Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): this world-famous festival is celebrated by all Chinese-Thais as well as Chinese holidaymakers, and highlights include firecrackers and lion dancers, street parades and the spring cleaning of homes. Streets are often lined with stunning lanterns and incense.

Makha Bucha: is celebrated on the night of the full moon of the third lunar month and celebrates two unexpected events that took place during the Buddha's 44 years of teaching. Both events occurred on the same day, which is now celebrated by Buddhists nationwide.

Songkran: Thais celebrate their traditional New Year in the middle of April. It is a frenetic party of water fights, merit-making and fun. It is virtually impossible to stay dry during this festival, so be prepared to get very wet.

Buddha’s Birthday: this auspicious day is celebrated on 15 May in local temples. Candles are lit and processions are led by monks. Tourists are welcomed to join in.

Buddhist Lent: is held in either mid or late July and is a time for young Thai males to enter the monkhood for the rainy season and for ordained monks to stay in the same monastery for the season. Thais gain merit by offering the monks gifts of food and other essentials they will need for their retreat into their monastery.

Queen’s Birthday: is celebrated nationwide on 12 August. You will see fireworks on the beach and many locals wearing blue (the Queen’s colour). It is also Mother’s Day in Thailand.

Chulalongkorn Day: marks the death of King Rama V, a revered king of Thailand.

Loi Krathong: is one of the most beautiful festivals of the entire year. Stunning candlelit floats (krathongs) are released into the water to get rid of bad luck and floating lanterns (khom loys) are released into the skies providing a stunning spectacle of light.

King’s Birthday: is celebrated on 5 December every year and sees the whole nation stop and pay tribute to their beloved king. It is also Father’s Day.