Thailand Holidays: 2025–2026 Dates, Best Time to Visit, Festivals, Packages, Tips
Planning Thailand holidays in 2025–2026 is easier when you know the key public holiday dates, festival periods, and the best months to visit each region. This guide brings together the national calendar, what closes and when, and seasonal weather patterns across the Andaman and Gulf coasts. You will also find practical tips on Songkran and Loy Krathong, sample multi-centre itineraries, and how to book cheap Thailand holidays or all-inclusive packages. Use this as a clear starting point and always verify local announcements before finalizing bookings.
Quick overview: Thailand public holidays and festival calendar
Thailand’s calendar blends fixed-date national holidays with lunar-based Buddhist holy days and widely celebrated cultural festivals. Understanding this rhythm helps you avoid surprises such as bank closures, alcohol sales restrictions, or fully booked transport during long weekends. While the government announces official public holidays and any substitute days, local observance can vary, especially for festivals that are not always official days off.
For 2025, Songkran remains the largest holiday period nationwide, while Loy Krathong lights up rivers and lakes in November. Chinese New Year is not an official nationwide public holiday, but it is widely observed in Thai-Chinese communities and can influence opening hours in Bangkok’s Yaowarat, Phuket Town, and many provincial capitals. Looking ahead, 2026 will follow the same pattern: fixed national dates supplemented by lunar festivals announced closer to the time. Always cross-check dates with your hotel or local authorities, as policies on closures and substitute days may change.
2025 key holiday dates at a glance
Here are the Thailand holiday dates 2025 most travelers look for, including widely observed festivals. Some dates follow the lunar calendar and may shift each year, so reconfirm before you travel.
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (national holiday)
- Chinese New Year: January 29–31 (widely observed; not always an official national holiday)
- Makha Bucha: February 12 (Buddhist holy day; alcohol sales typically banned)
- Chakri Memorial Day: April 6 (if on a weekend, a substitute weekday is usually announced; 2025 likely observed the next working day)
- Songkran Festival: April 13–15 (national holidays; major closures and peak travel)
- Labor Day: May 1 (national holiday)
- Coronation Day: May 4; substitute day May 5 (national holiday; substitute announced)
- Visakha Bucha: May 11 (Buddhist holy day; alcohol sales typically banned)
- Asalha Bucha: July 10 (Buddhist holy day; alcohol sales typically banned)
- King’s Birthday: July 28 (national holiday)
- Queen Mother’s Birthday/Mother’s Day: August 12 (national holiday)
- Memorial Day for King Bhumibol: October 13 (national holiday)
- Chulalongkorn Day: October 23 (national holiday)
- Loy Krathong: November 6 (festival; not a national day off)
- King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day: December 5 (national holiday)
- Constitution Day: December 10 (national holiday)
- New Year’s Eve: December 31 (national holiday)
Important: Dates and substitute days can change following official announcements. Buddhist holy days, Yi Peng (in Chiang Mai), and Loy Krathong follow the lunar calendar, so check local listings close to travel. When a holiday falls on a weekend, a weekday “substitute holiday” is commonly observed and many offices and banks will close.
Major festivals explained: Songkran, Loy Krathong, Buddhist holy days
Songkran (April 13–15) marks Thai New Year and is celebrated with water-splashing, cultural merit-making at temples, and family reunions. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket become lively hubs with street parties, road closures, and very high transport demand. Expect many businesses to reduce hours or close; book flights, trains, and hotels well ahead. If you prefer quieter celebrations, look for community-led events and cultural performances away from the busiest streets.
Loy Krathong is usually in November, when people float decorated leaf or bread baskets (krathongs) on waterways to give thanks and symbolize renewal. Top places to experience it include Chiang Mai (often paired with Yi Peng lantern events), Sukhothai Historical Park, and Bangkok’s riverside parks. On Buddhist holy days such as Makha, Visakha, and Asalha Bucha, alcohol sales are typically banned and bars may close. Keep etiquette in mind: dress modestly when entering temple grounds, ask before photographing worshippers, avoid litter, and use eco-friendly krathongs made from natural materials.
Best time to visit Thailand by season and region
Thailand’s climate varies by region, so the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) have different monsoon patterns. Understanding these patterns helps you pick the right month for calm seas, diving visibility, and reliable sunshine.
