Celebrating our way from May to August
It’s not just Thailand’s weather that heats up from May to August. The middle of the year sees some of the hottest festivals around!
With the rainy season beginning in May, there are a host of interesting events that coincide with the annual rice planting period. For those who enjoy their celebrations to take on a ghoulish flavour, Thailand offers up something special just for you too.
Still not sure about where to go or what to do? Then why not chat to your nearest travel agent who can help you plan the ultimate Thai experience.
May
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival, Yasothon, 2nd weekend in May 2020
Thailand’s far north eastern region of Isaan sees one of the more unique festivals in the Thai calendar. A region known for its agriculture, the success of rice crops relies on the arrival of rain, which will arrive, according to folklore beliefs, only when the gods are “in the mood for love”. To make sure the rainy season starts with a bang, residents throw large festivals which encourage dancing, eating and general “merry making”. The festival culminates in the launch of giant, beautifully decorated, homemade rockets.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok, 10 & 11 May 2020
The start of the rice-growing season is marked by the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. The ceremony sees officials leading oxen pulling the Royal Plough across the area opposite the Grand Palace, scattering rice seed as they go. Once done, the oxen are rewarded with a selection of different foods, and a prediction on the rice crop for the year is made based on what they choose to nibble on.
Need something more? Then check out the list of other festivals and events at the bottom of the article or check out the January to April or <September to December/> festivals!
June
Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, Dan Sai, 26 to 28 June 2020
Stemming from local legends about demons and ghosts, the annual Phi Ta Khon festival sees residents dressed in ghost masks getting noisy to wake up the Mun River spirit to protect them. The festival involves games, parades, concerts and dancing locals wearing scary “ghost masks” ringing cowbells which announce the arrival of the spirits.
Need something more? Then check out the list of other festivals and events at the bottom of the article or check out the January to April or <September to December/> festivals!
July
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, Ubon Ratchathani, 14 & 15 July 2020
Celebrating 2 important Buddhist events (namely Ashana Bucha and Khao Phansa), Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is truly a sight to behold. The festival is filled with music, dancing, parades and, of course, open-air food markets. The main event is the street parade which sports floats carrying massive, intricately carved wax “candles”, the figures usually representing characters and scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Need something more? Then check out the list of other festivals and events at the bottom of the article or check out the January to April or <September to December/> festivals!
August
Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival, Phuket – 19 August to 16 September 2020
During the month-long Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival, Phuket is bathed in red and witnesses Thai’s of Chinese descent making special offerings of food, flowers and candles to appease their ancestors. You can experience these beautiful ceremonies at any Chinese shrine before heading down to the Ranong Road market to enjoy lion dances, cabaret and magic shows, live concerts and traditional merit-making ceremonies.
Need something more? Then check out the list of other festivals and events at the bottom of the article or check out the January to April or <September to December/> festivals!
More events and festivals celebrated in Thailand from May to August 2020
Labour Day (public holiday) – 1 May 2020
Rocket Festivals, Isaan – mid/late May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok – date usually falls in May
Hua Hin Jazz Festival – May/June
Chiang Mai Inthakin City Pillar Festival – date usually falls in May
Ko Samui Yacht Regatta – May/June
Visakha Bucha Day (public holiday) – 6 May 2020
Birthday of HM Queen Suthida (public holiday) – 3 June 2020
Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, Dan Sai, Loei – 26 to 28 June 2020
Asahna Bucha Day (public holiday) – 5 July 2020
Khao Phansa – falls on the day after Asahna Bucha – 6 July 2020
Birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) (public holiday) – 28 July 2020
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival – 14 & 15 July 2020
Phuket Yachting Race Week – mid/late July
Queen Dowager Sirikit’s Birthday (public holiday) – 12 August 2020
Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival, Phuket – 19 August to 16 September 2020
