Festivals in Bangkok – Explore the cultural side of the City of Smiles

Filled with colour and plenty of cultural significance, the Chinese New Year is one of Bangkok’s widely cherished festivals. Celebrated with great pomp and ceremony, this festival attracts massive crowds keen to partake in the festivities. During this festival, many stores and shopping malls offer fantastic discounts making this period an excellent to visit for those keen on getting plenty of shopping done.

Celebrated with great gusto across the country, the Songkran Festival takes place from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. Possibly Thailand’s most famous festival, Songkran marks an important event in the local Buddhist calendar;  the start of the Thai New Year. During this festival locals and visitors alike take to the street to enjoy water games to their heart’s content. Many a hotel near Sukhumvit Road Bangkok such as the likes of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok make for great accommodation options to stay at during this festival.

Also known as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, this particular celebration originated from China. During this festival, one will come across many stalls across the capital selling gourmet delicacies that are traditionally enjoyed during this time. Beloved festival delicacies include coffee, peanut and chestnut-flavoured confectioneries. The Moon Festival takes place on the 17th of September, but the dates might differ each year. Those keen on partaking in this celebration should make their way to Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Another festival originating from China, the Chinese Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 18th of August – a full moon day that falls on the seventh lunar month according to the Chinese Calander. It is believed that during this time, the gates to the lower realms open allowing ghosts and spirits to visit earth. Locals generally offer flowers, sweetmeats and other foods to these visiting ghosts and light candles to honour them.

Marking the first day of Buddhist Lent, Khao Phansa is a festival in which local Thai Buddhists partake religiously. During this time Buddhist followers refrain from consuming alcohol, meat, and tobacco. When the festival ends devotees offer food, robes, and flowers to monks as it is thought to bring them merit. During this time, one will also get to see local worshippers washing the feet of monks – as this act is believed to help them atone for their sins and mistakes. 

Taking place from the 15th to the 23rd of October, the Vegetarian Festival sees the capital come to life with dazzling fireworks, energetic dragon dances and beautiful temple decorations. Locally known as the Tesgan Gin Jay, this nine-day festival requires Thai locals to refrain from consuming meat and liquor.