There is also an impressive line up of performances from abroad which are advertised in local media including orchestral festivals, ballet, music concerts and more. January/February Festivals
Chinese New Year Festival: usually takes place towards the end of January or early February. Those from the city’s large ethnic Chinese background, pay respect to their forefathers who have passed away. The Chinatown area of Bangkok, Yaowarat, has a lot of parades, contests and firecrackers as well as a Chinese food festival. March Festivals
Kite-Flying Festival: Thailand’s summer starts around March and that’s when people in the capital come out to fly kites at the renowned Sanam Luang, the fairly large area just adjacent to the Grand Palace. It has been one of Thailand’s popular sports since old times. A kite-fighting contest is held at Sanam Luang annually. April Festivals
Songkran Festival: celebrations start on the 13th April for this huge part, which serves as the traditional Thai New Year. Although better experienced in smaller towns, the festival brings the country to a standstill with a massive soaking of water-splashing rituals. There are parades of dancers, boat races and music troupes. This festival is held around Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace, Khao San road area. Be prepared for wild water fights if you are around the Khao San road area. International Festival of Dance and Music: is held yearly in Bangkok. It has a variety of first-class performances from all over the world as well as an array of dance and musical shows that have gained themselves international fame worldwide. July Festivals
Buddhist Lent Day: is the day when the monks start their rain retreat, which spans three months. Buddhists normally go to the temple to make merits and offer food to the monks, because they are not permitted to visit friends and relatives. September Festivals
Food Festival in Chinatown: Chinatown on Yaowarat road is turned into a centre for a wide range of Thai and Chinese food during September. You will also enjoy cultural and musical shows that are performed here. November Festivals
Loi Kratong: takes place all across the country and has been going on since the Sukothai period. People gather at the waterside to float krathong, lotus-shaped vessels that are delicately decorated with candles and flowers to pay respect to the goddess of water. Bangkok Beer Festival: is held when the weather gets cooler. There are many beer gardens in Bangkok, with the best-known being in front of Central World Plaza where there are a host of food and snacks to eat alongside major brews like Singha, Leo, Chang and Heineken. December Festivals
His Majesty the King’s Birthday/Fathers’ Day: takes place on December 5, King Bhumipol’s birthday. It also serves as the nation’s Father’s Day and a national holiday. You will see the king’s pictures, a lot of beautiful flowers and Thai flags decorated almost every street throughout December. | 
