Major Thai Festivals & - Amazing Tastes of Thailand Events 2020 - Amazing Thailand eBook
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Amazing Tastes of Thailand
Major Thai Festivals &
Events 2020
Major Thai Festivals & Events 3
Major Thai Festivals
and Events 2020
P. 6 17th Khon Kaen International Marathon P. 15 Songkran Festival
P. 7 Chiang Mai Flower Festival P. 19 International Balloon Festival @ Hat Yai 2020
P. 8 Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok P. 20 Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2020
P. 9 Chinese New Year Festival P. 21 The Great Mekong Bike Ride
P. 10 Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony P. 22 Thailand Cultural Music Festival
P. 11 Krabi Naga Fest 2020 P. 23 International Street Food Festival
P. 12 Pattaya International Music Festival 2020 P. 24 Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2020
P. 13 The 35th ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival P. 25 Phi Ta Khon Festival
P. 14 World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony P. 26 Thailand Shopping & Dining Paradise 2020
4 Major Thai Festivals & Events
P. 27 H.M. the King Rama X’s Birthday Celebration P. 35 Laguna Phuket Triathlon
P. 28 Pattaya Marathon 2020 P. 36 River Kwai Bridge Week
P. 29 Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival P. 37 Loi Krathong Festival
P. 30 H.M. Queen Sirikit’s Birthday Celebration P. 40 Bangkok Marathon
P. 31 Phuket Vegetarian Festival P. 41 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage
and Red Cross Fair
P. 32 Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
P. 42 Thailand Yacht Shows
P. 33 End of the Buddhist Lent Festival & Naga
Fireball Phenomenon P. 43 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
P. 34 Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession P. 44 Thailand’s New Year Countdown Celebration
Major Thai Festivals & Events 5
International runners are competing in four race divisions:
th
17 Khon Kaen a 42.195-km. full marathon, a 21.10-km. half marathon, a 11.55-
km. mini marathon, and a 4.5-km. fun run. All race divisions
International start and finish at the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall,
Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen province. The race, organised
Marathon by the Khon Kaen University Alumni Association, is officially
sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons
and Road Races (AIMS) and the Athletics Association of
Date: Thailand (IAAF Rules).
26 January, 2020
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Venue: TAT Khon Kaen Office: Tel. +66 4322 7714-6
Khon Kaen University, Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Mueang District, Khon Kaen www.khonkaenmarathon.com
6 Major Thai Festivals & Events
Living up to the name ‘Rose of the North,’ Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai organises the Chiang Mai Flower Festival to showcase
its beautiful flowers and decorative plants which are in
Flower full bloom towards the end of the winter season in early
February. Suan Buak Hat Park is transformed into an open-
Festival air exhibition centre where you can find a magnificent
tapestry of floral splendor that blankets the land, agricultural
exhibitions, and floral displays, contests, and sales. Orchid
Date: lovers should not miss the opportunity to see a variety of
beautiful orchids grown by locals. The festival also features
7-9 February, 2020 flower-decorated floats that parade around the city showing
Venue: the vibrant colored flowers as well as dancers in traditional
Suan Buak Hat Park, costumes.
Mueang District, Chiang Mai
Highlight: The floral floats compete to find the most
beautiful and creative display, and the best float for cultural
preservation will receive a trophy. Other highlights
include plant and flower sales, as well as several kinds of
competitions.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Chiang Mai Office: Tel. +66 5324 8604,
+66 5324 8607
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 7
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (ATMBKK) is
Amazing presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) -
following world-class organisation standards. Runners will
Thailand enjoy a unique city-centric course that will take them past
some of Bangkok’s amazing landmarks. There are 4 race
Marathon categories; Marathon (42.195 km.), Half-marathon (21.1
km.), Mini-marathon (10 km.), and Fun Run (3.5 km.).
Bangkok Highlight: The route lets the ATMBKK runners enjoy a
unique city-centric course, which passes some of Bangkok’s
amazing landmarks; such as, the Victory Monument,
Date: Equestrian Statue of King Rama V the Great, and Rama VIII
2 February, 2020 Bridge, before heading to the finish line at the Democracy
Venue: Monument.
Bangkok
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
TAT Bangkok Office: Tel. +66 2276 2720-1
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.amazingthailandmarathon2019.com
8 Major Thai Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Chinatown on
Chinese Yaowarat Road, one of the most famous roads in Bangkok
often referred to as the Golden Road and the Land of the
New Year Siamese Dragon. Visitors experience the strong connection
between Thai and Chinese communities through the
Festival magnificent cultural performances that show the deep
roots of Chinese culture in Thailand. This special occasion
is opened by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn every
Date: year. There are several shrines located in this area, and it is
believed that making merit at them during Chinese New
24-25 February, 2020 Year brings good luck.
Venue:
Chinatown on Yaowarat Road, Highlight: Street performances such as dragon parades
Bangkok and lion dances, take place along Yaowarat Road, along with
a wide range of delicious Chinese cuisine on sale on both
sides of the street. Wearing a Chinese costume to participate
in this event is recommended.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
TAT Bangkok Office: Tel. +66 2276 2720-1
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 9
Trang welcomes visitors from all over the world to participate
Trang in and witness the romantic and fantastic wedding ceremony
on Valentine’s Day. Apart from the registration procedure
Underwater that takes place underwater, the ceremony also introduces
a traditional Thai style wedding to the participants. The
Wedding ceremony starts with a Khan Mak procession, a colorful and
lively parade in which the groom makes his way to ask the
bride’s parents for their daughter’s hand, accompanied by
Ceremony folk dances and songs. A religious and blessing ceremony
also take place, at which the bride and the groom have to
wear traditional Thai costumes.
