Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Chinese New Year
Late January or February. Bangkok’s Chinatown is home to dragon dances, firecrackers, and endless offerings of Chinese food. Most action is in Th Yaowarat and Th Charoen Krung. Tip: Think twice if you suffer from claustrophobia.
Bangkok Fringe Festival
Late January, early February. Performing arts festival featuring Thai and international artists in disciplines including dance, theater, puppetry, acrobatics, music, film, multi-media performance, and art exhibitions. Held each year at the Patravadi Theatre. www.patravaditheatre.com
Songkran
April 8-15. Thai New Year celebrations during which, traditionally, people pour water on the hands of elder people to get their blessings. Today, young people arm themselves with high-velocity water guns, buckets, and hoses for the mother of all water fights. Tip: Prepare to get wet; pack phones and wallets in waterproof plastic containers, and realize that the clothes you wear will probably get ruined.
Bangkok International Film Festival
July, but check dates. Southeast Asia’s largest film festival shows scores of films, including a large number of Thai and regional productions. Tip: Book ahead. www.bangkokfilm.org
Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Full moon night of the 12th lunar month, usually November. Traditional Thai ceremony to wash away sins and bad luck by floating krathong, tiny boats made from banana leaves and incense, down rivers—in this case the Chao Phraya. Tip: When buying a krathong, avoid the environmentally unfriendly Styrofoam versions. www.bangkoktourist.com
Bangkok Pride Festival
Late October, early November. Week of parties, awards ceremonies, cabarets and sporting contests to celebrate Bangkok’s large gay community. Usually begins with Pink in the Park in Lumphini Park. www.pridefestival.org
