Thailand is renowned for its vibrant festivals, which are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the country. But while the water-splashing revelry of Songkran and the serene beauty of Loy Krathong’s lantern-lit skies are must-sees, there are numerous other celebrations that offer very unique experiences. 

Here are five lesser-known but equally fascinating festivals that showcase the diversity and richness of Thai culture.The best part: many of them occur during the so-called low season, making Thailand well worth the trip at any time of the year.

1. Poy Sang Long

Where: Mae Hong Son
When: Between March and April

Poy Sang Long is a beautiful festival that acts as a rite of passage for young Shan boys, who are ordained as novice monks during the event. It’s characterized by vibrant processions where the boys, dressed in elaborate costumes resembling princes, are carried on the shoulders of their older male relatives. This symbolizes the Buddha’s renunciation of worldly life. It’s a visually stunning event that combines religious devotion with cultural pageantry.

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2. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

Where: Yasothon
When: Between May and June

The Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is an explosive event that marks the start of the rainy season. Locals construct large homemade rockets and launch them into the sky in a bid to convince the gods to deliver abundant rain for the upcoming rice-planting season. The festival is not only about rockets; it includes colorful parades, traditional dance performances, and competitive events, making it a thrilling experience for spectators.

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3. Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival

Where: Loei
When: Between June and July

Known as the Ghost Festival, Phi Ta Khon is a part of a larger Buddhist celebration called Bun Luang. The festival is famous for its colorful masks, made from carved coconut tree trunks, topped with sticky rice steamers, and vibrant costumes. The participants, dressed as spirits, parade through the town to create a lively and playful atmosphere. The event also includes rocket festivals, traditional dances, and musical performances, reflecting the local belief in spirits and the afterlife.

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4. Buffalo Racing Festival

Where: Chonburi
When: End of Buddhist Lent (October)

The Buffalo Racing Festival is an exciting and competitive event that contradicts the buffaloes’ usual slow demeanor. It takes place during the annual buffalo fair, which was originally organized to promote buffalo trade. Today, it features races in which buffaloes are ridden by jockeys along a 100-meter track. The festival also includes a contest for the healthiest buffalo, a beauty pageant for farm girls, and more, offering a full day of entertainment and cultural immersion.

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5. Lopburi Monkey Festival

Where: Lopburi
When: Last Sunday of November

The Lopburi Monkey Festival is a unique event that honors the local monkey population, which is believed to bring good luck to the town. Every year, residents prepare a massive feast for the monkeys, consisting of fruits, vegetables, and even cooked dishes, served on tables at the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. The spectacle of monkeys enjoying their feast against the backdrop of an ancient temple attracts photographers and visitors from all over the world.

Source: Wild Alaska Ken / Shutterstock.com

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