Kanchanaburi Events and Festivals
Though Kanchanaburi has just a couple of events that it celebrates exclusively, the town is by no means a destination without fun and festivities. All of the country’s big public holidays are celebrated here with enthusiasm equal to that of the bigger cities and more developed tourist destinations. The River Kwai Bridge Week is the biggest event in the calendar and one that is especially pertinent in light of the town’s history.
January
 New Year’s Day:although Thai New Year isn’t celebrated until mid-April, the Gregorian New Year is nevertheless celebrated across the country. This day sees fireworks and festivities at the river and other key locations, with plenty of drinking and good spirit shared between locals and tourists. The following day is a chance to sleep off the excesses of the previous night before getting together with family and friends.
February
 Chinese New Year: Kanchanaburi’s ethnic-Chinese descendents celebrate this festive event with all the traditions that are observed in China itself. Local Chinese-Thais purchase new clothes, give gifts to family and friends, and enjoy street-based festivities which invariably involve dragon dances and plenty of fireworks.
March
 North Face River Kwai Trophy: this annual competition begins at the Pung-Waan Resort Kwai Noi and sees two-person teams compete against others in a variety of disciplines. Gruelling obstacles are encountered en route, making the competition all the more exciting. Entrants face a combination of cycling, jungle running, kayaking and river swimming while spectators look on in awe of the strength and stamina required.
April
 Songkran: is the celebration of the Thai New Year according to the Thai solar calendar. It’s an extremely lively affair in which the whole country is given over to a giant water fight officially lasting three days, but often spanning five. Buddhist traditions are also observed during this time, but are often lost amid the revelry. Visitors are encouraged to join in, but should be prepared to get wet.
May
Coronation Day: Kanchanaburi’s residents join with the rest of the country in celebrating the date on which their much-loved monarch ascended the throne over six decades ago.
Visakha Puja Day: this is a nationwide public holiday celebrating the Buddha’s birthday. Typically, locals in Kanchanaburi use this day to visit temples and make merit.
July
Khao Phan Sa: also known as Buddhist Lent, this is the time when monks traditionally retreat to their temples for the rainy season. Ordinations are common at this time of year with Thai males of various ages entering monkhood.
August
Queen’s Birthday: also known as Mothers’ Day in Thailand, this is a time for locals to not only honour their queen, the mother of the nation, but to show respect and gratitude to their own mothers with gifts and gestures.
November
 Loi Krathong: is a colourful and often noisy affair. Kanchanaburi’s residents make their way to the river to set sail elaborately decorated handmade creations known as krathongs, which are said to carry bad luck away. Fireworks are also typically set off during the celebrations.
 River Kwai Bridge Week: the highlight of the year in Kanchanaburi is the River Kwai Bridge Week, which begins in late November and runs into December. During this time celebrations are held at the famous bridge in honour of all those who lost their lives in the construction of the Thai-Burma railway. Though the theme is sombre, the events and atmosphere are lively and exciting.
December
King’s Birthday: also known as Fathers’ Day, this is a nationwide celebration in honour of the birthday of current monarch, King Bhumibol (Rama IX). Festivities in Kanchanaburi are lively but suitably reverent and respectful.
| 
