25 Feb A Look at Some of Thailand’s Major Holidays

Thailand is a popular tourist destination for all times of the year – it’s sparkling beaches, lush rainforests, and warm climate make it an ideal vacation spot. But the culture in Thailand is very rich and storied, and its major national holidays reflect this. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you may want to time your visit to coincide with one of these holidays for a truly unique and memorable experience. While not a comprehensive list of all of Thailand’s holidays, these are some of the most widely-celebrated ones. And although tourists are often encouraged to actively participate in some of the holiday traditions described below, like Songkran, we encourage visitors to confirm with locals the best (and most respectful) ways to participate in these holidays.

Loy Krathong

This holiday, also known as “The Festival of Lights” is celebrated on the night of the full moon in the traditional Thai lunar calendar’s 12th month; on the Western calendar this typically falls in November. During this holiday, people release small floats with candles and flowers into rivers and canals – the floats serve as offerings to the water spirits. The floats are decorated with intricate designs, and the sight of thousands of them floating down the river is truly breathtaking. Dance, fireworks, and music are common during the celebration as well.

Vesak Day

This is a Buddhist holiday marking the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha; it is celebrated in May. On Vesak Day, temples are full of people visiting to make offerings and listen to sermons from Buddhist monks. To commemorate the holiday, temples are decorated ceremoniously, and the atmosphere is peaceful and inviting. Visiting Thailand during this time is a great opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and experience Thai spirituality.

Thai Pongal

This is a Hindu festival celebrated in January by the Tamil community in Thailand. It marks the start of the harvest season and is a time of giving thanks for the blessings of the previous year. Thai Pongal is a colorful and joyous celebration, with traditional music, dance, and delicious food. It’s a great opportunity to experience the diversity of Thai culture and to learn more about the country’s Indian heritage.

Songkran

Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration. It’s officially recognized as April 13 but the national holiday is typically celebrated with one or two days on either end. The highlight of the holiday is the water festival, where people splash water on each other as a way of wishing good luck for the new year. Spending time in Thailand during Songkran is a great idea as the April weather is often hot and the festival is a fun way to cool off. It’s also a great opportunity to participate in traditional Thai celebrations and to experience the country’s vibrant culture.

Throughout the year, Thailand offers a wide range of holidays that are fun and unique experiences for travelers. From the Songkran water festival to the Loy Krathong Festival of Lights, from Vesak Day to Thai Pongal, there’s something for everyone. So, plan your next trip to Thailand to coincide with one of these holidays and make your vacation truly special and memorable. As always, please remember to be respectful of local customs and traditions when traveling, especially during national holidays and events. Let’s all strive to be responsible and courteous travelers by following local laws, customs, and cultural norms.