As a rule of thumb, the Andaman is dry and settled from November to April, while the Gulf islands enjoy their best weather from April to September. Shoulder seasons often bring lower prices and smaller crowds, though you may see brief showers. If you are planning beach holidays Thailand visitors often combine with city stays, align your coast choice with the season to reduce weather risk.
Weather by coast: Andaman vs Gulf (month-by-month overview)
The Andaman coast shines from November to April, with calmer seas for boating and snorkeling around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and the Similan-adjacent Khao Lak. May to October brings heavier swells and more frequent rain, which can disrupt ferries and reduce underwater visibility, though hotel rates drop and greenery flourishes. Divers often find late winter to early spring offers clearer water on the Andaman side.
| Region | Best months | Rainier months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak) | Nov–Apr | May–Oct | Calmer seas in high season; rougher surf and some ferry disruption in monsoon. |
| Gulf (Koh Samui, Phangan, Tao) | Apr–Sep | Oct–Jan | Good diving and boating in summer months; heavier showers late year. |
Tip: Shoulder months like late October or late April on the Andaman, and March or October on the Gulf, can deliver value pricing with mixed but manageable weather. Always verify local marine advisories, especially if traveling with children or planning inter-island ferries.
Travel planning around closures and restrictions
Public holidays and religious observances influence what is open, how alcohol is served, and how crowded roads and transport hubs become. Banks and government offices close on national holidays and substitute days, while tourist-focused services may adjust hours rather than close fully. During long weekends, demand for flights, trains, and buses rises steeply, so advanced booking is essential.
Alcohol rules on Buddhist holy days
On Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha, Thailand typically bans the sale of alcohol in retail outlets and many bars. Entertainment venues may close or limit service, and promotions are usually suspended. Hotel restaurants sometimes adjust service policies, but expect reduced availability. These restrictions aim to maintain a respectful environment on holy days observed nationwide.
Enforcement can vary by province and venue type. In addition to holy day rules, Thailand’s regular retail sales windows commonly allow purchases around late morning to early afternoon and again in the evening, with mid-afternoon and late-night bans in many areas. Expect stricter checks during holy days and major festivals. Always look for posted notices and confirm with your hotel one to two days in advance.
Government, banks, and transport during holidays
Government offices and banks close on national public holidays and on any substitute weekday when a holiday falls on a weekend. Immigration counters at airports stay open, but routine services at district offices pause. Museums and historical parks may open with reduced hours or special schedules, while privately run attractions often follow their own holiday timetables.
Public transport continues to run but sells out quickly during Songkran, New Year, and long weekends. Book intercity trains and buses at least two to four weeks in advance for standard periods, and four to eight weeks for peak holidays. For flights, lock in fares as early as possible during festival periods, and consider off-peak times of day to avoid crowds. If driving, anticipate police checkpoints and heavy traffic when residents travel to their hometowns.
Top holiday destinations and trip ideas
Thailand offers easy combinations of beaches, culture, and nature for two-centre holidays in Thailand or longer multi-centre trips. Decide first whether your beach time should be on the Andaman or Gulf side based on season, then layer in city or northern highland experiences. The country’s domestic flight network, overnight trains, and well-developed ferry routes make it simple to connect regions without excessive backtracking.
From Phuket Thailand holidays with family-friendly resorts, to quieter Khao Lak for couples, to culture-rich Chiang Mai paired with Ayutthaya’s ruins, you can tailor the pace and style. The following ideas highlight best months, travel times, and who each place suits, including where to find all-inclusive options.
Beach breaks: Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Samui
Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman coast are best from November to April, with calmer seas and frequent sunshine. Phuket suits families and groups with many resort choices, waterparks, and dining areas; Krabi offers dramatic limestone scenery and island-hopping. Khao Lak, north of Phuket, is quieter and popular with couples and divers heading to the Similan Islands. On the Gulf side, Koh Samui and nearby Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are ideal from April to September; Samui suits families and couples, Phangan ranges from quiet bays to full-moon festivities, and Tao is a diving hub.
From Bangkok, expect about 1 hour 20 minutes by air to Phuket or Krabi, and just over an hour to Koh Samui. Overland and ferry combinations to Samui can take 9–12 hours depending on route. All-inclusive and package options are most common in Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui, including family-friendly and luxury choices. Note that seas can be rough on the Andaman from May to October and on the Gulf from October to January, which may disrupt ferries and snorkeling trips.