Date:
13-15 February, 2020 Highlight: The procession of brides and grooms parades
Venue: through the city streets to the traditional Thai wedding
Tham Morakot, ceremony. The spectacular ceremony is complete with the
Kantang District, Trang underwater registration procedure in which the brides and
grooms are required to be certified divers.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Trang Office: Tel. +66 7521 5867
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
10 Major Thai Festivals & EventsKrabi Naga Fest 2020 is designed to promote Krabi’s image
Krabi Naga as a natural, cultural, and full of tourist events, which are
in harmony with Krabi province’s tourist attractions. In
Fest 2020 addition, it aims to integrate the work of various agencies
in creating promotional events to encourage both Thais
and foreigners to travel in Thailand. Enjoy the festival from
Date: 17.00 - 24.00 Hrs.
28 February-1 March, 2020
Highlight: With the romantic atmosphere by the sea,
Venue: enjoy famous Thai and international pop jazz performers,
Krabi food and beverage stalls from 4-5 star hotels, fresh seafood,
and many more Interesting events.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Krabi Office: Tel. +66 7562 2163,
+66 7561 2811-2
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 11Pattaya International Music Festival is one of the best
Pattaya recognized music events in Asia to attract music lovers
and fun-seekers from all over the world. The three-day free
International concert featuring Thai and international artists of every
genre starts around 6 p.m. and goes until midnight. Visitors
Music can enjoy beach activities during the day before attending
the music festival as the night falls. In addition to the
concert, there are booths selling music-related accessories
Festival 2020 and food stalls within the concert venue.
Highlight: This festival is regarded as ‘The Longest Beach
Date: Music Festival in Asia’ with different stages at which you can
20-22 March, 2020 enjoy all styles of music; such as, pop, R&B, hip-hop, rock,
Venue: and jazz, in the one festival.
Pattaya, Chon Buri
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Pattaya Office: Tel. +66 3842 8750,
+66 3842 7667
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
12 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThai people in Yala love the sweet cooing sound of doves
th
The 35 and believe that the birds bring good luck to the owners.
Those birds with qualities specified by ancient texts are
ASEAN believed to bestow great wealth and honour on their
owners. This festival features a competition in which the
Barred participants come from all over Southern Thailand, as well as
from neighbouring countries; such as, Malaysia, Singapore,
Indonesia, and Brunei. There are contests to find the most
Ground Dove beautiful cage and demonstrations of cage-making,
displaying the local wisdom of Yala.
Festival Highlight: The major highlights are the competition to
find the dove with the most melodious and sweetest cooing
Date: sound and the red-whiskered bulbul singing competition.
March, 2020
Venue: Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Khwan Mueang Park, TAT Narathiwat Office: Tel. +66 7352 2411
Mueang District, Yala Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 13The project focuses on Muay Thai and has further developed
World this practice within its historical cultural context into an
international cultural activity. With the inclusion of the
Wai Khru World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony as an integral part
of the revival process, it has ensured that the end product
Muay Thai maintains its cultural authenticity
Highlight: Various activities to observe such as making of
Ceremony Aranyik Swords, performance of Thai martial arts including
the ceremony of paying respect to masters of Muay Thai and
pay homage to the late Thai great kings.
Date:
16-17 March, 2020 Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Venue: TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office:
Wat Maha That, Phra Nakhon Si Tel. +66 3524 6076-7
Ayutthaya Historical Park, Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
14 Major Thai Festivals & EventsSongkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebrated on 13
Songkran to 15 of April, 13th being the Thai New Year, 14th being the
nation’s Family Day, and 15th being National Elderly Day.
Festival This festival is the time for family reunions at which family
members get together and make merit at the temple and
gently pour water mixed with Thai fragrance, called “Nam
Date: Op Thai,” over the Buddha images. The Nam Op Thai is also
used to pour over the hands of the elders when asking them
13-15 April, 2020
for their blessing.
Venue:
Nationwide The Songkran Festival would not be complete without
the water throwing sessions. Most of the activities during
Songkran Festival involve water, as the underlying
significance of this festival is the process of cleansing and
purifying one’s self before starting the New Year.
Highlight: Visitors can celebrate Songkran Festival
nationwide or experience the uniqueness of the event in
major cities as follows:
Bangkok: Thais believe that a visit to nine temples in one
day gives the worshippers prosperity and good luck. Visitors
can make merit at any nine temples around Bangkok,
followed by throwing water at some of the most famous
venues; such as, Khao San Road and/or Silom Road.
Major Thai Festivals & Events 1516 Major Thai Festivals & Events
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Apart from the
alms-giving and merit-making activities,
you can watch the Miss Songkran beauty
pageant, see a cultural performance, and
throw water. The highlight of Songkran
in Ayutthaya is the chance to play with
elephants in the water.
Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Songkran Festival
includes a procession of Phra Phuttha
Sihing, a highly revered Buddha image,
around the city. People on both sides of
the road sprinkle fragrant water on the
Buddha image. This ceremony is followed
by the sprinkling of water to seek the
blessing of the elders, creating sand-
pagodas, and watching Lanna cultural
performances and folk games. The festival
is not complete without water-throwing
activities.
