Thailand Festivals in May 2025 – Dates, Events & Travel Tips

All you need to know about festivals and major events in Thailand for May 2025. A month packed with events. Ask for the programme.

May in Thailand is a vibrant month full of cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, and international events. From the legendary Rocket Festival in Isaan to jazz concerts by the beach in Hua Hin, this guide gives you a full overview of where to go and what to experience. Whether you’re traveling for food, music, or tradition, there’s something for everyone this May 2025.

National events and celebrations in Thailand in May

May 1st in Thailand

May 1st, Labour Day, is observed as a public holiday in Thailand. For more information, see :

Labour Day in Thailand: What You Need to Know About May 1st

May 1st in Thailand: public holiday, traditions, and useful information. Everything you need to know.

Remembrance Day of the Coronation of King Rama X

Rama X was officially crowned at a ceremony held from 4 to 6 May 2019. Since then, the day of his coronation has become a public holiday.

May 4th: Coronation Day and Public Holiday in Thailand

May 4th is a public holiday in Thailand, commemorating the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty.

Visakha Bucha 2025 celebrations

Visakha Bucha is one of the three major Buddhist festivals, along with Makha Bucha and Songkran. It is a public holiday in Thailand when families take time out to go to the temple. Ceremonies are organised all over the country. To find out more about this major religious event, see the post below:

Visakha Bucha 2025, Buddha's Illumination Day

Visakha Bucha is a day of great significance in Buddhism, especially in Thai society. Learn more about this special day in Thailand.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2025

Every year, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony is held in the heart of the City of Angels, on Sanan Luang Square. This year, the ceremony takes place on 10 May. To find out more about the ceremony, see the post below:

Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2025 in Bangkok – Thai Traditional Ritual Explained

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a sacred Thai ritual held in Bangkok to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Learn about this unique agrarian tradition.

Cultural and Art Festivals in Thailand – May 2025

Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

Bun Bang Fai is a competition for handmade rockets made from bamboo and papier-mâché. Participants spend months designing and building their rockets, which can measure up to six metres in length and weigh more than 100 kilograms. There are two major events in May:

• Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival**, which takes place from 16 to 18 May 2025 in Yasothon.
• Roi Et Bun Bung Fai Festival** which takes place at the end of May and beginning of June in the Suwannaphum district of Roi Et.

Pattaya Lighting 2025

Pattaya Lighting 2025 is a festival of light that will take place from 1 to 5 May on Pattaya’s central beach. The festival will feature eight themed zones with installations, projections and laser shows, offering visitors a unique cultural and visual experience. Visitors will be able to admire large illuminated arches, immersive art installations, surface projections, laser light shows, light sculptures and unique photo spots designed to captivate.

Pattaya Lighting 2025

• Date: 1 - 5 May 2025
• Venue: Central Pattaya Beach, Chonburi Province
• Free Entry
• Official Website: Facebook Page

Kite On The Lake – 2nd Edition Returns to IMPACT Lakefront

For all the family, one of Thailand’s must-see festivals in May 2025. The Kite On The Lake 2025 festival returns from 16 to 18 May with dazzling LED kites, a parade of street performances and creative workshops. The festival will feature the largest display of giant inflatable kites in Bangkok and beyond. Highlights of the festival include a nightly LED kite show on a 3,000 square metre exhibition area, a daily street parade, a kite playground, creative workshops for all ages, as well as food, drink and live music by the lake.

Kite On The Lake – 2nd Edition Returns to IMPACT Lakefront

• Date: 16 - 18 May 2025
• Venue: IMPACT Lakefront 1, Muang Thong Thani
• Free admission

Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruits 2025

From 1 to 5 May 2025, an exciting fruit festival will take place in Thailand to celebrate the country’s tropical treasures. The festival will feature a variety of activities, including fruit competitions, creative contests, expert talks and workshops on sustainable farming networks. Visitors will be able to buy and taste top-quality fruit direct from local orchards at special prices, and take part in games to win souvenirs and prizes. Durian lovers will have the chance to sample five specially selected varieties, as well as other tropical fruits. Highlights of the event include fruit competitions, tropical fruit exhibitions, creative competitions, culinary competitions showcasing fruit dishes and technical challenges related to agriculture.

Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruits 2025

• Date: 1 - 5 May 2025
• Venue: Central Chanthaburi Shopping Center
• Free admission

Best Events in Bangkok in May 2025

Mango Art Festival 2025 en Mai à Bangkok

The Mango Art Festival is an artistic event combining art, design and performance. Its aim is to promote Thai creativity and showcase its artistic potential on the international stage. For its fifth edition, which takes place from 7 to 11 May in River City Bangkok.

Mango Art Festival 2025

• Date: 7-11 May 2025
• Venue: River City Bangkok, Bangkok
• Free admission
• Official Website: Facebook Page

Outdoor Fest 2025 - Travel Fair

Outdoor Fest is a travel fair. It is an annual event that brings together travel professionals, passionate travellers and exhibitors from all over the world. The event offers a unique platform to discover the latest travel trends, explore new itineraries and find exclusive offers on travel and activities. Visitors can meet representatives from travel agencies, airlines, tourist offices, hotels and tourist activity providers to get personalised advice and plan their next adventures. Outdoor Fest also offers conferences, workshops and presentations to inform and inspire visitors in their travel plans.

Outdoor Fest 2025

• Date: 22-25 May 2025 from 11:00-20:00
• Venue: Hall 5-6, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok
• Free admission
• Official website: Outdoor Festival 2025

European Union Film Festival 2025

One of the Festivals in Thailand in May 2025. Film fans in Bangkok can look forward to the return of the European Union Film Festival from 15 to 25 May at House Samyan. This year’s festival features a selection of 23 films from across Europe, all with English subtitles. Admission is free and tickets are available from the box office one hour before each screening, on a first-come, first-served basis.

European Union Film Festival 2025

• Date: 15th-25th May 2025
• Venue: House Samyan
• Free admission
• Official website: European Union Film Festival

Sports events in May in Thailand

Samui Regatta 2025

Since its inauguration in 2002, the Samui Regatta has attracted some of Asia’s finest yachts as well as large numbers of spectators who come to Koh Samui for the sailing and entertainment. In 2025, the Regatta will continue to be based on Chaweng beach, but the sailing courses and social events will extend to the whole island. Over the years, the Regatta has become a truly international event, attracting around 500 competitors from over 22 different countries each year.

Samui Regatta 2025

• Date: 24 May - 31 May 2025
• Location: Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
• Official website: Samui Regatta 2025

Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2025 Thaïlande

The SUPERSPORTS 10 MILE RUN SERIES 2025 THAILAND is shaping up to be the big event with more than 24,000 participants expected over four races in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai.
Founded in 2019, the event offers two race distances - 10 miles and 5 miles. Part of a series of races across the kingdom, dates and locations include: Bangkok (City Run) on 18 May 2025, Hua Hin in August, Bangkok (Park Run) in September and Chiang Mai in December.
Traditionally popular for its relaxed and fun atmosphere, this event is for all the family and is ideal training for both long and short distance running.

Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2024

• Date: 18 May 2025
• Location: centralwOrld, Bangkok
• Official website :Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2025

Andaman Archery Championship 2025

The Andaman Archery Championship is an annual international archery event held in Satun, to the west of the Isthmus of Kra. The event has quickly become one of the highlights of the Asian archery calendar, attracting over 400 archers from various Asian countries.the event is spread over three days, beginning with preliminary qualifying rounds, followed by elimination matches, and culminating in intense finals to determine the medal winners.

Andaman Archery Championship 2025

• Date: 3 - 4 May 2025
• Location: Satun
• Official website: Andaman Archery Championship 2025

Thailand Super Series 2025 EVENT 1

Thailand’s premier motorsport series kicks off its season with the region’s best drivers and teams. Car races in GT3, GTM, GT4 and other classes on 23 and 25 May at Buriram’s famous Chang motor racing circuit.

