Visitors to Thailand have an abundance of festivals, celebrations and designated national holidays to experience and enjoy, no matter the time of year they travel.

Be it mystical fireballs exploding up from one of Asia's mightiest rivers; the night sky filled with gleaming lanterns; intricately decorated flower boats ceremonially let go on the waterways; galloping buffalos racing across the finish line; raucous ghoulish locals trying to wake the dead; festivities steeped in Buddhism; or celebrations in honour of royalty. These and much more await.

Domestic tourism has just restarted in Thailand after the coronavirus lockdowns. On present indications, the country is expected to open its doors to international tourism around October 2020. So now is an excellent time to map out your travels to the 'Land of Smiles'. To assist with your planning, here are details of the best-known Thai festivals, celebrations, and holidays happening from October 2020 to February 2021.

And if it's experience-driven travel and off-the-beaten track happenings you are looking for, be sure to check out some of the regional festivals and events we've listed. Do note that for several Thai festivals and Buddhist holidays, the exact dates vary from year to year, depending on the Thai or Chinese lunar calendars and the moon cycles. We've listed the dates we currently understand to be correct.

October 2020

Wan Awk Phansa – 1 or 2 October 2020

The full moon of the eleventh lunar month marks the end of the three-month-long Vassavasa or rain retreat. It is sometimes called the end of Buddhist Lent. Devout Thais will visit their temple to make merit, give offerings and in the evening people will usually perform a ceremony called wian tian by walking clockwise around the main shrine of the temple three times carrying a candle, incense and lotus flowers. Most temples welcome interested (and respectful) visitors to observe and participate in processions and other activities on this holiday.

In communities across Isaan and, in particular, in Ubon Ratchathani on the Mun River and in Nakhon Phanom Province on the Mekong River, the day is celebrated with elaborate boat processions and races. Longboat races during the day provide the adrenaline, and as the evening arrives, boats adorned with Buddhist symbols and decorated with flowers, candles and lamps are paraded. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated boat parade as well as street parades and various festivities.

Naga Fireball Festival – 23 October 2020 (approx).

Coinciding with the end of the rainy season, the Naga Fireball Festival happens every year around the 15th day of the 11th lunar month’s waxing moon. The neighbouring towns of Nong Khai and Phon Phisai, on the Mekong River in northern Thailand, host the week-long Naga Fireball festivities.

No one knows precisely why this natural phenomenon happens or what these balls of light are made of. Thai and Lao folklore talks about 'nagas', mythical serpents that supposedly live in the Mekong, shooting fireballs from the river bed skywards to celebrate the end of the rainy season. Hence the event's local name Bang Fai Phaya Nak. Bang fai means to fire rockets, and phaya nak refers to the nagas.

Around dusk, visitors assemble on the river banks to witness hundreds of pink-and-red fireballs soundlessly rise from the river up to the sky before disappearing. The glowing balls range from golf ball up to a basketball in size. An elaborate sound and light show telling the story of the fireballs follows, and is voiced in both Thai and English. A fireworks display tops off each night's entertainment.

Vegetarian or Nine Emperor Gods Festival – 16 to 25 October 2020

Starting on the eve of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar year, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is also known as the Jay Festival, or simply the Vegetarian Festival. It is a Taoist celebration observed by local Chinese communities in many Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand.

For nine days, participants consume vegetarian food and drink to cleanse their body and mind. Temples come alive with an upbeat atmosphere of chanting and ringing of bells with devotees dressed in white. Locations in Thailand where this festival is celebrated include Trang, Krabi, Bangkok and Chiang Mai with the most unusual or outlandish taking place in Phuket.

Aspects of Phuket's Vegetarian Festival can be confronting as masong (people who invite the spirits of the gods to possess their bodies) act out gruesome rituals in a trance-like state. These include men piercing their cheeks with swords, standing amongst exploding firecrackers, walking through hot coals or beds of nails, and climbing up ladders that are constructed of knife blades. Most participants miraculously heal without needing stitches or medical care.

The rituals performed at Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival are similar to those carried out during Thaipusam in Malaysia – a festival that originates from Tamil regions of India.

In Bangkok's Chinatown district of Yaowarat, vegetarian food is available everywhere, Chinese operas are performed riverside each evening, and the festival climaxes with a boisterous street procession.

Buffalo Racing Festival, Chonburi – 29 October 2020

Coincides with the end of the monsoon. Held for the last 140 years, the Buffalo Racing (Wing Kwai) Festival is a celebration of the buffalo, that has long been an integral part of agriculture in Thailand. The day starts with farmers leading their beast through town to the temple, pulling beautifully decorated carts filled with offerings of rice, coconut, betel nut, sugar cane, and banana. Having received the monk's blessings for their family and animals, the action moves to the park in front of city hall.