Nong Khai: Visit Wat Pho Chai and sprinkle
water on the sacred Luangpho Phra Sai,
the Buddha image highly revered by the
local Thai and Lao people. Take part in
the water-throwing as well as enjoy the
local North-Eastern cuisine and cultural
performances by the Mekong River.
Nakhon Phanom: One of the major rituals
performed in Nakhon Phanom at the
Songkran Festival is to create a pagoda Cultural performances and entertainments start late and the
with sand, and sprinkle fragrant water over water-throwing starts after nightfall.
sacred sites; such as, the Phrathat Phanom.
Enjoy throwing water at Khao Pun Road, and Nakhon Si Thammarat: Celebrate the Thai New Year at Si
explore the folk plays and entertainment Thamma Sokarat Park and Sanam Na Mueang. The activities
at Hat Sai Tong Si Khotrabun and Amphoe include making merit, bathing the Phra Phuttha Sihing
Renu Nakhon. Buddha image with fragrant water, and watching the
Hindu-based Nang Kradan procession and cultural
Khon Kaen: Songkran Festival in Khon Kaen performances, as well indulging in the water-throwing.
features ox-cart processions decorated
with flowers and beauty pageants. A not-to- Phuket: Songkran Festival on the Beach attracts locals and
be-missed place to visit is Khao Niao Road foreigners at Hat Patong. You can witness the procession of
(Sticky Rice Road), similar to Bangkok’s the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image along Hat Patong,
Khao San Road, where you can throw water and participate in several other activities, including the wa-
as well as join the local elders who perform ter splashes.
folk dances. Moreover, you can participate
in the human wave activity recorded in Chon Buri: There are two places in Chon Buri – Bang Saen
the Guinness Book of World Record as the Beach and Pattaya – where Songkran is celebrated after
largest human wave in the world. Songkran Day. This event is called ‘Wan Lai’ Songkran Festival,
translated as “Flowing Day” of Songkran Festival. The Wan Lai
Hat Yai: Hat Yai celebrates Thai New Year Bang Saen Songkran Festival and Wan Lai Pattaya Songkran
differently from other provinces of Thailand Festival feature making merit at temples, building sand-
with the Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival. pagodas, and watching cultural performances and beauty
contests, as well as the water-throwing sessions.
Major Thai Festivals & Events 17Samut Prakan: Phra Padaeng Songkran
Festival is usually held a few days after
Songkran at Amphoe Phra Padaeng. This
is a Mon or Raman style event as there is
a large Raman community living in
Phra Pradaeng. At this festival, you can
learn how to play Saba, a Raman game,
as well as watch the Beauty Queen and
King Pageants.
Sukhothai: Songkran Festival in Sukhothai
is celebrated at Wat Traphang Thong in
Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai
Historical Park, and Phraya Litai Memorial
Plaza. Visitors can offer alms to the monk
and join in the bathing rituals of the
Buddha image, and enjoy various forms
of entertainment; such as, cultural
performances, and food fair.
Suphan Buri: Suphan Buri celebrates
Songkran Festival along Nen Kaeo Road
with a procession of highly revered
Luangpho To Buddha image, followed
by a procession of various districts of
Suphan Buri province and floral carts
procession. Enjoy performances, Miss
Songkran Beauty Contest, and water-
throwing activities.
Kanchanaburi: The Songkran Festival in
Kanchanaburi is celebrated at Sangkhla-
buri district, where thousands of Mon
people are residing. Featuring merit-
making on the Bridge of Hope, the Mon
will carry food on their head to serve
to the monks. And more interestingly,
there is the Mon ceremony of purifying
Buddha statues through bamboo pipes
that can be kilometres in length. During
the auspicious day, men will voluntarily
lie down on the street to make a human
bridge for monks to walk upon to the
purifying area and after finishing the
ceremony, the men will carry the monks
to their huts. Visitors can join a parade
offering off-season Buddhist robes to
monks, installation of a parasol on the
sand pagoda, and pour ceremonial water
at Wat Wang Wiwekaram.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
18 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThe international balloon performances from countries
International around the world. See balloons in various shapes and sizes
which make the area amazingly wonderful.
Balloon Highlight: Enjoy the “Balloon Night Glow Show” consisting
Festival of attractive colours and lights that will bring fun and novelty
to the exhibitors, “Balloon Flight Exhibition”, workshops,
tethering walking street, delicious food and products of
@ Hat Yai Thailand.
2020 Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Hat Yai Office: +66 7420 0000
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Date:
1-3 May, 2020
Venue:
Songkhla
Major Thai Festivals & Events 19Hua Hin Jazz Festival invites jazz-lovers to listen to their all-
Hua Hin time favorites and contemporary tunes in a relaxing beach
atmosphere. The stages on the beach feature renowned
International Thai and international jazz artists. The sound of the waves
accompanying the beautiful jazz music makes for a relaxing
Jazz ambience.
Highlight: You can enjoy the beautiful jazz music performed
Festival 2020 by Thai and international artists who gather at this one
event while sampling a variety of scrumptious cuisines and
refreshments available at the stands along the beach.
