Thailand 2025: The Best Festivals and Events You Can’t Miss

Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions, and the festivals and events held throughout the year are a huge part of its allure. Whether you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2025 or just dreaming of a cultural getaway, experiencing these festivals will provide you with an unforgettable taste of Thai life. From ancient ceremonies to modern music festivals, here are the top festivals and events you can’t miss in Thailand in 2025!

1. Songkran Festival: The World’s Biggest Water Fight

When: April 13-15, 2025
Where: Nationwide, with major celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is one of the most famous festivals in the world. This lively event marks the beginning of the Thai solar calendar and is celebrated with water fights, parades, and traditional rituals. In 2025, expect larger-than-life water battles in the streets of cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, along with visits to temples to pour water over Buddha statues for good luck. Be sure to pack a waterproof camera—you won’t want to miss the fun!

Pro Tip: If you want a more traditional experience, visit temples or participate in local ceremonies where people honor their elders and families.

2. Loy Krathong: A Night of Lanterns and Wishes

When: November 6, 2025
Where: Nationwide, with highlights in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Bangkok

Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most enchanting festivals. Held annually on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, Loy Krathong involves floating small, flower-filled boats (known as “krathongs”) on rivers, lakes, and canals. It’s a time to make wishes, express gratitude to the water goddess, and participate in a spectacle of light as thousands of lanterns illuminate the night sky.

In 2025, the festival will likely draw visitors to Chiang Mai for its massive lantern release or to Sukhothai, where the festival originated. Don’t miss the magic of this serene celebration!

Pro Tip: In Chiang Mai, you can participate in the Yi Peng lantern festival, where you can release sky lanterns for an added sense of spiritual reflection.

3. King’s Birthday Celebrations: A Royal Tribute

When: July 28, 2025
Where: Nationwide, with a focus on Bangkok

The King’s Birthday is a highly significant day in Thailand, celebrating the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). This national holiday is marked by beautiful ceremonies, a grand parade, and the lighting of candles and incense in tribute to the monarchy. On this day, you’ll also find the streets adorned with royal flags and portraits of the king, especially in Bangkok.

The King’s Birthday is a somber yet deeply moving event that showcases Thailand’s respect for its royal family. If you’re in Thailand in July 2025, make sure to visit the Grand Palace to witness the grandeur and pay your respects.

Pro Tip: This is a great time to see traditional Thai performances and exhibitions, often taking place around Bangkok’s royal landmarks.

4. Thailand International Jazz Festival

When: May 2025 (Exact Dates TBA)
Where: Hua Hin

Jazz lovers, this one’s for you! The Thailand International Jazz Festival is a favorite annual event held in the coastal city of Hua Hin. In 2025, you can expect top-tier international jazz musicians to perform alongside local talent in a festival that blends music, culture, and seaside vibes.

The event typically spans multiple days and offers a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music in various outdoor venues, making it an ideal festival for music lovers and those looking to unwind by the beach.

Pro Tip: Hua Hin is an excellent location to explore other attractions, such as the beautiful Hua Hin Railway Station and nearby night markets.

5. Phuket Vegetarian Festival: A Colorful and Spiritual Celebration

When: October 2025 (Exact Dates TBA)
Where: Phuket

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a dramatic and culturally intense celebration that focuses on purity, spirituality, and good health. The festival is marked by religious ceremonies, vegetarian food offerings, and the shocking “self-mutilation” rituals where devotees pierce their bodies in acts of spiritual devotion. While this might not be for everyone, it’s undeniably one of the most unique cultural experiences in Thailand.

In 2025, prepare to witness the streets of Phuket transformed with processions, colorful parades, and thousands of devotees participating in rituals that symbolize purification and renewal.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to attend, be sure to respect the local traditions and practices. You can also enjoy the amazing vegetarian food stalls that pop up during the festival.

6. Full Moon Party: Thailand’s Ultimate Beach Party

When: Every Full Moon Night
Where: Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan has become a legendary event for backpackers, party-goers, and night owls. Held every month on the night of the full moon, this beach party is an electric mix of neon body paint, fire shows, international DJs, and dancing by the beach until dawn.

In 2025, if you’re looking for an unforgettable party atmosphere in Thailand, don’t miss the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. While it’s an over-the-top event, it’s a quintessential experience for those who love music, dancing, and meeting people from around the world.

Pro Tip: For a more relaxed vibe, visit nearby Haad Yuan or Haad Salad beaches, which offer quieter and more serene settings compared to the party-heavy Haad Rin.

7. Surin Elephant Round-up: A Celebration of Thai Elephants

When: November 2025 (Exact Dates TBA)
Where: Surin

The Surin Elephant Round-up is a must-see for animal lovers and anyone interested in Thailand’s national symbol: the elephant. Held annually in Surin, this unique event gathers hundreds of elephants from across the country for a spectacular display of elephant talent, including parades, shows, and traditional performances.

In 2025, be prepared for a mesmerizing experience as you watch elephants demonstrate their intelligence and grace, as well as partake in traditional ceremonies that honor the bond between elephants and humans in Thai culture.

Pro Tip: Visit the Surin Elephant Village before or after the festival to learn more about elephant conservation efforts in Thailand.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s festivals in 2025 promise to be as thrilling, colorful, and culturally rich as ever. From the wild water fights of Songkran to the peaceful lantern releases of Loy Krathong, there’s an event for every traveler looking to immerse themselves in Thai culture. Whether you’re into music, traditional rituals, or just having fun, Thailand’s festivals offer something for everyone.

Make sure to plan your trip around these unforgettable events to experience the heart and soul of Thailand firsthand.

Travel Tip: Check the festival dates and book your accommodations well in advance, as these events often draw large crowds. And don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture every magical moment!