October in Thailand: Festivals and Major Events
In October, Thailand celebrates its rich cultural heritage with festivals like Ok Phansa, Tak Bat Devo, the Vegetarian Festival, and many others. Discover these fascinating traditions.
October is a vibrant month in Thailand, filled with festivals that beautifully reflect the country’s customs and cultural values. Notable events include the Ok Phansa festival, which marks the end of the Buddhist Lent, the Vegetarian Festival, and Sat Day, also known as Bun Duean Sip, an ancient Buddhist tradition. These celebrations are deeply rooted in Thai culture and carry significant meaning.
Cultural Events and Religious Festivals
1. The Ok Phansa Festival: A Time of Rejoicing and Merit
The Ok Phansa festival occurs during the full moon of the 11th month of the Thai lunar calendar. It is a time of celebration and rituals aimed at gaining merit.
Various provinces commemorate this event at different times, each bringing its own unique touch to this tradition. For example, in Mueang District in Nakhon Phanom, a stunning procession of illuminated boats is held on the Mekong River to honor the Buddha and offer tributes to the mythical Naga serpent believed to reside in the waters. Roi Et is renowned for its Sorapanya singing competition, the “Khao Thip” pudding (rice pudding with honey) making ceremony, and the stunning lantern decorations.
Essential Information about Ok Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent)
- Where: Throughout Thailand, with festivities varying by region.
- When: October 17, 2024.
- Details: Celebrating the final day of Buddhist Lent with merit-making ceremonies.
Main Thai Cities Hosting Ok Phansa
| Cities/Regions | Nakhon Phanom | Samut Prakan | Sakon Nakhon | Nong Khai | Surat Thani | Yala | Uthai Thani | Khon Kaen | Lop Buri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Info | Illuminated boat procession | Rap Bua Festival | Wax Castle Festival and Longboat Racing | Naga Fireball Festival | Chak Phra Festival, offerings and boat races | Chak Phra Festival | Tak Bat Devo Festival - offerings to 500 monks | Tak Bat Devo Festival | Tak Bat Devo Festival |
2. Tak Bat Devo Festivals
Several Thai cities hold the Tak Bat Devo festival (see table above).
During Tak Bat Devo, Buddhist monks go to the temples early in the morning to receive offerings from devotees, who wear white as a sign of respect and purity. They position themselves along the main streets leading to the temples.
They offer rice, fruits, flowers, and other food items in their hands or in special bowls. As the monks walk in single file, the devotees respectfully place their offerings into the monks’ alms bowls. This act of giving alms is a way for devotees to gain merit and support the monks in their monastic life.
Essential Information about Tak Bat Devo
- Where: Throughout Thailand, with festivities varying by region.
- When: October 18, 2024. Tak Bat Devo is celebrated one day after Wan Ok Phansa.
- Details: Celebration of Buddha’s return to Earth.
3. Rap Bua Festival (Lotus Receiving Festival)
- Where: Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai, Samut Prakan.
- When: October 10-18, 2024.
- Details: Buddhist tradition where lotus flowers are offered to monks, with a barge procession.
4. Sat Day: Honoring Ancestors
Sat Day, also known as Bun Duean Sip, takes place on the 15th night of the waning moon in the 10th month of the Thai lunar calendar. This Buddhist tradition involves offering food to monks as a sign of respect for ancestors. The celebrations vary by region but often include puppet parades representing “hungry ghosts” and special offerings.
Main Cities Hosting Sat Day:
| Cities | Kamphaeng Phet | Nakhon Si Thammarat | Kapong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | October 5-15 | October 8-17 | October 11-14 |
| Info | Sat Day and “Kluai Khai” Banana Festival | Bun Duean Sip | Sat Duean Sip |
5. Illuminated Boat Procession
- Where: Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom.
- When: October 8-18, 2024.
- Details: Procession of illuminated boats to honor Buddha, with floating lanterns on the Mekong River.
6. Vegetarian Festival 2024
The Vegetarian Festival takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This unique event in Thailand is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Participants strictly observe a vegan diet for nine days to purify their body, mind, and soul.
In Phuket, this celebration is particularly notable with spectacular rituals such as self-mutilation, demonstrating devotion to the gods and ancestors. The festival takes place in various regions of Thailand, each with its own rituals and traditions.