Date:
June, 2020 Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Venue: TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office:
Hua Hin Beach, Tel. +66 3251 3885, +66 3251 3871,
Prachuap Khiri Khan +66 3251 3854
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.huahininterjazz.com
20 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThe ultimate international cycling tournament in Northeastern
The Great Thailand. There are 3 stages: Stage 1: Nakhon Phanom–
Mukdahan route (distance 166 km.). Start from the seven-
Mekong headed Naga Statue (Nakhon Phanom province), pass
Phrathat Phanom, and finish at Wat Phu Manorom (Mukdahan
Bike Ride province)/Stage 2: Mukdahan-Sakon Nakhon route (distance
155 km.). Start from the Ho Kaeo Mukdahan Observatory, pass
the Phu Pha Yon National Park, Khong Ping Ngu, and finish at
Date: the Phu Phan National Park Office (Sakon Nakhon province) /
29-31 May, 2020 Stage 3: Sakon Nakhon-Nakhon Phanom route(distance
93.5 km.). Start from the Sakon Nakhon City Gate to finish at
Venue: the seven-headed Naga Statue in Nakhon Phanom province
Nakhon Phanom - (Total distance 414.5 km.).
Mukdahan - Sakon
Nakhon - Nakhon Phanom Highlight: The bike riders’ dream route, which runs along the
Route Mekong River through major tourist attractions: Phrathat
Phanom Woramahawihan in Nakhon Phanom, Ho Kaeo
Mukdahan Observatory in Mukdahan, and Sakon Nakhon
City Gate in Sakon Nakhon.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Nakhon Phanom Office:
Tel. +66 4251 3490-1
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.thegreatmekongbikeride.com
Major Thai Festivals & Events 21The famous Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, is the venue
Thailand for the “Thailand Cultural Music Festival”, the country’s first
music phenomenon, where local and contemporary music
Cultural will meet. The Festival will gather the biggest number of
world-renowned local artists to present their local folk music
Music performances and contemporary musical arts.
Highlight: Besides music, the Festival is also an opportunity
Festival for visitors to indulge in the gastronomy of Pattaya at
selected local food shops. There will also be booths for face
painting and sticker tattoos.
Date:
17-19 July, 2020 Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Venue: TAT Pattaya Office: Tel. +66 3842 7667
Pattaya, Chon Buri Website: www.tourismthailand.org
22 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThailand’s extravagant food festival that offers unique Thai
International dishes and world-class cultural diversity. Experience Michelin-
starred restaurants, as well as, famous street food from all
Street Food parts of Bangkok, other regions of Thailand and Asia.
Festival Highlight: Participate in a Thai cuisine workshop, taste
delicious food from all regions and special street food menus
from Asia as well as learning local cooking classes from chefs.
Date: Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
5-7 June, 2020 TAT Bangkok Office: Tel. +66 2276 2720-1
Venue: Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Bangkok
Major Thai Festivals & Events 23The Phuket International Marathon is a race in which anyone
Laguna can participate as it features five different achievable courses
for you to choose from. The races include a full marathon
Phuket (42.195 kms), half marathon (21.097 kms), run (10.5 kms),
community walk (5 kms), and kids run (2 kms). The topography
International of Phuket provides participants with the challenge of
running flat sections as well as ones involving rolling hills and,
at the same time, runners can enjoy the beautiful scenery
Marathon as the courses take in villages, rubber plantations, and
beaches.
2020 Highlight: Not only are there the runs but there is also a
‘Pasta Party’ on the eve of the event at which you can stock
Date: up on the carbohydrate to provide you with the energy for
13-14 June, 2020 the race, as well as the opportunity to meet fellow runners.
Venue:
Laguna Beach Resort, Phuket Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 7621 2213,
+66 7621 1036
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.phuketmarathon.com
24 Major Thai Festivals & EventsPhi Ta Khon Festival is a part of the Bun Phawet or Bun Luang
Phi Ta Khon Festival, a grand merit-making event that takes place over
3 days. The most interesting part of this festival is the Phi
Festival Ta Khon procession which is a re-enactment of the tale of
Phra Wetsandon, believed to be the last incarnation before
the last re-birth of Lord Buddha. The story states that when
Date: Phra Wetsandon returned from the forest into town, the
ghosts and animals joined the procession, called ‘Phi Tam
June-July, 2020
Khon’ or ‘ghost follows human.’ Over time, this became Phi Ta
Venue: Khon. The participants of the Phi Ta Khon wear ghost masks
Dan Sai District, Loei made of colourful bamboo sticky rice steamers, and dress
in costumes made of many pieces of fabric sewn together.
The Rocket Festival is also included as part of the Bun Luang
Festival and bamboo rockets are launched into the sky as
prayers for rain.
Highlight: The parade of Phi Ta Khon moves around the city
and everyone is welcome to join the procession and dance
to the North-Eastern music. For good luck, you are invited
to join the locals in the gathering at the temple on the third
day of the festival to listen to the 13 chapters of the ‘Maha
Chat’ or the Great Birth sermon.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Loei Office: Tel. +66 4281 2812
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 25Thailand is known as a shopper’s paradise, and this annual
Thailand shopping extravaganza is organized to provide shoppers
with discounts on products from all over the world. Not
Shopping & only brand name clothing and accessories but also Thai
handicrafts and electrical appliances are on sale. Hotels
Dining and restaurants also offer discounts on their products and
services to cater for the shopaholic’s every need. Shoppers
are recommended to check the credit card promotions that
Paradise are involved in this campaign.
