In the first place, Thailand is known for its breathtaking beaches, flavorful cuisine and warm hospitality. But beyond the breathtaking scenery lies a vibrant cultural calendar filled with meaningful traditions and joyful celebrations. Thai holidays give travelers and expats the chance to experience the rich culture heritage.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or relocating long-term, here’s everything you need to know about the most important Thai holidays including how they’re celebrated, where to join in and how to enjoy them safely and meaningfully.
But before diving into the festivities, it’s wise to prepare, especially when it comes to health and safety. Major holidays can bring large crowds, long travels and unexpected situations. That’s why many visitors choose to take out international health insurance for Thailand, to ensure they’re fully covered during their stay.
Top Thai holidays you should experience
Songkran (Thai new year- April 13-15)
What it is: Thailand’s most famous festival, Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated nationwide.
How it’s celebrated: Expect epic water fights in the streets, symbolic cleansing rituals, temple visits and time spent with family. Traditionally, water was used to bless elders and wash away bad luck; but today, it’s a full-blown national water party.
Where to celebrate:
- Chiang Mai – The heart of Songkran celebrations, with a mix of tradition and fun.
- Bangkok (Silom Road, Khao San) – Lively crowds and urban energy.
- Phuket or Pattaya – Beach towns take it up a notch with all-day water fun.
Travel tip: Bring waterproof gear and avoid carrying valuables. Songkran is fun but chaotic travel insurance can protect you from unexpected accidents or medical emergencies during the festival rush.
Chinese New year (January- February, based on the lunar calendar)
What it is: A major holiday for Thailand’s large Chinese community, Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of the lunar new year with family gatherings, firecrackers and red lanterns.
How it’s celebrated: Families clean their homes, offer food to ancestors and wear red for good luck. Public parades, lion dances and festive street food markets are common in major cities.
Where to celebrate:
- Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – The most vibrant and iconic celebration in Thailand.
- Phuket, Nakhon Sawan or Chiang Mai – Local Chinese communities host colorful events.
Fun fact: Even non-Chinese Thais often participate in the festivities. It’s also common to give “ang pao” (red envelopes with money) to children and elders for luck.
Loy krathong (Festival of lights -November)
What it is: A stunning celebration where people float decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers and lakes to pay respect to the water spirits and let go of negativity.
How it’s celebrated: Families and couples release candle-lit krathongs into the water, often accompanied by fireworks or lanterns.
Where to celebrate:
- Chiang Mai – Combines Loy Krathong with Yi Peng, when thousands of sky lanterns are released.
- Sukhothai – A quieter, historical setting with traditional performances.
- Bangkok – Parks and riverside areas like Asiatique are popular spots.
Fun fact: Loy Krathong is considered one of the most romantic festivals in Thailand. Couples often float krathongs together to symbolize harmony.
Makha Bucha day (February or March)
What it is: A sacred Buddhist holiday commemorating a spiritual gathering of 1,250 monks who came to hear the Buddha preach.
How it’s celebrated: Buddhists visit temples for chanting, meditation, and candlelit processions in the evening.
Where to observe:
- Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai – Home to peaceful and historic temples.
- Bangkok (Wat Saket, Wat Pho) – Offers accessibility and cultural depth.
Note: As this is a religious day, alcohol sales are banned and entertainment venues may close early.
Visakha Bucha day (May)
What it is: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, all believed to have occurred on the same date.
How it’s celebrated: Monks lead prayers, and devotees perform acts of generosity, such as offering food and releasing birds or fish.
Where to go:
- Visit any major temple in your area—festivities are nationwide and spiritually rich.
King’s and Queens’s Birthday holidays
- King’s Birthday (July 28) – Marked with ceremonies, royal tributes, and decorations in yellow (the king’s color).
- Queen Mother’s Birthday (August 12) – Also celebrated as Mother’s Day, with blue flags and nationwide displays of appreciation for mothers.
Where to go:
- Bangkok – Especially around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang, where stunning light displays and parades take place.
How to enjoy your Thai holidays with peace of mind
Holidays in Thailand are enriching but can also bring logistical and health challenges on the must-see places in Asia. Here’s how to enjoy them wisely:
Plan ahead: Transport, accommodation and some services can be disrupted during peak holidays. Book early.
Learn basic etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in temples: dress modestly and act respectfully.
Be health-conscious: Food stalls, crowded areas and sudden weather changes can affect your health. Carry hand sanitizer, stay hydrated, and consider local vaccinations.
Stay protected: From tropical illnesses to travel mishaps, international health insurance can be a safety net. Mondassur offers flexible plans for expats, students, and digital nomads—so you can enjoy Thailand’s culture stress-free.
Fun fact about Thai holidays
Thailand celebrates three “New Years”: January 1 (Gregorian), Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb), and Thai New Year (Songkran in April).
Some holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates change each year.
Alcohol bans apply during major Buddhist holidays—plan your social events accordingly!
Stay covered during your Thai celebration
To enjoy Thailand’s culture to the fullest, make sure your health and travel needs are covered. With Mondassur’s international health insurance, you can celebrate safely and focus on what really matters soaking up every beautiful, joyful moment Thailand has to offer.