7. Navratri Festival, A Celebration Full of Colors
An unmissable event that takes place in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, from Thursday, October 3, 2024, to Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Festival and Appropriate Attire
When attending Buddhist festivals like Ok Phansa and Tak Bat Devo, dress respectfully and modestly. Avoid suggestive or revealing clothing. For the Vegetarian Festival, wearing white may be appropriate, as it symbolizes purity.
Musical and Artistic Events in October
1. Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music
- Where: Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok.
- When: September 7 - October 20, 2024.
- How to get there: MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre Station.
- Details: Festival of international classical dance and music.
2. Let’s Glow Singburi 2024
- Where: City Hall, Sing Buri.
- When: October 25 - November 3, 2024.
- Admission: Free.
- Details: Carnival with light shows, open-air cinema, concerts, and dance performances.
Historical and Heritage Events
1. Royal Barge Procession
- Where: Along the Chao Phraya River, from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, Bangkok.
- When: October 27, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (rehearsals on October 3, 10, 15, 22).
- How to get there: BTS to Saphan Taksin or by boat.
- Admission: Free for spectators.
- Details: Royal barge procession with 2,200 rowers.
2. Phanom Rung Light Phenomenon
- Where: Phanom Rung Historical Park, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram.
- When: October 5-7, 2024 (starting at 5:55 PM).
- Details: Phenomenon where the sun perfectly aligns with the temple’s doorways.
A unique and magical moment, where human ingenuity interacts with natural events. The Phanom Rung Light Phenomenon happens four times a year. Visitors can witness the sunset through the 15 doorways of Prasat Hin Phanom Rung.
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is one of the most famous Khmer temples in Thailand. This impressive structure is located in the Buriram province, on top of an extinct volcano.
3. Traditional Um Phra Dam Nam Festival of Phetchabun
- When: September 28 - October 6, 2024.
- Where: Wat Trai Phum and Wat Bot Chanaman.
Um Phra Dam Nam simply means “diving while holding a Buddha image.” According to legend, a Buddha image was found by villagers in the river and brought back to the temple. Strangely, the image disappeared only to reappear in its original location in the river. This is why each year, the Buddha image is brought to the river, and villagers hold it while diving into the water, hoping to receive blessings.
Fairs and Exhibitions
1. Book Expo Thailand 2024
- Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.
- When: October 10-20, 2024.
- How to get there: MRT to QSNCC.
- Admission: Free.
- Details: Book exhibition with local and international publishers.
2. Thailand Game Show 2024
- Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.
- When: October 18-20, 2024.
- How to get there: MRT to QSNCC.
- Details: Southeast Asia’s largest video game festival.
Food Events and Leisure
1. Pattaya Oktoberfest 2024
- Where: Central Pattaya, Chon Buri.
- When: September 20 - October 6, 2024.
- Details: Beer celebration with traditional German dishes and music.
2. Thailand Coffee Hub 2024
- Where: CentralWorld, Bangkok.
- When: October 2-8, 2024.
- How to get there: BTS to Chit Lom or Siam.
- Details: Coffee tastings and equipment sales at discounted prices.
Sports Events in Thailand in October
- Where: Chang International Circuit, Buri Ram.
- When: October 25-27
- Details: MotoGP World Championship race.
- Ticket prices: between 2000 and 4000 THB
2. PT Songkhla Grand Prix
- Where: Songkhla Street Circuit, Chalatat Beach, Songkhla.
- When: October 17-20, 2024.
- Details: Songkhla Grand Prix.
Commemoration in October in Thailand
Thailand, 13 October, Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol
13 October is a public holiday in Thailand. It is the anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol, better known as Rama IX.
23 October, Remembrance Day for King Rama V Chulalongkorn
23 October is a public holiday in Thailand. It is the anniversary of the death of King Chulalongkorn, better known as Rama V. {.lead}
This anniversary celebration is of great importance to Thailand. For a foreigner, witnessing the ceremonial and the collective fervour gives an insight into the close ties that bind the population to its state nobility.
Practical Information
If you plan to visit Thailand in October, make sure to:
- Check the weather forecast. October marks the end of the rainy season in most parts of Thailand, but heavy rain can still occur in some regions, especially in the South.
- Dress appropriately for festivals and religious events (wearing white during the Vegetarian Festival, dressing modestly for Buddhist ceremonies, etc.).
- Book accommodations well in advance, especially if you plan to attend popular festivals like the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket.
- Respect local customs and participate in the events if you’re invited. It’s a great way to experience Thai culture firsthand.