FESTIVAL

From April 29 to May 1, the village of Ban Ta Klang in northeastern Thailand gathers for Buad Nak Chang — the Elephant Ordination — a rare ceremony where Buddhist ritual, local belief systems, and a centuries-old relationship between people and elephants come together in vivid, living form.

Visitors to Bangkok can take a more measured approach to the Songkran Festival this year, trading the city’s high-velocity street revelry for a slower drift along the Chao Phraya River.

For years, Songkran in Bangkok unfolded along a predictable axis. The chaos of Khao San Road—where water guns, buckets and crowds turned the street...

Each December, Mae Hong Son’s Shan Food Festival rises out of the mountain mist like a beacon of flavour, drawing locals and travellers into one of northern Thailand’s most captivating cultural celebrations. Set in a remote mountain valleys, the five-day event turns the quiet Tai Yai heartland into a vibrant tapestry of herbal aromas and ancestral recipes brought to life.

When Bangkok’s brief cool season arrives in December, Suan Luang Rama IX bursts into colour. During 1–10 December 2025, the Phan Mai Ngam Festival draws crowds with its dazzling gardens, cultural displays and warm village-market charm.

Bangkok's historic Sanam Luang square has transformed into a grand stage for Thailand’s New Year celebration, as the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 kicked off in full force. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the five-day event is the centrepiece of this year’s Songkran festivities, drawing thousands of visitors to one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

Bangkok’s Sanam Luang is set to become the heart of Thailand’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, marking the country’s first Songkran celebration since the festival was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Every March, the historic ruins of Ayutthaya transform into a living homage to Thailand’s national sport as fighters from around the world gather for the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony. Set for 16–17 March 2025, this annual festival is more than a showcase of combat—it’s a deep dive into the roots of Muay Thai, an art form steeped in history, ritual, and tradition.

Tucked away in the heart of Phayao Province, the serene Phayao Reservoir provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable celebration – Magha Puja Day....

Lop Buri province will host the King Narai's Reign Festival from Friday, 14th to Sunday, 23rd February 2025, at the magnificent Narai Ratchaniwet Palace and surrounding historical landmarks.

The Chiang Rai Flower and Art Festival 2024 will take place from 16 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Kok Riverside Garden in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This year’s festival, themed The Magical Garden: What If Everyone Had Their Own Magic?, promises an enchanting experience, blending the beauty of winter blooms with cutting-edge technology and the region's cultural charm.

The Twilight at Wiang Kum Kam celebration will return to Chiang Mai on 21–22 December 2024, offering a captivating blend of tradition and contemporary cultural expressions. From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM each evening, the historic Wiang Kum Kam site will come alive with light, music, and performances, inviting visitors to experience a unique celebration of culture and history.