Thailand 2025: Colorful festivals and culture after the pandemic!

Thailand 2025: Colorful festivals and culture after the pandemic!

In 2025, Thailand will place a special focus on the summer festival, which will be celebrated from May to July. The main focus is on promoting culture and revitalizing community activities after the pandemic. The festivals, which take place in the country's eastern, northeastern and central provinces, offer a diverse mix of folk art, Buddhist beliefs and contemporary culture. These events aim to appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

The festivals in May particularly stand out, starting with Bun Bang Fai, the rocket festival in Yasothon, which takes place in the second week of May. This is a traditional festival that calls for the rains and the beginning of the harvest season. Celebrations include rocket building, traditional dances, Isaan folk music and impressive street parades.

Enjoyment and celebrations in May

Another highlight is the Amazing Thailand Grand Taste Festival in Chon Buri, which celebrates Thai cuisine and tropical fruits. Visitors have the opportunity to try different dishes, take cooking classes and enjoy culinary demonstrations. Additionally, the Fruit & Delicacies Festival takes place in Rayong, which also focuses on Thai cuisine and tropical fruits.

June marks Pride Month, dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri and Surat Thani. Since Thailand legalized same-sex marriage in 2025, celebrations, including street parties, parades and art exhibitions, are expected to be particularly impressive.

Festive highlights in July

The highlight of July's festival offering is the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, which takes place from July 9th to 11th. This festival, also known as Khao Phansa, marks the beginning of the Buddhist retreat period and is the largest and most famous candle festival in Thailand. It includes intricately carved candles that are brought to Buddhist temples (wats) during a parade and attracts large numbers of visitors.

The festival begins with the Wan Asana Bucha, which commemorates Buddha's first sermon, followed by the Wan Kao Pansa, which marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. The main parade usually starts at 8 or 9 a.m. and lasts three hours. Artists from all over the world showcase their candle carvings while thousands of spectators enjoy the festive atmosphere enriched by traditional music and dance.

The event also brings with it numerous festivities including live music, food stalls and outdoor markets. The intricately carved candles, often depicting mythological figures from Thai and Hindu folklore, are gathered at Thing Si Mueang Park while the main procession takes place at Wan Kao Panza.

Tourists planning to attend the festival should plan in advance as demand for accommodation and flights is high. There are regular flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and overnight trains are also available. Public transport connections may also be unreliable during the festival.

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival promises unforgettable experiences for both art lovers and adventurous travelers and is a great example of Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

For detailed information about the festivals in Thailand visit Vietnam.vn and Holidify.