Thailand's festival calendar in 2026 gives travellers an extraordinary range of cultural experiences to plan around. By season: January — Chinese New Year (January 29) in Yaowarat Bangkok and Phuket Old Town; Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (Chiang Mai) showcasing hand-painted paper umbrellas; Chiang Mai Flower Festival (first weekend of February) with floral floats. April — Songkran (April 13–15) nationwide water festival; Pattaya International Festival of the Sea. June/July — Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival (Dan Sai, Loei), one of Thailand's most visually extraordinary regional festivals with huge ghost mask costumes; Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival (July, aligned with Khao Phansa). August — Hua Hin Jazz Festival (August, dates vary) featuring international jazz acts on a beach stage. October — Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Chiang Mai (dates vary based on lunar calendar) — 9 days of all-vegan food and, in Phuket, dramatic ritual piercing. November 5 — Loy Krathong nationwide; Yi Peng in Chiang Mai; Surin Elephant Roundup (third weekend of November) — a controversial but visually spectacular event with hundreds of elephants. December — Chiang Mai Christmas markets, Bangkok's various New Year's Eve rooftop celebrations and Asiatique countdown. For planning: Thai festivals are exceptionally photogenic and culturally rich — building a trip around one or two major festivals significantly enhances any Thailand visit.
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