Best festivals/events in (Northern) Thailand?

[rumolddo]

I am currently hoping to get back to Thailand this winter after many years away, and after the recent global problems, it has made me want to appreciate and value my time in this place all the more. With that being said I really want to pack in some of the festivals and spectacles that I might have missed many years ago.

So I want to ask what do people think are the greatest/unmissable festivals (In northern Thailand I guess mainly) from November - April ish? I already have a rough idea but will be good to know if there are any I wouldn't have heard of.

Thanks all in advance, please move if in the wrong forum

 

[DavidFL]

There is an events section on GTR here

Festivals, Events & Markets - S.E. Asia

Festivals, Markets, Cultural Events, Bike Weeks and organised rides across S.E. Asia. The cultural activities provide a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the locals as they go about their lives.

www.gt-rider.com

Work your way through some of those links & you will see old trip reports for festivals.

Most festivals nowadays are on weekends - good for business.
If it is not a full moon festival, they are often on the "same weekend of the month" every year.

• Full Moon in November is Loy Krathong
• April is Songkran Thai New Year
• Full Moon in October is Ok Phansa
• The boat Festival at the end of Buddhist Lent in Nakhon Phanom is a beauty = full moon October.
• Kathin Festivals are also in October.

The TAT Festival Site

Events & Festivals Archives - TAT Newsroom

Cultural festivals and travel events as well as sports and many other events from around Thailand

www.tatnews.org

https://sg.hotels.com/go/thailand/best-thailand-festivals

Major Thai Festivals and Events

The most colorful festivities and events in Thailand that will surely delight you with glimpses into the country’s heritage and traditions.

www.thaiembassy.com

https://thailand.tripcanvas.co/festivals-cultures-traditions/