Thailand Festivals and Events

Full Moon Parties on Ko Pha Ngan, Loi Krathong, Songkhran & more

Apr 17, 2007

Top events in this South-East Asian country include raves on Hat Rin Beach, NewYear in Bangkok, candles on the water, Lopburi Monkey Banquet & the Surin Elephant Round-Up

Thailand has many great festivals and events throughout the year, including the Full Moon Parties on Ko Pha Ngan, Loi Krathong in Sukhotai, Songkhran in Bangkok, the Lopburi Monkey Banquet and the Surin Elephant Round-Up. Here are some facts, trivia and information on all of them.

Full Moon Parties, Hat Rin Beach, Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

Notorious for all night raving, dancing in the sea and prodigious drug intake amongst the protagonists, the Full Moon Parties at Hat Rin Beach on the Thai island of Ko Pha Ngan are a hedonist’s paradise. Although you will occasionally find big name DJs such as Carl Cox and Paul Oakenfold manning the decks, it’s more about the spirit of anything goes. Hence there will be plenty of bedroom amateur DJs having a go from one of the massive sound systems, and partygoers from all over the world throwing shapes, chewing cheeks and sleeping on the sand for the best part of the next day. The event takes place every month, on the night of the full moon (hence the name).

Loi Krathong, Sukhothai, Thailand

Thailand isn’t exactly the most environmentally-friendly country in the world, and the rivers aren’t the cleanest you’ll ever find. Loi Krathong is the Thai people’s apology to the Mother of the Waters for this. Every November 11th, millions of little ships, made of leaves, flowers and greenery are launched onto the waterways. Each one is loaded with candles. Sukhothai, the former Thai capital, is arguably the best place to witness this, as it comes with a massive fireworks display.

Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Lopburi, Thailand

The locals in Lopburi believe that the monkeys of the surrounding jungle protect the town from harm, and every November they like to say thank you by throwing a huge feast. Man and primate eat as one, although the monkeys aren’t tame and can get a bit vicious if you go for their favoured snack.

Songkhran, Bangkok, Thailand

The Thai new year starts in the middle of April, and Songkhran is the celebration. The Thai’s believe in washing themselves clear of sin in the New Year, and this leads to the world’s biggest water fight as people continually throw buckets of water over each other. Bangkok is arguably the best spot to get thoroughly soaked, although Chiang Mai is good too.

Surin Elephant Round-Up, Surin, Thailand

In an attempt to prove that elephants are the new dolphins, the villagers of Surin get dumbo and co to do all manner of tricks over three days in November. Expect parades of elephants, all kitted up for medieval warfare, jumbo Tug-of-War and a rather lumbering football match.

Want more festivals? Here are the five best in…

The copyright of the article Thailand Festivals and Events in Thailand Travel is owned by David Whitley. Permission to republish Thailand Festivals and Events in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.