2020 Highlight: Shoppers can enjoy special discounts of up to
80% on products provided by the leading department stores,
hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Thailand. The participating
Date: department stores in the Ratchaprasong area offer a diverse
June-August, 2020 selection of products, especially brand names, at incredible
Venue: bargain prices.
department stores, hotels,
restaurants and Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
tourist attractions
nationwide
26 Major Thai Festivals & EventsConsidered one of the most important days of the Thai
H.M. the King people, 28 July is H.M. the King’s Birthday, in which the
streets are decorated with lights, predominantly around
Rama X’s Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the Grand Palace. An alms-
giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a festival
Birthday of music and cultural performances at Sanam Luang. In
the evening, the whole nation joins in the Candle Lighting
Ceremony and witnesses spectacular fireworks displays.
Celebration Highlight: Most of all, this event provides the opportunity
to witness the love and respect that the Thai people have
Date: towards their beloved King.
28 July, 2020
Venue: Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Nationwide Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 27The Pattaya Marathon is one of the most famous marathons
Pattaya in Thailand and welcomes participants from all over
the world. Anyone can join the race, whether they are
Marathon professional athletes, amateurs, or people with disabilities.
This event features five races, a full marathon (42.195 kms.), a
2020 wheelchair marathon (42.195 kms), a half marathon (21.097
kms), a quarter marathon (10.55 kms), and a student run
(5 kms).
Date: Highlight: The event organises five different races of different
19 July, 2020 distances and levels of difficulty so that everyone can enjoy
Venue: the marathon experience.
Pattaya, Chon Buri
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Chon Buri Office: Tel. +66 3842 8750,
+66 3842 7667
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
facebook: Pattaya Marathon
28 Major Thai Festivals & EventsUbon Ratchathani hosts the Candle Festival to mark the
Ubon beginning of Buddhist Lent. This festival shows the people’s
devotion to Buddhist tradition as well as their skills in carving
Ratchathani magnificent candles. Buddhist Lent lasts 3 months and in
this time the monks are confined to their temple grounds
Candle and dedicate their time to study, meditation, and prayer.
Originally, a bundle of small candles was presented to
the monks along with other basic essentials to use during
Festival this period. Over time, people started to carve the candles
into beautiful shapes and in the reign of King Rama V, the
Candle Festival and competitions associated with it were
Date: established to find the most beautiful candle. The Candle
5-6 July, 2020 Procession, which takes place on Khao Phansa Day, features
Venue: the Royal Candle sent by H.M. the King, and the ornately
Thung Si Mueang, carved beeswax candles made by the local people.
Mueang District,
Ubon Ratchathani Highlight: The candle competition features two categories
of candles based on the method of decoration – beeswax
candles carved on the surface, and candles with molded
beeswax attached. The festival also includes a light and
sound presentation, cultural shows, and displays of local
artisans’ handcrafting and sculptures.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office:
Tel. +66 4524 3700, +66 4525 0714
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 29August 12 is H.M. the Queen’s birthday and is celebrated
H.M. nationwide. This public holiday is also Thailand’s Mother’s
Day because Her Majesty is revered as the mother of the
Queen nation. Flags and portraits of Her Majesty are displayed all
over the country, and both sides of Ratchadamnoen Road
Sirikit’s are decorated with beautiful flowers and fairy lights. The
celebration of this event usually starts early in the morning
with Thai people going to the temple, offering alms to
Birthday the monks, and listening to Buddhist sermons. It is then
followed by concerts, cultural shows, and traditional dances
Celebration in the major cities, the major venue being Sanam Luang in
Bangkok.
Date: Highlight: The most beautiful ceremony of this event is the
12 August, 2020 Candle Lighting Ceremony which takes place simultaneously
Venue: around the country on the night of 12 August. The main
Nationwide event at Sanam Luang is broadcast on television, so you can
see millions of people holding lit candles while singing a
song to praise H.M. the Queen. This magnificent ceremony
concludes with a colourful fireworks display.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
30 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThe Phuket Vegetarian Festival has its origin in Amphoe
Phuket Kathu around 180 years ago when a Chinese opera company
travelled to the area and got sick with a fever. They kept
Vegetarian to a vegetarian diet to honour the gods and the sickness
disappeared. The locals developed a strong faith in
Festival vegetarianism and the annual Vegetarian Festival started
up and still continues today. It is believed that by refraining
from meat consumption for 10 days during this event
Date: purifies mind and soul and brings good luck. Before the
festival begins, Ko Teng poles, bamboo with lanterns
17-23 October, 2020 attached to the branches, are erected at all the 18 shrines in
Venue: Phuket to symbolise the presence of the deities. When the
Various Chinese Shrines, poles are raised on the first day, it is believed that the gods
Mueang District, Phuket descend into the shrine at midnight signaling the start of
the festival.
Highlight: On the 6th day of the festival, a religious procession
takes place around the city. Part of this procession involves
acts of face- and body-piercing. Throughout this period,
many of the locals wear white clothes to represent purity.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 7621 2213,
+66 7621 1036
Website: www.tourismthailand.org,
www.phuketvegetarian.com
Major Thai Festivals & Events 31To mark the end of Buddhist Lent, people of Sakhon Nakhon
Sakon gather in a celebration which includes a Wax Castle
procession, longboat races, and cultural performances.
