When you think of Thailand’s festivals, it’s usually Songkran in April and Loy Krathong in November that steal the spotlight. But if your travel plans land you here in June, July, or August, don’t assume the festive spirit is on pause. In fact, Thailand’s Green Season Festivals offer some of the most colorful, authentic experiences you can have—without the crowds or high prices.
At World Tastic Travel Blog, we’re obsessed with helping travelers discover the real Thailand. The so-called green season, when afternoon rains transform the landscape into a lush, vibrant paradise, is the perfect backdrop for unique cultural celebrations. Thailand’s Green Season Festivals are all about local traditions, deep-rooted spirituality, and a sense of community you just won’t find during the busier months.
Why Experience Thailand’s Green Season Festivals?
- Authenticity: These festivals are grounded in local culture and less focused on tourists, so you get a genuine taste of Thai tradition.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a closer connection with locals, better photo ops, and relaxed access to the festivities.
- Stunning Scenery: The green season means rice paddies and jungles are at their brightest—your journey to festival towns is as beautiful as the events themselves.
- Great Value: Off-season travel brings deals on everything from hotels to flights.
Ready to explore Thailand’s Green Season Festivals? Here are some standout celebrations from June through August:
Phi Ta Khon Festival (Ghost Festival) – Loei Province (June/July)
Among Thailand’s Green Season Festivals, the Phi Ta Khon Festival stands out for sheer visual spectacle. Taking over the small town of Dan Sai, this three-day celebration blends Buddhist and animist traditions with an explosion of color and music.
What to Expect: Locals parade in wild, handmade masks and costumes, complete with oversized faces crafted from coconut tree trunks and sticky rice baskets. The festival is part of a larger Buddhist holiday called Bun Luang, and features rocket launches, traditional dances, and community feasts. It’s fun, lively, and just a little bit spooky—a truly unforgettable part of the green season.
Why It’s Special: Usually held in late June or July (for 2026, expected June 19–21), Phi Ta Khon is a chance to see a centuries-old tradition at its wildest.
Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) – Yasothon Province (May/June)
Another of Thailand’s Green Season Festivals that shouldn’t be missed is the Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival. While the biggest celebration happens in May in Yasothon, smaller versions continue into June across the Isaan region.
What to Expect: Villagers build enormous bamboo rockets—sometimes several meters long—and launch them sky-high in hopes of encouraging rain for the rice season. The event is rowdy in the best way, with parades, mor lam folk music, dance, beauty contests, and plenty of playful mud-slinging.
Why It’s Special: If you catch a local version in June, you’ll experience both ancient ritual and modern revelry, all in the heart of the green season.
Dates for 2026: Yasothon’s main festival is expected May 8–10, 2026, but smaller local events run into June.
Asahna Bucha Day & Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) – Nationwide (July/August)
Thailand’s Green Season Festivals aren’t all about wild costumes and rockets—some are deeply spiritual, like Asahna Bucha and Khao Phansa. These Buddhist holidays, often in July or August, mark the Buddha’s first sermon and the start of the three-month monastic retreat.
What to Expect: On Asahna Bucha Day, temples glow with candlelight processions called wian tian. The following day, Khao Phansa, monks begin their retreat and locals bring offerings—especially candles, which has inspired stunning candle festivals.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival: This is the green season’s most visually striking religious event. Giant candles, carved into intricate sculptures, are paraded through the city with music, floats, and traditional dance.
Why It’s Special: In 2026, Asahna Bucha falls on July 30 and Khao Phansa on July 31. Ubon’s candle festival is always around these dates, drawing visitors from all over Thailand.
H.M. The King’s Birthday – Nationwide (July 28)
Not technically one of Thailand’s Green Season Festivals, but still a must-see if you’re here in late July. The King’s Birthday is a national holiday, with buildings and homes decorated in yellow—the royal color. Expect ceremonies, merit-making, and sometimes fireworks, especially in Bangkok.
Tips for Experiencing Thailand’s Green Season Festivals
- Check Dates: Many festivals follow the lunar calendar, so exact dates shift each year—double-check before you go.
- Book Early: For big events like Phi Ta Khon or Ubon’s Candle Festival, accommodation can fill up fast.
- Travel Local: Buses and trains add to the adventure and get you to smaller festival towns.
- Respect Traditions: Modest dress and polite behavior go a long way, especially at religious events.
Don’t let the “off-season” label fool you. Thailand’s Green Season Festivals showcase the country at its most authentic—lush landscapes, local traditions, and warm welcomes everywhere you go. Travel during June, July, or August, and you’ll experience a side of Thailand most tourists never see.
Plan your adventure around Thailand’s Green Season Festivals, and you’ll come home with memories that last a lifetime.
