat as a form of merit for good health and body purification.

The festival takes place in various locations throughout Thailand, with Phuket being the most famous. During the festival, people strictly follow a diet free of meat, animal fat, and certain vegetables (onions, scallions, garlic, and leeks).

At this time, you’ll witness hundreds of mediums walking the streets, performing ‘body piercing’ acts, such as impaling their cheeks with various sharp objects or walking on hot coals to display their dedication to deities. That’s why this vegetarian festival is also known as the “Thai Body-Piercing Festival.”

7. Phi Ta Khon Mask Festival

Location: Phi Ta Khon is held in Dan Sai District of Loei Province in Isan, Thailand.

Time: Phi Ta Khon occurs annually from March to July. An organizing committee selects the three most auspicious days for the event, so be sure to check beforehand.

This is an ancient traditional festival in Thailand, commemorating a prince who, after a long journey presumed dead, returned to his kingdom, and locals have celebrated ever since.

During this festival, you’ll see countless intricately crafted handmade masks with eerie appearances. Many participants wear these masks and accompanying costumes, creating a massive impromptu parade.

8. Surin Elephant Festival

Location: Si Narong Stadium, Nok Mueang, Mueang Surin District, Surin, Thailand.
Time: Annually on the third weekend of November

Thais have a strong affinity with elephants, making the Surin Elephant Festival a renowned traditional Thai festival for years. In Surin, there are more elephants participating than in any other province.

In November, domesticated elephants parade through the streets decked out with fruits and vegetables, and the elephants engage in friendly battles.

This annual event is both a tribute to the elephants’ contribution to Surin’s livelihood and a serious reminder of the threatened status of these companions needing conservation.

9. Bo Sang Handmade Umbrella Festival

Location: Bo Sang Umbrella Village, Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai.

Time: Annually on the third week of January.

The Bo Sang Handmade Umbrella Festival honors a revered monk who taught Bo Sang locals the craft of making umbrellas. During this festival, people showcase intricately designed umbrellas made from paper, bamboo, and other traditional materials.

The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival takes place around January 18-20. To get to Bo Sang from central Chiang Mai, simply hop on a songthaew departing from Warorot Market for 10-20 Baht, and the journey will take about 20 minutes.

10. Songkran Water Festival

Location: Songkran is celebrated everywhere in Thailand. If you’re in Bangkok, you can go to specific areas like Silom, Khao San Road, and Phra Pradaeng…

Time: Annually from April 13th to 15th

The Songkran Festival is not a traditional Thai festival but is a must-attend event as it has been organized for many years and deserves mention in this list. (Traditional festivals have historical narratives associated with them.)

Thai people believe that water has a cleansing ability in a spiritual sense. Splashing water on each other symbolizes letting go of the past and welcoming new things.

So, when someone douses you with icy water, it’s their way of saying let bygones be bygones, and better things are coming your way. Participating in this festival, you’ll find it to be the most joyful festival in Thailand.

We’ve just shared the top 10 most famous traditional festivals in Thailand. Surely, you must have your own impressions about them, right? Exploring the unique facets of Thai culture is always extremely fascinating for every traveler visiting this country. Do you love Thai culture? Have you participated in any traditional festivals in Thailand?

Source: Compiled from the Internet.