Festivals & events
Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.
Chinese New Year
High prices
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Bangkok's Yaowarat Chinatown and Phuket light up; expect crowds and higher prices. Lunar dates, late Jan–Feb.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Celebration
Feb
Three days of flower floats and parades in Chiang Mai, first weekend of February.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Book ahead
Apr
Nationwide water-fight new year (13–15 Apr). Transport and hotels fill up; many businesses close for days.
Yi Peng & Loi Krathong (Isan Rocket)
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Rocket festival across Isan praying for rain before planting, boisterous in Yasothon. Usually May.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Celebration
Oct · approximate dates
Nine days of Taoist rites and street processions in Phuket. Lunar dates, usually late September–October.
Loy Krathong & Yi Peng
Celebration
Nov · approximate dates
Festival of floating lights and sky lanterns, spectacular in Chiang Mai. Dates follow the lunar calendar.