Spectators can take in the excitement of buffalo racing and amaze at the agility of the jockeys as these massive beasts thunder down the specially prepared paddock. Visitors can also expect to see the Miss Farmer Beauty Contest, along with Buffalo beauty contest – all coming together in a carnival-like atmosphere of rides, concerts and food-a-plenty.

November 2020

Loy Krathong – 31 October 2020

Celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar – typically in November. However, in 2020 Loy Krathong falls on the last day of October.

Many say this is Thailand's most romantic festival and is about giving thanks to the Goddess of Water and river spirits for the plentiful water supply during the rainy season. It's also about letting go and floating away the negative events, habits and misdeeds of the passing year, and looking forward to a more positive year ahead.

The name could be translated as ‘to float a basket,’ with loy ‘to float’ and krathong a buoyant, decorated basket often made from banana leaves or rounds cut from the banana tree stem. Krathong are decorated with lotus flowers made from elaborately-folded banana leaves, three incense sticks, and a candle.

Each candle has a prayer, memory, or wish attached to it and said to be in honour of Lord Buddha. People sometimes include a coin on their krathong in offering to the river spirits, and a lock of hair or nail clipping is added to signify the 'letting go'.

People gather in family groups beside lakes, stream, rivers, canals or beachside right across the Kingdom on this full moon to release their krathong. Visitors are invited to join in, as krathong are on sale at most locations. Choosing totally biodegradable krathongs is always good for the environment. And as with most Thai celebrations, food and entertainment are always close by.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai – 1 November 2020

Celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (usually in November). That means this festival, unique to north-western Thailand, falls on the same full moon as Loy Krathong.

While central and southern Thailand have celebrated Loy Krathong for 150 years, people in the Lanna Kingdom (north-western Thailand) have been releasing these bamboo framed rice paper lanterns since the 13th century.

Chiang Mai, the Lanna kingdom's ancient capital, is the best place to experience this ‘Festival of Light’.  Elaborately constructed lanterns in the shape of lotus flowers, dragons, and other designs can be found around the moat encircling Chiang Mai, on temple grounds, and at each of the four gates giving access to the Old City.

Fireworks herald the approaching climax of Yi Peng, with Mae Jo University the best place to experience and participate in the lantern release spectacle. Here thousands of lanterns are launched en mass to fill the night sky, requiring air traffic controllers to close flight paths. Yi Peng, as well as being a joyful celebration with ancient roots, is also a photographer's dream.

Elephant Round-up Festival, Surin – 13 to 15 November 2020

Typically held over the third weekend in November. the aboriginal Suay (or Kui) people have long lived in this area of Southeast Asia – be it Khmer, Laos or Thai and are known for their mastery in tracking, capturing and training wild elephants. It's said Suay mahouts and their elephants were used in the construction grand Khmer cities like Angkor Wat, as well as in warfare. Ancient kings of Siam used elephants to ride into battle and the greater number of elephants the greater his status and power.

Descendants of Suay people in the region of Surin in northeastern Thailand (Issan) have continued their connection with elephants, and for the last 50 years have celebrated these pachyderms with the Elephant Round-up or Elephant Festival.

Friday morning around 7.30 am, a grand parade makes its way through Surin with 200-300 elephants, accompanied by marching bands, dancers and musicians in traditional costume. The procession culminates with a special feast for the elephants of pineapples, bananas, watermelon and sugar cane setout on long trestle tables.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Surin Elephant Show Stadium hosts the 3-hour long central show which includes an elephant parade, demonstrations of how elephants are captured, a tug-of-war competition between an elephant and a team of men, a soccer match in which elephants are the players, and cultural performances and dances featuring elephants.

The evening sees an elaborate sound and light show along with other festivities. The weekend festival regularly attracts many thousands of visitors, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

December 2020

King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day – 7 December 2020

This day commemorates the birthday of the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is also the country’s National Day and the day when Thailand celebrates Father's Day. It is normally held on 5 December, but when that date falls on a weekend, the holiday is celebrated on the following Monday.

The holiday itself is a colourful affair with buildings across Thailand displaying flags, bunting and portraits of the late king. Around the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the streets are decorated with thousands of marigolds; reflecting the colour of the day the king was born (Monday = yellow). After dark, the roads around Sanam Luang  and Ratchadamnoen and are blocked off to traffic because of the large number of people who go there to watch the fireworks displays that are staged to celebrate the king’s birthday.

National Day is marked by royal, government and military ceremonies. Sanam Luang near Bangkok's Grand Palace is the venue. The annual Trooping of the Colour parade sees soldiers from the King's Guard march along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to the statue of King Chulalongkorn on a horse near the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

In celebrating Father's Day, Thais across the country will commonly pay respect to and give gifts to their fathers and grandfathers, which might traditionally include a canna flower, similar to a lily. Also, expect to see Thai people across the country wear yellow shirts on this day as a further sign of respect to their beloved King Bhumibol the Great.