Thailand Super Series 2025 EVENT 1

• Date: 23 - 25th May 2025
• Venue: Chang International Circuit, Buriram.
• Official website: Thailand Super Series 2025 EVENT 1

Sports events in Pattaya

Several sporting events take place in Pattaya in May:

• Assetwise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship from 3 to 4 May
• Football Pattaya Cup 2025 from 2 to 18 May
• Pattaya International Sailing Championshop 16 - 18 May 2025.
• Pattaya 2025 World Boccia Asia-Oceania 18 - 27 May.
• Thailand Extreme Festival 2025 23 - 25 May 2025.

Events and music festivals in May in Thailand

Musical Run 2025

Concerts on the lawn of Satun airport and marathons to energise the region with a unique event. In addition to the concerts, there are three marathons on the programme:

🔸️ marathon of 42.195 km
🔸️ half marathon, 21.1 km.
🔸️ Mini marathon of 10.5 km.

Musical Run 2025

• Date: 24 May 2025
• Location: Satun Air Base Airport
• Official website: Musical Run 2025

Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2025

For jazz fans, one of the festivals in Thailand in May 2025. The Hua Hin 2025 International Jazz Festival will be held from 1 to 5 May. The event will take place at seven venues across Hua Hin and will feature jazz performances, workshops and cultural showcases. The festival will showcase the fusion of jazz and Thai heritage, offering several days of music and arts. This year’s festival will be bigger than ever, expanding from a day on the beach to a five-day celebration at key venues around Hua Hin. Thai and international jazz artists will perform, presenting a unique fusion of world music and Thai cultural elements. Highlights include the opening ceremony at Hua Hin Station, a Fringe Festival with a jam session, a creative workshop, a live concert, a gala dinner, a performance at Mrigadayavan Palace blending jazz with Thai culture, and a final performance to close the festival. Places are limited, especially for the exclusive gala dinner.

Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2025

• Date: 1 - 5 May 2025
• Location: 8 venues in Hua Hin.
• Official website: For more information and to book, visit the official website or Ticketmelon.

Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #4

Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #4 will feature artisan coffee, crafts, live music and more. The event will be held from 1pm to 8pm along Krabi City’s waterfront. The event, entitled ‘Coffee with a Care for the Environment’, supports the Krabi Go Green initiative by promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Participants will be able to enjoy artisanal drinks in a picturesque riverside setting, take part in craft workshops and enjoy live acoustic music.

Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #4

• Date: 2 - 5 May 2025
• Location: Mai Mahad Scupture Square.
• Official website: Krabi Music Coffee & Craft #4.

Guns N’ Roses 2025 World Tour Bangkok

Guns N’ Roses 2025 World Tour Bangkok

• Date: 13 May 2025
• Location: Thunder Dome Building Popular Rd, Ban Mai Nonthaburi.
• Official website: Guns N’ Roses 2025 World Tour Bangkok.

Summary of May events and festivals

FAQ - May 2025 in Thailand

What are the public holidays in Thailand in May 2025?

• 1st May (Labour Day)
• 6 May (King Rama X’s Coronation Day)
• Monday 12 May: Visakha Bucha

What major festivals take place in May 2025?

• Pattaya Lighting Festival (1-5 May in Pattaya)
• Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival (16-18 May in Yasothon)
• European Union Film Festival 2025
• Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2025

Are the events free?

The majority of festivals such as Pattaya Lighting and Kite On The Lake are free, but some specific activities may be subject to a charge.

Do I need to book in advance to take part in festivals?

For major festivals such as Pattaya Lighting or the Yasothon Rocket Festival, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.

Is May a good time to visit Thailand for cultural events?

Yes, May is rich in cultural, religious, and artistic events. Despite the early rainy season, it offers great opportunities to experience Thai traditions.

What should I wear when attending religious festivals?

Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes when entering temples, and avoid flashy clothing during Buddhist ceremonies.

Thailand visa rules in May 2025

TDAC: Thailand’s New Mandatory Digital Arrival Card

As of May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering the country. This new form replaces the paper TM6 and is designed to streamline immigration procedures and resume the collection of key travel data.

Find out all about events in Thailand

Explore Thai Culture and Traditions: Events, Festivals, Gastronomy, and Nature

The Thailand culture and traditions section includes general information on a country with multiple cultural traits, such as art, music, dance, literature, religion, festivals, and cuisine, reflecting its long history and diverse ethnic groups.