Thailand 2025: Festivals in Focus – Seven Months of Music, Culture and Celebration

Thailand has turned the off-season into a colorful celebration with the launch of “Seven Months, Seven Wonders” – an initiative from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) which includes over 70 events from March to September 2025. The focus is on spreading tourism beyond the peak season and big cities, and instead highlighting the entire country's cultural and geographical diversity. Here are some of the biggest highlights of the year.

March – Engines and music by the sea

The festival year started strongly in March with MotoGP Grand Prix in Buriram – the first time ever that the season opened in Thailand. At the same time, it attracted Pattaya Music Festival thousands of music lovers with over 50 artists on stages along Pattaya's beaches.

April – Maha Songkran and world-class water wars

April offers Thailand's biggest cultural event: Songkran, the Thai New Year. This year it is celebrated Maha Songkran World Water Festival April 11-15 in Bangkok with parades, concerts, EDM parties and drone shows. Local versions are also held in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

May – Rocket festivals and fruit buffets

In northeastern Thailand, it is celebrated Bun Bang Fai in Yasothon, where homemade rockets are launched to awaken the rain god for the growing season. Meanwhile, Chonburi and Rayong invite you to fruit festivals with buffets of fresh durian, rambutan and guava. In Yala, Amazon Jungle Thailand Trail Run – an ultramarathon of up to 111 km through jungle and mountains.

June – Pride and creative power

2025 is the first year that same-sex marriage is legal in Thailand, making this year's Pride Month extra important. Parties and parades are held in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, among others. In Bangkok, there are also THACCA Splash International Soft Power Forum, where creative industries such as film, design and food meet for networking and inspiration.

July – Inner Reflection and Spiritual Art

Under Khao Pansa (Buddhist Lent) begins a three-month spiritual retreat. In Ubon Ratchathani, Candle Festival, where gigantic wax sculptures compete in artistry. In Ayutthaya religion and tradition are combined with Aquatic Panza, a boat parade with flower-adorned lights.

August – Music and World Championships

Did you miss the festivals in March? Then it's Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 a must! In addition, Thailand is hosting for the first time FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship, where matches are held in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok.

September – Temples, sunrises and boat races

Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram offers a magical moment as the sun rises through 15 gates in the ancient Khmer temple. At the same time, the traditional longboat racing started in Phitsanulok – a must for those who like speed and people.

Summary

Tourism in Thailand in 2025 is anything but seasonal. With over 70 events from north to south, the country aims to show that every month has something to offer – whether you’re looking for music, tradition, sports or spiritual immersion.

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: suck, Pixabay, original image