Nakhon Originally, beeswax was molded into different kinds of
flowers and attached to the banana tree trunks and offered
Wax Castle to the temples. Gradually, the trees were developed into
other spectacular shapes; such as, castles, temples, and
shrines. These magnificent wax creations are paraded
Festival around the city to illustrate the local skill and wisdom.
Highlight: Not only do you get to see the beautiful wax
Date: castles in the procession, but you learn more about the
30 September- 2 October, 2020 culture of Sakon Nakhon by visiting various temples around
Venue: the city to observe the making of these structures. Several
Sanam Ming Mueang, Suan of the highly-revered monks of Thailand are from Sakon
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra, Nakhon, and visitors take the opportunity to visit their
temples at this time.
Sakon Nakhon
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
TAT Nakhon Phanom Office: Tel. +66 4251 3490-1
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
32 Major Thai Festivals & EventsPeople of the Northeastern region have a strong belief
End of the that Naga, a large serpent with a golden crest, lives in the
Mekong River in what was called the underwater kingdom.
Buddhist It is believed that the Naga launches the Naga fireballs as a
way to pay respect to the Lord Buddha on the day of the full
Lent Festival moon of the 11th lunar month, the end of Buddhist Lent.
The best places to see the Naga fireballs are Amphoe Phon
Phisai, Amphoe Pak Khat, Amphoe Sangkhom, and Amphoe
& Naga Si Chiang Mai of Nong Khai Province, and Bueng Kan
Province, the newest province in Thailand.
Fireball Highlight: Before viewing the incredible natural phenom-
Phenomenon enon of the Naga fireballs shooting up to the sky at night,
you can participate in the ‘Tak Bat Thevo’ alms-giving activity
in the morning and watch the longboat competitions and
Date: cultural performances, as well as taste the Northeastern
30 September-2 October, 2020 food at the food stalls along the street.
Venue:
Mekong River, Nong Khai Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Udon Thani Office: Tel. +66 4232 5406-7
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Major Thai Festivals & Events 33The illuminated boat procession or ‘Lai Ruea Fai’ event is a
Nakhon tradition of the Northeastern people that has been practised
for centuries to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Legend has
Phanom it that the Lord Buddha spent the entire period of Buddhist
Lent in Heaven and returned to Earth at the end. To pay
Illuminated respect and welcome the Lord Buddha, Ruea Fai or fire boats
decorated with flowers, incense sticks, candles, and lanterns
are launched on the Mekong River in the evening. Originally,
Boat the boats were made of bamboo or banana tree trunks
and decorated with materials that could be easily found.
Procession Nowadays, with competitions to find the most beautiful
illuminated boat processions, the boats have become more
impressively constructed and decorated.
Date:
26 September-3 October, 2020 Highlight: The sight of the flickering lights of the boat pro-
Venue: cession is even more enchanting against the darkness of the
Mekong River, Mueang District, mysterious Mekong River. The event includes cultural per-
Nakhon Phanom formances and street processions in which you can join the
locals in performing the traditional folk dances.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Nakhon Phanom Office: Tel. +66 4251 3490-1
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
34 Major Thai Festivals & EventsRegarded as one of Asia’s premier destinations for
Laguna triathlons, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon has welcomed Thai
and international athletes for over ten years to compete in
Phuket a challenging race. The race features a 1.8 kms swim,
55 kms cycle ride, and 12 kms run among Phuket’s tourist
Triathlon attractions.
Highlight: The course of the triathlon provides participants
Date: with the opportunity to compete amidst the tropical scenery
of Phuket; such as, along the beautiful beaches and through
November, 2020 scenic countryside and rubber plantations.
Venue:
Hat Bang Tao, Thalang District, Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Phuket TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 7621 2213,
+66 7621 1036
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.lagunaphukettri.com
Major Thai Festivals & Events 35This event takes you back to the times of World War II through
River Kwai the River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war. This
bridge was the part of the ‘Death Railway’ that spanned
Bridge Week the River Kwai connecting Thailand and Myanmar, costing
thousands of lives of prisoners and local labourers supervised
by Japanese troops. Organised to commemorate those
Date: who died while building the bridge, this event features a
remembrance ceremony held at the Allied War Cemetery,
November-December, 2020
light and sound presentations, cultural performances, and
Venue: historical displays and exhibitions.
River Kwai Bridge,
Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Highlight: Go back in time to World War II by getting on the
vintage train and watch the light and sound re-enactment
of the construction of the bridge.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Kanchanaburi Office: Tel. +66 3451 1200,
+66 3451 2500
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
36 Major Thai Festivals & EventsLoi Krathong is one of the best-preserved traditions and
Loi Krathong most beautiful festivals celebrated in Thailand, illustrating
the close relationship between the Thai way of life and water.
Festival On the night of the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually
in November) people gather at lakes, rivers, canals, and/or
other waterways to set adrift krathongs. These are vessels
Date: shaped like lotus blossom made of banana leaves containing
a candle, incense sticks, flowers, and coins. Nowadays, the
31 October, 2020
krathongs may be made from other materials; such as, bread
Venue: which is more environmentally-friendly. The launching of
Nationwide the krathongs is a payment of respect to the goddess of
water in gratitude for providing water to the people, as well
as an appeal for forgiveness for polluting the water. It
is believed that krathongs that float on the water carry
happiness and prosperity, as well as taking away misery.
