When you think of Thailand’s festivals, iconic events like Songkran (April) and Loy Krathong (November) immediately come to mind. But what if you’re planning a trip during the quieter, lush “green season” of June, July, and August? You might assume the festive spirit takes a break. Think again!
At World Tastic Travel Blog, we love uncovering Thailand’s hidden depths. While the summer months might see more rain in some regions, they also play host to a spectacular array of unique and culturally rich festivals that offer a truly authentic glimpse into Thai life. These are the celebrations you probably didn’t know about, promising unforgettable experiences without the peak-season crowds.
Why Experience a Thai Festival in the Green Season?
- Authenticity: Many of these festivals are deeply rooted in local traditions and are less geared towards mass tourism, offering a more genuine cultural immersion.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more intimate experience with locals, better photo opportunities, and easier access to festivities.
- Lush Scenery: The “green season” transforms Thailand into a verdant paradise, making the journeys to these festival locations incredibly scenic.
- Value for Money: Off-season travel often comes with better deals on flights and accommodation.
Ready to discover Thailand’s vibrant summer celebrations? Here are some of the fascinating festivals you might encounter from June to August:
1. Phi Ta Khon Festival (Ghost Festival) – Loei Province (June/July)
This is arguably one of Thailand’s most unique and visually striking festivals, often dubbed the “Ghost Festival.” Held in the small town of Dan Sai in Loei Province (Northeast Thailand), Phi Ta Khon is a lively three-day event that combines animist and Buddhist beliefs.
- What to Expect: Revelers don elaborate, grotesque, and colorful masks made from carved coconut tree trunks and sticky rice steamers, often paired with vibrant, patchwork costumes. They parade through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and playful antics. The festival is part of a larger Buddhist merit-making holiday called “Bun Luang” and features rocket launches, traditional dances, and community gatherings. It’s a truly wild and wonderful spectacle.
- Why It’s Special in June/July: It typically takes place in July, making it a perfect off-season highlight. The energy is infectious, and you’ll witness a deeply local tradition.
- Dates for 2025: Expected June 28-30, 2025. (Dates are determined by the lunar calendar, so they vary annually).
2. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) – Yasothon Province (May/June)
While often starting in May, the Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival sometimes extends into early June, especially in various provinces across the northeastern Isaan region. This explosive festival is a plea to the rain gods for a bountiful rice harvest.
- What to Expect: Communities construct massive, homemade bamboo rockets, some reaching over 10,000 meters in height, and launch them into the sky with great fanfare. The festivities include colorful parades, traditional Isaan folk music and dancing (like the molar), beauty pageants, and plenty of playful mud-splashing for those whose rockets fail to launch! It’s a boisterous and joyous celebration.
- Why It’s Special in June/July: If you’re lucky to catch the tail end of the festival in early June, you’ll witness a powerful blend of ancient tradition and modern revelry.
- Dates for 2025: The main Yasothon festival was May 16-18, 2025, but smaller local versions may occur into June. (Dates vary based on the lunar calendar).
3. Asahna Bucha Day & Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) – Nationwide (July/August)
These two significant Buddhist holidays often fall in July or August, marking important moments in the Buddhist calendar and ushering in the three-month monastic retreat period known as “Phansa” (Buddhist Lent). While solemn, they involve beautiful public ceremonies.
- Asahna Bucha Day: Commemorates the day the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Devout Buddhists visit temples, offer prayers and donations, and participate in “Wian Tian” – candlelight processions around the main temple hall, a truly serene and moving sight.
- Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent): The day after Asahna Bucha, monks retreat to their temples for three months to study and meditate. Laypeople often make special offerings, including candles, which historically lit the monks’ chambers. This tradition has evolved into elaborate Candle Festivals.
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival: This is the most famous and spectacular celebration associated with Khao Phansa. Giant, intricately carved wax candles, often towering sculptures, are paraded through the streets accompanied by traditional music, dancers, and floats. It’s an incredible display of artistry and devotion.
- Why It’s Special in July/August: These holidays offer a profound insight into Thai Buddhism. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, in particular, is a stunning visual feast.
- Dates for 2025: Asahna Bucha Day is July 10, 2025, followed by Khao Phansa on July 11, 2025. The main Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival parade is typically around these dates (July 10-11, 2025).
4. H.M. The King’s Birthday (King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua) – Nationwide (July 28)
While not a traditional cultural festival in the same vein as the others, the King’s Birthday is a significant public holiday across Thailand, celebrated with respect and national pride.
- What to Expect: Public buildings, temples, and homes are adorned with flags and portraits of the King. Many Thais wear yellow (the King’s color) to show their loyalty. There are often public ceremonies, merit-making activities, and sometimes parades or fireworks displays in major cities.
- Why It’s Special in July/August: It provides a chance to witness a deeply significant national celebration and observe the reverence Thais have for their monarchy.
- Date: July 28th every year.
Planning Your Festival Adventure
- Check Exact Dates: While these festivals generally fall within June, July, and August, many (especially Buddhist and agricultural ones) are based on the lunar calendar, so exact dates vary from year to year. Always check the latest confirmed dates closer to your travel time.
- Book Accommodation Early: Especially for regional festivals like Phi Ta Khon and the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, accommodation in smaller towns can be booked out quickly.
- Embrace Local Transport: Getting to some of these regional festivals might involve buses or trains, which adds to the authentic experience.
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or participating in religious ceremonies. Observe and respect local traditions.
Don’t let the “off-season” label deter you from discovering Thailand’s vibrant cultural tapestry. June, July, and August offer a unique opportunity to witness incredible festivals that showcase the heart and soul of the Land of Smiles. Plan your trip around these lesser-known celebrations, and you’re guaranteed an enriching and unforgettable adventure!
