Thailand is one such destination that travellers of all kinds wish to visit. Some tourists are looking for a beach holiday, while others are looking for a fun-filled vacation. It is equally popular among honeymooners and families alike. Plus, it is an extremely affordable international destination. However, Thailand is a country steeped in rich heritage. So, it is no wonder it has various festivals around the year. Each month offers a new chance to indulge in the enthusiastic celebrations of Thai festivals.
Whether you want to dive into Thai culture, join in the celebrations, or simply watch from afar, here are the top 5 festivals in Thailand you should not miss.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Celebrated in February – the Chiang Mai Flower Festival is a three-day event. Chiang Mai features a riot of colours in February. The air smells of roses and orchids. It is held when the flowers are in full bloom. Chiang Mai comes alive with vibrant floral displays featuring roses, chrysanthemums, orchids, and roses. Locals decorate their floats with stunning flower arrangements, filling the air with a sweet floral fragrance. Along with the floats, marching bands, students, drummers, and traditional Thai dancers perform and hand out flowers to the crowd. It feels like stepping into a living masterpiece! The festival is a wonderful way to enjoy the love for nature, perfect for photographers and families seeking a peaceful yet festive vibe.
Songkran
If you are into experiencing the culture of Thailand, you should not miss the Songkran Festival. Celebrated from April 13 to 15, it marks the Thai New Year. It is the most famous and the largest water festival in the country. This is a festival when locals pour water over Buddha statues, clean their houses and douse each other. It represents cleaning the sins of the past year. Originally, the water symbolized the washing away of sins and bad luck, but today, it is all about fun! The streets turn into a giant playground. Kids, adults, tourists – everyone is armed with water guns, buckets, or hoses. But it is not all about getting soaked. There’s a spiritual side too. You can visit temples to offer food to monks, donate to the temple, witness traditional processions, and see beautiful cultural performances. The air’s filled with the music, laughter, and the splash of water.
Loi Krathong
Celebrated on the Full moon night of the 12th lunar month, often in November – the Loi Krathong Festival is one of the liveliest festivals celebrated in the country. Imagine thousands of twinkling lights floating down rivers all across Thailand. This festival is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated as a national event in the country. People gather by the water as night falls to float their krathongs, making wishes and asking for forgiveness from the water goddess. They are made from banana leaves and decorated with candles, flowers, and incense. Near the water, where people release their krathongs, you will find stalls selling food and krathongs, lively performances, and everyone having a great time.
Ghost Festival
Celebrated usually in June or July, dates of the Ghost Festival vary based on local temple’s decision. The Ghost Festival, aka Phi Ta Khon, is a 3-day festival in the Dan Sai district of Loei Province. It is one of the most colourful and quirkiest festivals in the country. People dress up in these incredible ghost masks – some towering over 6 feet tall – and vibrant, ragged costumes. There are music, parades, dancing, and lots of fun activities, all to honour the spirits and bring good fortune. It is a mix of Mardi Gras and Halloween with a dash of Thai traditions. Locals believe the loud sounds wake up the spirit of the Mun River, which looks after their town. Phi Ta Khon mixes fun with deep spirituality, offering a unique glimpse into Thai culture.
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Surin Elephant Festival
Celebrated in the third week of November – the Surin Elephant Festival is held in Surin province in the Northeastern of Thailand. This festival is all about celebrating the special relationship of Thailand with these gentle giants. This two-day event features over 200 elephants performing incredible feats like tug-of-war games, football matches, and parades. It also features traditional dances and performances of old battles with elephants. The local mahouts show off their skills, and you can discover about elephant conservation efforts too. The highlight is the elephant buffet, where the gentle giants feast on fruits and vegetables in the middle of the town square. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that helps you appreciate these incredible animals and their role in Thai culture.
Conclusion
The festivals in Thailand are a blend of fun, traditions, and unforgettable experiences. Each festival gives you a unique look into Thai culture. These are not just events or festivals; they reflect the core of Thailand. So, now, while planning your Thailand tour packages, try to do so to align it with one of these exciting festivals. It will make your holidays truly special. In Thailand, each festival invites you to be a part of it and create lifetime memories.