Highlight: Visitors can celebrate Loi Krathong Festival
nationwide in such places as:
Bangkok: Loi Krathong is celebrated widely in Bangkok
with various kinds of entertainment, and it is organised at
many locations, not only at riverside venues. An illuminated
boat procession along the Chao Phraya River and the lit-up
buildings and historical sites on both sides of the river make
Loi Krathong in Bangkok a memorable experience. The
popular places for Loi Krathong in Bangkok include
Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benchakitti Park on
Major Thai Festivals & Events 37Ratchada Phisek Road, Santichaiprakan in line along the river is the origin of its name ‘Loi Krathong
Park on Phra Athit Road, and at the foot of Sai.’ This festival also includes Loi Krathong Sai contests,
the Rama IIX Bridge. light and sound presentations, and fireworks displays.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: The Bangsai Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai celebrates Loi Krathong Lanna
Loi Krathong Tam Prathip is held at the style in an event called the Yi Peng Festival. Apart from
Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre. Loi Krathong on the Mae Ping River, Yi Peng or Lanna-
This festival features traditional Loi Krathong style hot-air balloons are launched into the sky. It is believed
activities amidst the magnificent ruins of that the balloons take away trouble and bad luck. Come and
the once glorious capital city of Thailand. witness the sight of hundreds of Yi Peng floating in the dark
Beauty contests, processions of beauty sky against the light of the full moon. A Yi Peng procession,
queens, krathong contests, and cultural Yi Peng competitions, and Lanna cultural performances are
performances are the highlights of this also features of this event.
festival.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
Samut Songkhram: Loi Krathong Kap Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Kluai Mueang Mae Klong is a unique
Loi Krathong tradition where the locals
make krathong out of a layer of banana
leaf sheath instead of banana leaves. The
krathong is decorated with flowers and a
resin-dipped and sun-dried incense sticks,
and floated down the Mae Khlong estuary.
The resin makes the incense sticks burn
slowly, showing beautiful lines of glittering
lights on the river at night.
Sukhothai: Held at the Sukhothai Historical
Park, the Sukhothai Loi Krathong and
Candle Festival is celebrated in grand
fashion. This site is believed to be the
origin of this festival. The ruins of the
palaces and temples within the Historical
Park make for an enchanting atmosphere
for the festival and take you back to the
past, with people in traditional Thai
costumes floating the krathongs on the
water. Other activities include fireworks
displays, cultural performances, and
beauty contests, as well as light and sound
presentations.
Suphan Buri: The Loi Krathong Festival at
Suphan Buri shows a well-preserved culture
and traditions that have been practised
since the ancient period. The festival
includes krathong procession, illuminated
boat procession, and cultural performances.
Tak: The tradition of Loi Krathong in Tak is
different from other provinces, the festival
being called ‘Loi Krathong Sai.’ The banana-
leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells
threaded together into a long chain and
released together on the Ping River. The
sight of hundreds of glittering lights floating
38 Major Thai Festivals & EventsMajor Thai Festivals & Events 39
Bangkok Marathon offers participants more than just a normal
Bangkok marathon experience. The course takes the runners past
many fascinating tourist attractions of Bangkok, such as
Marathon Chao Phraya River from RAMA VII Bridge. The race is divided
into 3 categories with divisions for different age groups.
There is the marathon (42.198 kms), half-marathon (21.100
Date: kms) and mini-marathon (10 kms)
November, 2020
Highlight: The courses are designed to be scenic so that
Venue: participants and onlookers get views of some of the famous
Bangkok landmarks of Bangkok. Not only do you see historical
attractions but you get to explore the culture of this country
through the warm welcomes and cheerful smiles of the
fellow participants and spectators.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.bkkmarathon.com
40 Major Thai Festivals & EventsPhra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for 417
Phra Nakhon years. It enjoyed a long period of prosperity shown by the
magnificent ruins at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical
Si Ayutthaya Park. The extensive collection of ruins and records indicating
the historical and cultural wealth of Ayutthaya earned
World this park recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To celebrate this status, the Fair is organised annually
and features light and sound shows of its glorious years,
Heritage and exhibitions of Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site, and cultural
performances.
Red Cross Highlight: Apart from the magnificent light and sound
Fair extravaganza, you can enjoy a variety of food, both savoury
and sweet, in a traditional Thai way at the floating market, as
well as shopping for various OTOP products.
Date:
28 February-8 March, 2020 Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
Venue: TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office:
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Tel. +66 3524 6076-7
Historical Park, Phra Nakhon Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Si Ayutthaya
Major Thai Festivals & Events 41Welcome to the country that cruising sailors tell tales
Thailand about on their travels, and which is often referred to as ‘the
Caribbean of Asia’. Every year, a lot of outstanding yachts are
Yacht Shows presented in yacht shows and events where sailors around
the world will come and join. These events are organized in
Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui, Phang-nga; such as, Ocean
Date: Marina Pattaya Boat show in November at Ocean Marina
Yacht Club Pattaya, Thailand Yacht show in December at Ao
January-December, 2020
Po Grand Marina, Phuket International Boat show in January
Venue: at Royal Phuket Marina, Phang-nga Bay Regatta in January
Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, at Phang-nga Bay Hua Hin Regatta in April at Hua Hin Town,
Samui, Phang-nga Samui Regatta in May at Samui Island, Phuket King’s Cup
Regatta Under Royal Patronage in December at Phuket.
