From water fights in Songkran to the serene beauty of Loy Krathong, festivals in Thailand are rich examples of cultural expression. With vibrant traditions and deep-rooted beliefs, here's a look at some of the best festivals in Thailand you should consider experiencing while visiting.
Best Festivals in Thailand
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Chinese New Year
One of the most famous festivals in Thailand is the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. Most of its practice is centred on the Chinatown areas of Bangkok and Phuket; a lot of colour is portrayed through street performances, such as dragon dances and the famous Thai street food.
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Chiang Mai Flower Festival
This festival brings parades of flower floats, horticultural contests, and colourful displays of local blooms all over the city.
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Songkran
Songkran is a three-day splashing water fight festival held from April 13 to 15 every year. The objective is to clean up all bad luck from across the country.
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Boon Bang Fai
Also known as the Rocket Festival, Boon Bang Fai is principally celebrated in the northeast area of Isan. The festival celebrates the onset of the wet season.
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Phi Ta Khon - Ghost Festival
Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival, is one of the exciting festivals as people don ghostly costumes and masks.
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Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
It is during this festival that the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival stages its high-display candle parades using intricately carved candles, which are offered to monks for the Buddhist Lent.
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Queen Mother's Birthday
On the roster of public observance of family reunions and charity works, this day serves as the day of worship for the queen mother, Queen Sirikit, and also to celebrate her birthday.
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Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Also known as the Vegetarian Festival or Jay Festival, this festival is based on Taoist teachings. This festival is celebrated for nine days during the Chinese calendar’s ninth lunar month. During this festival period, street vendors sell "mock meat" that tastes and resembles actual meat.
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Naga Fireballs Festival
The Naga Fireballs Festival is held at the Mekong River in Nong Khai, where fireballs begin to flare out from the river at night time when the full moon illuminates the night sky.
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Loi Krathong Festival
Loi Krathong, or Festival of Lights, is one strangely beautiful celebration that manifests in the pattern of candlelight boats known as krathongs that eventually float down rivers and lakes.
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Yi Peng Festival
The Yi Peng Festival is mostly celebrated in northern Thailand. It is celebrated alongside Loi Krathong and marks the end of the rainy season. The festival is marked with thousands of floating lanterns, religious events, cultural activities, and street parades.
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Lopburi Monkey Festival
One festival highlight is the Monkey Festival at Lopburi, wherein bananas and other fruits are hurled at monkeys. This festival honours the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman.
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Birthday Anniversary of King Rama IX
The birthday of Thai King Rama IX is commemorated through celebrations. On December 5, various ceremonies and activities are held all over Thailand to honour his efforts in advancing the country’s economy and global standing.
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New Year's Eve
The celebrations of New Year's Eve in Thailand have been conducted very traditionally across the country with public events, parties, and fireworks.
Conclusion
From splashing water in Songkran to the spectacular presentation of a thousand lights in Loi Krathong, Thai festivals will help you learn about the depth of this country's magnificent culture and traditions. Anyway, the best festivals in Thailand ensure every tourist takes back some unforgettable memories. Do not forget to take international travel insurance simultaneously to have the most carefree adventure for these spectacular celebrations.
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