Check with the Tourist Authority of Thailand (tel. 1672; www.tat.or.th) for more information on the events listed below as well as for other holidays celebrated throughout the country.
January/February -- Chinese New Year, nationwide. Head for any Chinatown to see the vivid parades, firecrackers, and Lion Dances associated with this holiday. Things get most raucous in Bangkok's Yawarat district (Chinatown). It falls anytime from mid-January to mid-February, during which many businesses close for the week.
February -- Flower Festival, Chiang Mai. When all of the north is in bloom, Chiang Mai springs to life with parades, floats decorated with flowers, and beauty contests. First weekend in the month.
March -- King's Cup Annual Elephant Polo Tournament, used to be held in Hua Hin but now takes place near Chiang Rai, in the Golden Triangle. Mahouts and madcap international polo players meet to battle it out in a hilarious but worthy weeklong tournament that raises money for Thailand's main elephant charities. Entrance is free, and the tournament happens during the last week of the month.
April -- Pattaya Festival, Pattaya. Parades and fireworks accompany a food festival and lots of partying, during the first week of the month.
July -- Koh Samui Regatta, Koh Samui. Late July brings yachtsmen and partygoers from all over to enjoy a week of fiercely competitive ocean races.
October -- Vegetarian Festival, Phuket. In this bizarre religious ritual, devotees spear, pierce, and percolate themselves while in a trance. It's not for the fainthearted! It takes place the second week of the month, and lasts for 9 days.
Naga Fireballs, Nong Khai, Isan. During this event, crowds gather along the river hoping to witness red glowing balls rising from the waters; they're thought to be methane bubbles released from the riverbed. The second or third week of the month.
November -- Elephant Roundup, Surin. Elephant parades and cultural performances take place during the third weekend of November.
December -- King's Cup Regatta, Phuket. Global competitors race yachts, in this exciting international event, which takes place the second week of December.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
