Celebrating the uniqueness of Thai traditional crafts, this annual festival in Bo Sang village showcases the centuries-old custom of making hand-painted paper parasols. Located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, the village is decorated with colourful paper umbrellas and visitors can participate in learning activities, demonstrations and workshops led by artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.

One of Thailand’s most colourful events, this festival showcases seasonal Thai blossoms with lively entertainment around the city, including parades, street markets and music concerts. The city comes alive with a variety of vibrant floral displays and the area around Buak Hat Park, where the main festivities take place, becomes a pedestrian-only zone.

This annual event celebrates Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), a martial art that dates back several centuries. Commemorative events are held in honour of this combat technique, which was used by Siamese warriors on ancient battlefields. Although the main celebrations take place in Ayutthaya, the birthplace of Muay Thai, events are also held at stadiums throughout the country.

This festive ceremony is an important tradition of the Shan ethnic people in Northern Thailand. It is a coming-of-age ritual where young boys are ordained as novice monks. The boys are carried by their male relatives around the temple grounds before entering the monastery to begin their spiritual journey. Temples become the centre of activity, filled with food stalls, music and entertainment.

Marking the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran is the most important event of the year for Thai people. The celebrations span several days and involve rituals that symbolise spiritual blessings and renewal. During the festivities, people visit temples to offer food and alms to monks and pour scented water over sacred Buddha images.

To commemorate the birth, death, and enlightenment of Buddha, people gather at Buddhist temples to pray, meditate and make offerings. On this sacred day, the Buddhist flag is hoisted and prayers are chanted, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection. Devotees gather to honour Buddha’s teachings, share wisdom and reflect on the path to enlightenment.

The Siam Tulip, or Dok Krachiao, blooms each year at the start of the green season, from June to August. During this time, Chaiyaphum province in North-East Thailand transforms into a vibrant display of colours, with white and pink flowers filling the fields. The colourful flowers can be admired at Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park.

Also known as the Ghost Festival, this vibrant cultural event held is held annually in the small town of Dan Sai in Thailand’s north-eastern Loei province. The festival is part of a Buddhist merit-making ceremony and features colourful processions where locals dress up in elaborate ghost costumes and masks.

Communities in Ubon Ratchathani province display their candle-making skills during this annual festival, which coincides with Asahna Bucha Day, a spiritual event that commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. Artisans showcase their wax work at the city’s temples and a parade of large candle floats, wax displays and carved figures winds its way through the town.

Celebrated by the Thai-Chinese community in Phuket, this vibrant annual event spans several weeks and features elaborate meals with family, traditional rituals and merit-making ceremonies. Festivities are held at the Por Tor Gong shrine, which is adorned with ornate artwork and ceremonial items for the occasion.

Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, this is one of the most significant annual events on Phuket. Held during the ninth lunar month, the festival showcases the island’s awe-inspiring customs and spiritual life. Local eateries and food stalls prepare special vegetarian dishes for the Chinese community, who abstain from meat during this period as a way of cleansing the body and mind.

During November and December, the hills and valleys of Mae Hong Son are transformed into a stunning sea of gold as the region’s wild sunflowers, known as dok bua tong, come into full bloom. This breathtaking display is celebrated with regional fairs showcasing local arts, crafts and farm fresh products where visitors can enjoy the area’s natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

This ancient festival, celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, is observed across Thailand. People gather at rivers, canals and lakes to release floating baskets called krathongs, made of banana leaves, flowers and candles. The festival symbolises letting go of negative energy and seeking blessings from the water spirits. At the same time, the Yi Peng festival is held in Chiang Mai, where people traditionally release lanterns into the sky.