Highlight: Don’t miss the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in De-
cember. Having first set sail in 1987, this classy regatta at-
tracts hundreds of sailors for a week of coastal and inshore
racing and legendary parties. Also, don’t miss the Thailand
Yacht Show in December. It is a super yacht charter show
and a key platform to showcase all range of boat and yachts
including smaller boats from local and regional dealers pre-
sented at the show.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
42 Major Thai Festivals & EventsThe Phuket King’s Cup Regatta was started in 1987 to
Phuket King’s celebrate the 60th birthday of H.M. the King, a yachting
enthusiast. It is now a famous annual event that attracts
Cup Regatta many participants from all over the world to the beautiful
waters of the Andaman Sea. Each year, there are boats
crewed by the world’s best sailors in the race. The scenic
Date: beauty of the Andaman Sea coupled with the opportunity
to participate in or observe the race makes this Regatta one
5-11 December, 2020
of the most impressive events in Asia.
Venue:
Kata Beach, Phuket Highlight: The event is held during the first week of
December, so on 5 December (the King’s Birthday) the crews
gather in front of the Boathouse Resort on Kata Beach in a
candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the event.
Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672,
TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 7621 2213,
+66 7621 1036
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Office:
Tel. +66 7627 3380
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
www.kingscup.com
Major Thai Festivals & Events 43The celebrations to greet the New Year in Thailand are always
Thailand’s full of fun activities, including concerts, stage performances,
fireworks displays, and a mass countdown to welcome in the
New Year New Year. Apart from the celebrations and countdown, you
can also welcome the New Year in a traditional Thai way by
Countdown visiting a temple. The Thais believe that paying homage to
the Buddha image ensures a good start to a New Year and
favourable prospects of happiness and good luck.
Celebration Highlight: The celebrations to greet the New Year take
place nationwide and you can join the locals in welcoming
Date: the New Year in major cities such as:
31 December 2020-
1 January 2021 Bangkok: Bangkok is one of the liveliest cities in Thailand
Venue: to celebrate the New Year. The countdown event takes place
Nationwide in every corner of Bangkok but the major event venue is
the Ratchaprasong Intersection in the main shopping and
business district as well as the newly opened ICONSIAM in
Charoen Nakhon area. A variety of stage performances by
leading Thai artists followed by a magnificent fireworks
display and the joyful sound of the countdown make a good
start to the New Year.
Pattaya: Celebrate the New Year at the Bali Hai Pier on
the southernmost part of Pattaya Beach. The evening of 31
December will be the highlight of a weeklong celebration
that includes concerts by famous Thai and international
44 Major Thai Festivals & EventsMajor Thai Festivals & Events 45
musicians and a wide range of entertainment Khon Kaen: The Happy Family Party which takes place
including cultural and culinary fun. The over a week in Khon Kaen. Family-friendly activities are
countdown will be marked with a fireworks being held on Srichan Road by the ancient Khon Kaen
spectacular. Gate and there will be lots to see and do including the
countdown fireworks display that marks the end of the old
Samut Songkhram: Famous as the home year and the beginning of the new.
of Suntharaphon, the well-known Thai folk
band, Samut Songkhram organises New Ubon Ratchathani: Celebrate the New Year in Amphoe
Year celebrations at the Amphawa Floating Khong Chiam and enjoy watching the lantern displays and
Market featuring their songs. Visitors can light processions along the Mekong River, as well as other
enjoy joining in the songs and dances, as cultural performances; such as, the Bai Si Ritual, a traditional
well as singing “Sawatdi Pi Mai” (Happy ceremony of the North-Eastern region. The highlight of the
New Year) with the locals. celebrations at Ubon Ratchathani is the release of floating
lanterns and greetings to the first sunrise of the New Year at
Chiang Mai: Celebrate the New Year at Tha Pha Chana Dai, the most easterly point in Thailand.
Phae Gate and down the entire stretch of
Tha Phae Road. Activities will include mini- Contact: TAT Contact Center: 1672
concerts by well-known Thai artists and Website: www.tourismthailand.org
bands, fun stage performances and displays
of the local culture, leading to a massive
fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
Chiang Rai: Celebrate the NewYear in Lanna
style by releasing lanterns to the sky, as well
as watching light and sound performances,
cultural shows, and a spectacular fireworks
display at the Chaloem Phrakiat Clock
Tower in Chiang Rai city centre.
Prachuap Khiri Khan: The locals and tourists
at Hua Hin join hands in celebrating the
New Year with live performances of various
kinds of music; such as, jazz, bossa nova,
and easy listening before the countdown
to the New Year.
Song Khla: Night Parade & Hat Yai Countdown
will take place on Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn,
Thammanoonvithi and Chee Uthit Roads
in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district. Highlights
include concerts by big name Thai artists
and musicians. There will also be displays
of Ramwong or a traditional Thai circle
dance, as well as a massive fireworks display
as the clocks strike 12.
Phuket: Colourful Phuket Countdown
promises a range of concerts and stage
entertainment before the island’s skies are
lit up with the countdown fireworks display.
Music lovers should attend the Phuket
Electronic Music and Dance Festival on
the island’s Karon Beach which is playing
host to internationally-acclaimed DJs as well
as several concerts that will climax in a
countdown spectacular.
46 Major Thai Festivals & EventsLoi Krathong Festival Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/JAN 2020 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.
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