New Year's Eve – 31 December 2020

Thailand has its own 'new year', Songkran, which happens in April annually. However, as Thais love any good reason to celebrate, the western new year is as good an excuse as any. Whenever New Year’s Eve falls on a weekday, it is also a national holiday.

New Year countdown events are held at various locations across Thailand and especially those favoured by international tourists including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Bangkok, like other major world capitals, becomes party central for the night. You can countdown to the new year with the partying crowds around Central World, see the new year in while cruising the mighty Chao Phraya river, or have prime riverfront spots at IconSiam or ASIATIQUE for the midnight fireworks displays.

January 2021

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Chiang Mai – 15 to 17 January 2021

The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival happens in the village of the same name just 12 km from central Chiang Mai, usually on the third weekend in January. Although it's about to celebrate its 38th year, it remains one of Chiang Mai's lesser-known events. Don't let that put you off, because if you are in the region at this time of year, it’s recommended you make your way to Bo Sang and immerse yourself in this intimate and colourful festival.

Twice daily on Saturday and Sunday, there is a street procession with the Bo Sang Beauty Pageant Bicycle Parade being the highlight of the procession. With parasol in hand, beautifully dressed young women in traditional Lanna costume, cycle down the street to the delight of onlookers and photographers. Though the whole village is decorated in a kaleidoscope of colour, be sure to visit the Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre.

Here you will see first hand the traditional umbrellas being made from splitting the bamboo to making all aspects for the frames to papermaking, colouring, applying to the frames and ultimately, the intricate decorating.

From late afternoon Saturday the main street is closed, transforming into a market, with food, crafts, and entertainment happening into the evening. Entrance to the Festival and Umbrella Making Centre is free.

February 2021

Chiang Mai Flower Festival – 5 to 8 February 2021

Having just celebrated its 40th year, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival draws thousands of visitors to the ‘Rose of the North’ for this three-day celebration of colour. It’s typically held the first full weekend in February.The Suan Buak Haad public garden at the southwestern corner of the Old City's moat is home to the festival.

Over this weekend, the park with its formal gardens arranged around a series of pools and bridges is transformed with colourful displays of flowers, miniature trees, and local orchids, all set out for the judges to choose the best of each species. There is also a market showcasing local works of art and music performances.

The festival’s first day festival typically comprises an agricultural fair and a floral arrangements and landscaping exhibition. On Saturday morning, there is a massive parade with large floats adorned with flowers and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival Queen entrants as the centrepiece.

Interspersed between the floral floats are marching bands, school groups and traditional dancers.  There are also competitions for the most beautiful and creative displays, as well as the best float. The crowning of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival Queen always draws a crowd.

As with all festivals and celebrations in Thailand, there will be plenty to eat and drink around the festival.

Chinese Lunar New Year – 12 to 14 February 2021

The first days of the Chinese lunar calendar usually fall in January or February.  The Chinese New Year starting in 2021 will be the Year of the Ox.

There is a substantial segment of the Thai population with Chinese ancestry so expect to see Chinese red lanterns hung in front of businesses and homes of these Thai-Sino people wherever you travel in Thailand at this time of year. The Chinatown districts of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Trang (in southern Thailand) is where you find particularly authentic celebrations.

Bangkok celebrations for Chinese New Year sees Yaowarat Road in the city's Chinatown district, closed to traffic and becomes a decorated walking street. Cultural performances including lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, along with a fantastic selection of food will be on offer. Yaowarat's Chinese New Year celebrations are a spectacle to behold.

Makha Bucha Day – 26 February 2021

Taking place on the full moon day of the third lunar month, which usually falls in February or March, Makha Bucha honours the day long ago in India when 1,250 of Buddha's followers came to see him on their own initiative without a scheduled meeting. At this gathering, he gave them the core teachings of Buddhism.

All of these followers were said to be ‘enlightened ones’, whom Buddha then ordained as 'teachers'. And on the same day 44 years later, the Buddha decided to transcend to nirvana, doing so on Visakha Bucha Day three months later.

Thai Buddhists these days observe Makha Bucha by making merit at the temple, which usually takes the form of a donation – as well as not drinking alcohol on the day and observing other aspects of the five precepts of Buddhist teachings. Many will also participate in a late-night candlelight procession (wian tian) around the local temple's ordination hall.  Most temples welcome interested (and respectful) non-Buddhist visitors.  Makha Bucha Day is a Thai national holiday.

There are several other national holidays not included in this list, as they are more specifically relevant to Thais. Before 2020 comes to an end, we will create a full listing of Thailand's festivals, celebrations and special holidays for the 2021 calendar year, so do keep a lookout for that.

Thankfully, no matter what time of year you plan to visit the Thai kingdom, there are likely to be festivals and events you can build into your itinerary, thus adding more immersive and authentic Thai cultural experiences to your travels.

Header image: John Shedrick CC BY 2.0