Known for its pristine tropical beaches, ancient ruins, ornate temples and incredible architecture, Thailand offers something to see and do at every turn. The vibrant culture and picturesque landscape provide a perfect backdrop to the country’s many world-renowned festivals.
Thailand’s Floating Lantern Festival
One festival sure to top many travelers’ bucket lists is Chiang Mai’s annual light festival celebrating Yee Peng and Loy Krathong. This spellbinding event occurs each year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, when participants join in vibrant, costumed parades playing music and dancing. Let the kids take part in the pageantry and lantern-making contests by day and enjoy incredible firework displays. Guests indulge in heaping banquets of local fare while watching monks perform traditional chants during ceremonial performances. Festival-goers gather to release khom loy, or lit lanterns, into the night sky. The sacred tradition of the floating lights symbolizes new beginnings, longevity and releasing personal demons.
Participants also release krathong, small floating boats made from banana stalks, into bodies of water. Each vessel is decorated with incense, flowers, candles and personal offerings before floating into the river — mimicking the illuminated night sky. The Buddhist tradition encourages spiritual cleansing while honoring Buddha and the Hindu water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.
Photo: Chernetskiy | Dreamstime
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Enjoy the magnificent colors and intricate botanical displays of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, held each year in February and showcasing floral floats parading through the streets, accompanied by music, dancing and cultural displays. Visitors can check out various street markets and flower designs decorating the city.
Thailand’s vibrant culture and stunning landscape allow for an amazing lineup of events and celebrations. With several occurring every month, visitors will find an exciting festival to attend nearly any time of year.
Photo: © Manit Larpluechai | Dreamstime
Lopburi Monkey Festival
During the last weekend in November, the city of Lopburi hosts one of the most unique festivals in the world, the Lopburi Monkey Festival. This one-of-a-kind event brings visitors from all over the world to the Phra Prang Sam Yot (monkey temple), where the monkeys live amid the overgrown ruins of Khmer.
Showing respect and gratitude to the monkeys, believed to be descendants of the heroic monkey army of Hanuman, participants set up a lavish buffet banquet known as the monkey tea party. The tea party is set with great portions of fruits, eggs, cucumbers and various treats for the monkeys to enjoy — all donated by locals honoring the monkeys and hoping for personal good fortune.
Since the festival’s beginning in 1989, participants gather at the temple to play music and dance with the monkeys, say a few words of respect and invite the monkeys to dig into the feast — as the monkeys happily accommodate.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026“Kids Free” San Diego Returns for 15th Year
Family travelers will want to take advantage of San Diego Tourism Authority’s month-long promotion this October, offering more than 100 specials at museums, hotels, restaurants and different attractions across the region.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026Fort Lauderdale Just Got a Lot More Accessible for Families
Fort Lauderdale is already known for great weather and great beaches, but for family travelers who need accessible destinations, the city just got even better. Greater Fort Lauderdale recently collaborated with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization working to increase sensory awareness, accessibility and inclusiveness in public spaces. Through this partnership, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has recently become the world’s first KultureCity-certified sensory accessible and inclusive beach destination. While that title is bit of a mouthful, it means great things for families traveling with special needs.
ShareThis