Top 5 Must-Attend Festivals in Bangkok for a Memorable Trip

Are you craving a holiday destination where ancient traditions come alive amidst modern luxury? Or maybe a city where every festival feels like an opulent celebration? If yes, then Bangkok is a must-visit for you. As the capital of Thailand, this glamorous city is a hot favorite of countless tourists. Hosting amazing events year-round, it offers a setting where every corner is a sensory overload.

Whether you are into age-old customs or seeking modern-day glam, attending these festivals will mesmerize you. So, why not plan your next trip around one of these high-end events? Check out the top five options and get the most out of your luxury Bangkok holidays.

Famous Bangkok Festivals that can Make your Trip Memorable

Songkran Festival

Annually celebrated from April 13 to 15, this famous event marks the traditional Thai New Year. Though it is enjoyed throughout Thailand, Bangkok is the city where the most vibrant and large-scale festivities take place. Songkran has immense cultural and religious value. The local celebrations are deeply rooted in Buddhist and Thai customs. Let’s explore some of the major rites of this event:

Water-Splashing

It is the defining element of the Songrakan. During this fun activity, people of all ages take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. They playfully shower each other with water. This act symbolizes the washing away of bad luck and sins, purifying people for the new year.

Buddha Bathing

Bathing Buddha images is another vital custom of this event. People visit Wats to pour fragrant water over Buddha statues. This rite is believed to bring good luck and blessings. Younger family members also pour water over the hands of their elders to show respect.

How Tourists Can Enjoy at Songrakan?

The following fun activities can help you make your visit worth remembering:

Enjoy local Thai music and dance shows. These performances are usually held in public square areas and wats.
Take part in the festive parades that feature adorned floats, local costumes, and mesmerizing dances.
Experience the delicious Thai cuisine from street vendors and local eateries. Khao Chae is a must to eat for you during this festival.

Loy Krathong Festival

This high-end event is celebrated on the evening of the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar. This date usually varies based on the lunar cycle. In 2024, it will be celebrated on the 16th of November. Lao Krathong is also called the Festival of Light. It is the best time to pay homage to the Goddess of Water, Pra Mae Khongkha. The festival has roots in ancient Siamese customs. The following are the signature events that usually take place during this festival:

Floating Krathongs

Krathongs are small, decorative, made from natural leaves and flowers. During the Lao Krathong, people gather around rivers, lakes, and canals to release their krathongs into the water. This act means to let go of the past bad luck.

Lantern Releases

In this event, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky. This creates a stunning view of floating lights. Besides being a fun-filled activity, this custom symbolizes the release of worries and hope for a brighter future.

To-Do List for Tourists During this Event

Here are some of the fun things that you must try during this event:

Visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho and join in in local customs to purify your body and mind.
Explore the city’s rich heritage by watching beauty pageants and local art shows.
Go to the Chao Phraya River and enjoy the striking fireworks displays that light up the night sky.
Enjoy the festive treats, such as Khao Tom Mat and Khanom Buang.
Visit parks, community centers, and other open spaces to take part in local fairs and krathong-making workshops.

Chinese New Year

Primarily celebrated in the vibrant Chinatown district of Bangkok, this high-end event usually lasts for several days. Chinese New Year is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, and its dates vary each year. This year it happened on 10th February. Also called the spring festival, the Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the start of spring. The following local customs are the highlight of this deluxe event:

Lion and Dragon Dances

These are special dances that are performed by experts. Usually, two dancers are required for lion movements. Whereas, a team of 10 to 50 people manages the dragon dance. The lion is the symbol of power, wisdom, and good luck. The dragon, on the other hand, represents strength, dignity, and fertility.

Exchanging Hongnao

Hongbao are the special red-colored envelopes that contain money. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, these envelopes are given to kids and unmarried adults. This custom is meant to pass on good luck and ward off evil spirits.

How to Make the Most Out of this Event?

Enjoy street performances at Yaowart Road in Chinatown. This road is adorned with red lanterns and light to create a festive atmosphere.
Buy unique, local souvenirs and festive items from vendors and make your trip memorable.
Watch numerous cultural shows, such as local Chinese opera, martial arts, and acrobatics.
Visit the Dragon Lotus Temple and pray for good luck and prosperity.

Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music

Featuring a diverse array of top-class art shows, this famous annual event starts from early September to mid-October. For 2024, it is scheduled in the Thailand Cultural Center from September 7 to October 20. Here are some famous traditions of this festival:

Kick Off with a Ballet Dance

The event starts with a great ballet dance by famous companies, such as the Russian Multimedia Ballet Theatre. This sets the tone for a high-energy show. Millions of ballet enthusiasts attend this festival to watch the top-class dances.

Gala Closing Ceremony

The festival traditionally ends with a Gala Closing Ceremony. Featuring a spectacular show, this grand finale offers the event’s highlights, bringing together various artists and genres. In short, this act celebrates the festival’s success.

Top 3 Fun Activities for Tourists

Visit engaging exhibits related to art performances. These exhibits usually display costumes, instruments, and multimedia presentations that provide detailed insights into the show.
Meet and greet with your favorite artists after the show. Take their autographs and click photos with them. This will make your visit worth remembering.
Other than main stage shows, you can also enjoy the live music and street performances happening around the event’s grounds.

Bangkok Riverside Fest

This vibrant event takes place along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Besides offering a wide variety of fun activities, this riverside fest also exhibits the national animal, the elephant. It annually takes place from 3-5 February and runs from the afternoon till late night. Here are the top highlights of this famous event:

Elephant Boat Racing

It is one of the major activities of this festival. Teams compete in high-energy races on the Chao Phraya River. They ride on boats adorned with elephant motifs. These races are a nod to the importance of elephants in Thai culture.

Fireworks Show

This fun festival is marked by a grand opening. A spectacular fireworks display is the main part of the opening ceremonies. These fireworks light up the night sky over the Chao Phraya River, offering a stunning visual treat for people.

How to Enjoy this Event?

There are many fun things to do at this festival. A few of them are listed here:

Dance the night away to the tunes of local DJs.
Attend live cooking shows and enjoy delicious street food.
Shop at the Art and Craft Market and buy local handmade goods.
Enjoy family-friendly games and join in learning workshops and exhibits.

Indeed, Bangkok’s festivals are a feast for the senses. You must try to attend them at least once in your life. Virikson Holidays, a leading travel firm, offers Bangkok luxury holidays at affordable prices. Contact them today and enjoy the opulence of traditional Thai festivals.