Thailand never fails to amaze its thousands of visitors with the most vibrant festivals that are sure to delight them by offering glimpses into the heritage and traditions of the country. From kids to adults and old-aged people, locals have the time of their lives during these festivities. Considered to be one of the best ways to relish a memorable time in what is already known as an incredible country, these festivals in Thailand are the most popular ones to be a part of.

7 Best Festivals In Thailand You Must Attend

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination and the reason is not just its scenic beauty, beaches, water-sports, food and temples. There are several festivals celebrated in Thailand that you must attend if you are a culture-traveller. Take a look at some of the best festivals in Thailand that you can be a part of on your next trip to this beach paradise.

1. Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival)

Also known as the Ghost Festival, this is one of the most interesting Thailand traditional festivals. Phi Ta Khon is a festival that combines religious traditions, a fun-loving party atmosphere, and local handicrafts. It is celebrated for three days with thousands of locals wearing colorful, ghastly masks with stretched faces and phallic noses, painted in bright, and gaudy colors. The Ghost Festival’s origin is a mixture of Buddhist and animist beliefs. Friday is usually when the main parade takes place, Saturday has music shows and pageants while Sunday is reserved for Buddhist ceremonies.

Location: Dan Sai Town
How To Reach: The easiest way to get there is from Chiang Mai (a 5-hour bus journey) or Udon Thani (a 3-hour bus journey)
Held On: The weekend of the lunar calendar’s 6th full moon
Tip: If you are planning to visit the town for the Ghost Festival, make sure that you book your hotel or guesthouse early

2. Songkran Festival (Water Festival)

Also known as Songkran Festival, the Water Festival Thailand is perhaps one of the most fun festivals in the country, and possibly in the world! This long and large festival involves a 3-day water fight in which people participate across the country. With drinking, music, dancing, and people drenched from head to toe, people use buckets, hose pipes, water guns, and anything else that they can get their hands on to use to splash water on others. Sounds fun?

Held On: April 13th to 15th

3. Chinese New Year

With Chinese New Year, one of the most exhilarating Thailand celebrations can be witnessed in Yaowaraj – the official Chinatown of Bangkok. This area’s narrow, bustling alleys are always a fun and exciting place to explore. Every nook and cranny of the street as well as surrounding alleys, comes to life with dragon and lion dancers, exploding firecrackers, iconic red Chinese lanterns, crowds of worshippers as well as locals who gather to participate in the fanfare and enjoy mouth-watering Chinese banquets. So if at all you happen to be in Bangkok around the Chinese New Year, head straight to the northern edge of Chinatown, i.e., Wat Mangkon Kamalawat on Charoen Krung Street.

Held On: Usually in January or February every year

4. Lopburi Monkey Banquet (Food Festival)

This is a Thailand food festival with a difference. Located at a distance of 150 kms in the north of Bangkok, this festival takes place in Lopburi. It is famous for the many monkeys that reside there, and one of the most popular activities for tourists when they visit Lopburi is feeding the simians. However, come November and the simple treats that they get from visitors are replaced by something a lot more grand. A huge banquet is laid out for about 3,000 monkeys that live in this part of Thailand, giving them a day to feast on 4 tons of fruits, vegetables and an array of other treats. Interesting much?

Held In: November

5. Yi Peng (The Lantern Festival)

If you want to see one of the most spectacular celebrations, you should plan your trip around the festival of Yi Peng or the Lantern Festival. Like in countries like China and Vietnam, Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival is one of the most amazing sights you will ever see. People gather down by the banks of the Peng River and release thousands of paper lanterns into the sky and watch them float away in the gentle evening breeze. Although it is a more of a tradition than a festival, it is definitely a fantastic photo op for capturing some beautiful memories. You can also witness religious ceremonies, firework displays, parades, and the releasing of paper boats in the river. It is one of the best festivals in Thailand 2019.

Held On: The full moon of the 12th Lunar Month, i.e., November

6. Boon Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

Also known as the Rocket Festival, this is a famous festival in Thailand that is significant to the farming communities of Issan, which is located in the north-eastern part of the country. Entire villages attend the festival because they are considered the last big ‘knees up’ before the start of the planting season. The rockets are shot up to encourage the Gods to send down plenty of rainfall. Elaborate rockets are built and paraded around on the first day of Boon Bang Fai, and then launched high into the air throughout the weekend. One of the best festivals in Thailand 2019, every Rocket Festival is accompanied by live folk music, beauty pageants, drinking of local rice wine, and a party full of fun and frolic.

Held In: June or July

7. Wing Kwai (Buffalo Racing Festival)

One of the best festivals in Thailand 2019, Wing Kwai is the festival wherein buffalo racing is held. The tradition of buffalo racing has been followed since 100 years in Thailand. The race course is 100 meters long which is located in the front of Chonburi City Hall. Apart from buffalo racing, the festivals also hosts buffalo beauty competition, buffalo decorations and more. After attending to these, you can enjoy other fete games available in the festival.