Thailand Festivals and Events in October 2025: Holidays, Traditions and Celebrations

October in Thailand is full of unique festivals and events, from Buddhist traditions like Ok Phansa to the vibrant Vegetarian Festival in Phuket.

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.

National Events and Public Holidays in Thailand in October

Two major public holidays are celebrated in October. Both are nationwide and official days off.

King Rama IX Memorial Day

Thailand October 13: King Bhumibol Memorial Day

October 13 is a public holiday in Thailand. It is observed as King Bhumibol Memorial Day, honoring the late monarch Rama IX.

King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

Thailand October 23: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Rama V)

October 23 is a public holiday in Thailand. It is King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, honoring the late monarch Rama V.

Cultural Events and Religious Festivals in Thailand

Navratri Festival: A Colorful Hindu Celebration

A vibrant Hindu celebration held in Bangkok from 22 September to 2 October 2025, filled with rituals, colors and cultural performances.

Thailand Navratri Festival 2025 in Bangkok – Hindu Celebration of Goddess Durga

Experience the Thailand Navratri Festival in Bangkok this September and October 2025, a vibrant event celebrating Hindu culture with colorful rituals, traditional dances, and a grand procession honoring the goddess Durga.

Ok Phansa Festival: End of Buddhist Lent

Ok Phansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent on the full moon of the 11th Thai lunar month. A time for merit-making, ceremonies and community celebrations.

Ok Phansa in Thailand: End of Buddhist Lent and Cultural Festivals

Ok Phansa in Thailand marks the end of the Buddhist Lent, a time of deep reflection, offerings, and nationwide celebrations blending faith and culture.

Major Ok Phansa Events Across Thailand

Tak Bat Devo Festivals

Several Thai cities hold the Tak Bat Devo festival.
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.

Rap Bua Festival (Lotus Offering Festival)

Rap Bua Highlights:

• 4 Oct – Luang Pho To land procession
• 5 Oct – Morning boat offerings, aquatic procession, boat races
• 6 Oct – Lotus-throwing ceremony & decorated boat contest
• 7 Oct – End of Buddhist Lent
• 8 Oct – Tak Bat Devo ceremonies

Tradition Ok-Wa 2025 – Mae Hong Son

This celebration marks the end of the Buddhist Lent with three days of festivities rich in culture and spirituality. The event begins with the “Cultural Plaza” ceremony at Wat Uthayaram, followed by concerts and a sound-and-light show titled “The Magic of Mae Sariang.” On the final day, visitors can witness the Ngeung candle procession and the Miss Ok-Wa beauty contest.

Illuminated Boat Procession – Nakhon Phanom

Miracle of Naga Fireballs – Nong Khai

Undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most mysterious and spectacular festivals: the Naga Fireball Festival. Held between the districts of Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi, this fascinating phenomenon features glowing spheres that rise from the river. The program includes sacred rituals, sound-and-light shows recounting the legend of the Naga, traditional dances, vibrant parades, the procession of wax castles (Prasat Phueng), illuminated boats, and floating lanterns. The festivities continue with Tak Bat Devo, longboat races, lively street celebrations, food and craft fairs, and an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Vegetarian Festival 2025

From 19–28 October 2025, Thais and Chinese communities observe a strict vegan diet for spiritual purification. Phuket is particularly famous for its spectacular rituals and processions.

Vegetarian Festival 2024 in Thailand

Every year, Thailand hosts one of the world’s largest Vegetarian Festivals. Popular in certain regions (especially Phuket), the festival takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year, it runs from October 2 to October 12.

Phra Samut Chedi Religious Festival in Samut Prakan 2025

Considered one of Thailand’s largest religious fairs, this celebration spans 12 days and 12 nights. It features Buddhist ceremonies, cultural performances, a lively Red Cross fair, and a bustling market filled with local products and food stalls. A festive and spiritual immersion along the riverside.

Festival and Appropriate Attire

Music and Arts Events in October

Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music

25th Asia International Guitar Festival & Competition 2025

Organized by the Thailand Guitar Society, this festival offers a unique opportunity to meet numerous internationally renowned musicians. The program includes competitions showcasing emerging talent, exhibitions, and above all, engaging conferences and concerts.

Chiang Mai International Harp Festival 2025

Under the theme Harmony is born when we play together, this festival celebrates the harp through charity and gala concerts, enriching workshops, and encounters with world-renowned harpists. It’s a true moment of musical and cultural sharing in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Bangkok International Film Festival 2025

The BKKIFF 2025 showcases over 200 international and Thai films under the inspiring theme Power in Collaboration.
This major cultural event features prestigious competitions and a professional film market from October 2 to 5, bringing together filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders from around the world.
With its scale and global reach, BKKIFF stands as Southeast Asia’s largest film festival, offering a vibrant platform for cinematic exchange and innovation

Fairs and Exhibitions

Book Expo Thailand 2025

Thailand Game Show 2025

Gastronomic Events and Leisure Activities

TEA DELIGHT – First Edition

This gourmet and cultural event invites tea lovers to enjoy three days of sensory experiences. On the programme: practical workshops on matcha, tea and homemade ice cream, areas dedicated to artisan teas, pastries and tasty treats. All this in a lush green setting by the river, accompanied by live concerts for a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

Ngo Ka Ki Festival 2025

This cultural festival immerses you in the golden age of the former mining town of Takua Pa. Through stories, architecture and local traditions, the event recreates the prosperous atmosphere of the past.

Thailand Coffee Hub 2025

Thailand: Sporting Events in October

Sakad Scenic Trail 2025

This race invites participants to discover the spectacular landscapes of the Pua district. The route passes through lush forests and terraced rice fields and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. Designed for seasoned runners and nature lovers alike, the event promises an immersion in local communities and the fresh air of the Nan highlands.

PT Songkhla Grand Prix

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.

Chronological Summary of Events in October 2025

FAQ – Thailand Events in October 2025

1. What is the biggest festival in October in Thailand?
The Vegetarian Festival (19–28 Oct), especially in Phuket, is the most famous, attracting thousands of visitors for its spiritual rituals and processions.

2. When is Ok Phansa in 2025?
Ok Phansa falls on 7 October 2025, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

3. Where can I see the Naga Fireballs?
They appear along the Mekong River in Nong Khai between 4–8 October 2025, accompanied by fairs, parades and ceremonies.

4. What should I wear to Buddhist festivals?
Wear modest and respectful clothing. For the Vegetarian Festival, white clothing is preferred, symbolizing purity.

5. Are there national holidays in October 2025?
Yes, two: King Rama IX Memorial Day (13 Oct) and King Chulalongkorn Day (23 Oct). Both are public holidays.

6. Is October a good month to travel to Thailand?
Yes. It’s the transition from rainy to cool season, with many festivals and fewer crowds compared to peak season, though rain may still occur in the South.

7. Do I need to book hotels in advance?
Yes, especially during major festivals like the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and events in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

For all other events in Thailand all year round

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.