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Festivals and Events in Phuket
Phuket pulses with a vibrant calendar of festivals and events year-round. Every month brings unique experiences, from celebrations steeped in Thai tradition, religion, and history—like Songkran in Phuket (Thai New Year), Chinese New Year, and the courageous Macha Bucha—to lively cultural gatherings such as the Old Phuket Town Festival and the prestigious Thailand Yacht Show.
For sports enthusiasts, thrilling events like the Laguna Triathlon and the Royal Regatta offer a chance to witness world-class competition. To help you plan your perfect Phuket getaway, explore the upcoming festival and event calendar below.
Major Events in Thailand
Public Holidays and other | 2024-2025
Festivals and events in Phuket and Thailand 2024-2025
- Songkran (Thai New Year) – Celebrated in mid-April, Songkran is a joyous occasion marking the traditional Thai New Year. The festival is famous for its nationwide water fights and vibrant street parties.
- Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) – Usually taking place in November, Loy Krathong sees beautifully decorated baskets, known as “krathongs,” floated on rivers. This symbolic act represents letting go of anger, negativity, and misfortune.
- Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) – While coinciding with Loy Krathong, Yi Peng is most spectacularly celebrated in Chiang Mai. Thousands of people release glowing paper lanterns into the sky, creating a magical atmosphere and inviting good luck.
- Makha Bucha Day – This Buddhist holiday, falling in February or March, commemorates a pivotal moment when Buddha delivered an important sermon. Devout Buddhists observe the day by visiting temples and participating in candlelit processions.
- Visakha Bucha Day – One of the most significant Buddhist holidays, celebrated in May or June, Visakha Bucha honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha.
- Asarnha Bucha Day – This significant Buddhist holiday, observed in July, commemorates Buddha’s first sermon, marking the beginning of his teachings.
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival – Every February, Chiang Mai bursts into bloom with vibrant floral displays. The streets are adorned with elaborate flower floats, and beauty pageants add to the festive ambiance.
- Phi Ta Khon Festival (Ghost Festival) – Celebrated in Loei province, Phi Ta Khon is a uniquely vibrant festival. Participants don colorful, elaborate ghost masks and parade through the streets, creating a surreal and festive atmosphere.
- Vegetarian Festival – Held in October, this festival, particularly popular in Phuket, involves abstaining from meat and animal products. Participants embrace vegetarian or vegan diets for nine days to cleanse the body and mind.
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony – This ancient royal ritual, held in Bangkok in May, signifies the commencement of the rice planting season. The ceremony is steeped in tradition and offers a glimpse into Thailand’s agricultural heritage.
- King’s Birthday – Celebrated annually on July 28th, this national holiday honors the reigning monarch of Thailand and is marked by widespread celebration and respect.
- Queen’s Birthday/Mother’s Day – August 12th marks the Queen’s Birthday, which is also celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand, recognizing and honoring mothers and maternal figures nationwide.
- Children’s Day – Taking place on the second Saturday of January, this day is dedicated to celebrating children. Special events are organized throughout the country, and many attractions offer free entry to kids.
- Buffalo Racing Festival – A unique spectacle held in Chonburi, usually in October, where buffaloes are raced in a lively and colorful event.
- Bangkok International Film Festival – A major event for film enthusiasts, typically held in the first quarter of the year, showcasing a diverse range of international and Thai films.
- Thailand Lantern Festival – Not to be confused with Yi Peng, this festival sees lantern releases throughout the country, with particularly breathtaking displays in Chiang Mai, illuminating the skies with hope and beauty.
- Chinese New Year – Celebrated vibrantly in January or February, Thailand’s Chinese community, particularly in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), ushers in the new year with dazzling dragon dances, electrifying firecrackers, and joyous family feasts.
- Hua Hin Jazz Festival – An annual event that draws jazz aficionados and musicians alike, offering an incredible opportunity to enjoy performances by local and international jazz artists right on the beach.
- Coronation Day – Observed on May 4th, this significant day commemorates the coronation of the current King of Thailand.
- National Elephant Day – Celebrated on March 13th, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of elephants in Thai culture and promoting their conservation.
- Thailand International Balloon Festival – This visually stunning festival, held in Chiang Mai, attracts hot air balloon enthusiasts from around the globe, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the northern Thai landscape.
- Surin Elephant Round-up – Usually held in November, this cultural festival in Surin province features impressive displays of elephant intelligence and strength, culminating in a grand elephant parade.
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival – This annual competition and celebration features spectacular fireworks displays by teams from around the world, lighting up Pattaya’s skies usually in late November.
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival and Sankampang Handicrafts Festival – This vibrant festival, typically held in January, celebrates the local craftsmanship of the Bo Sang and Sankampang villages near Chiang Mai, showcasing intricate handcrafted umbrellas and other traditional crafts.