Culture-rich cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya
Bangkok blends royal heritage and modern energy. Key sights include the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and riverside neighborhoods. Chiang Mai’s Old City is lined with historic temples, craft markets, and cooking schools, with mountain excursions nearby. Ayutthaya, a short trip north of Bangkok, features UNESCO-listed ruins and a scenic river setting best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Plan 2–4 days in Bangkok, 3–4 in Chiang Mai, and a day trip or overnight in Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng lantern events often align with Loy Krathong, making November a special time to visit, though dates vary. Trains and vans connect Bangkok with Ayutthaya in about 1–1.5 hours. Bangkok–Chiang Mai flights take around 1 hour 15 minutes; overnight trains are a classic alternative. Dress codes apply at temples: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering main halls, and behave respectfully near religious and royal imagery.
Multi-centre Thailand itineraries (7–14 days)
For a compact plan, a 7-day two-centre holiday works well: Bangkok (3 nights) plus a beach base (4 nights) such as Phuket in November–April or Koh Samui in April–September. This balances urban culture with downtime by the sea. If you prefer fewer hotel changes, make Bangkok a one-night stop and spend the rest of the week on the coast.
A popular 10-day three-centre template is Bangkok (3 nights) + Chiang Mai (3 nights) + beach (4 nights). For 14 days, try a north–south loop: Bangkok (3) → Chiang Mai (4) → beach (6–7). Use one-way domestic flights to save time and consider an overnight train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. To minimize backtracking, book open-jaw international flights into Bangkok and out of Phuket or Samui. Reverse the order based on season: prioritize the Andaman in November–April and the Gulf in April–September.
Costs, deals, and booking strategies
Prices for holidays packages to Thailand swing with the seasons and major festivals. Airfares and hotel rates rise around Songkran, New Year, and long weekends, while shoulder seasons offer meaningful savings. Decide whether you want the predictability of a package, the flexibility of DIY, or a hybrid approach where you bundle flights and a few nights, then plan the rest independently.
For cheap Thailand holidays, be flexible with dates and compare multiple departure airports. Use fare alerts, monitor sales, and consider midweek departures. If your schedule is fixed, book early for peak periods; if not, last-minute deals can be good value in low season, especially on the Andaman coast between May and October and on the Gulf during late-year rainier months.
How to find cheap Thailand holidays
Target shoulder seasons to reduce costs without sacrificing too much sunshine. On the Andaman, late October or late April can be excellent value; on the Gulf, March or October often works. Avoid peak weeks such as Songkran and Christmas–New Year unless you book well ahead. Compare prices from different cities, consider nearby airports for better fares, and use flexible date tools to spot cheaper windows.
Mix strategies: book early for peak dates and look for last-minute offers in low season. Direct hotel offers may include extras like transfers or resort credit. As rough guidance, shoulder-season savings versus peak can range widely depending on destination and demand, often showing noticeable reductions on room rates. If you are seeking Thailand luxury holidays, look for added-value inclusions rather than headline discounts.
All-inclusive and package holiday tips
Thailand all inclusive holidays are most common in Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. A typical package includes accommodation, daily meals, selected drinks, airport transfers, and some activities. Families and groups benefit from predictable budgets, kids’ clubs, and on-site facilities, while independent travelers may prefer flexibility to dine and explore elsewhere.
Know the difference: true all-inclusive usually covers three meals daily, snacks, and a defined drinks list; full-board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner but not drinks; half-board covers breakfast and one main meal. Pros of packages include convenience and fixed costs; cons include less spontaneity and potential restrictions on dining times or venues. Alcohol service may be limited on Buddhist holy days regardless of package terms, so check hotel policies in advance.
Practical etiquette and safety during festivals
Participating in festivals is a highlight of Thailand holidays 2025–2026, but respectful behavior ensures everyone enjoys the experience. Temples and processions are active places of worship, and simple etiquette goes a long way.
Songkran is energetic and family-friendly in many areas, but you should plan for water exposure and road safety. Protect your belongings, opt for quick-dry clothing, and choose designated celebration zones if traveling with children or elders. During Loy Krathong, be mindful around waterways and help reduce waste by choosing eco-friendly offerings.
Respectful behavior at temples and processions
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering main temple halls. Keep voices low, do not touch sacred objects, and avoid blocking pathways during processions or merit-making. Ask permission before photographing worshippers, and never climb on statues or structures. When seated near monks, avoid direct physical contact; women should not hand items directly to monks.
Show respect for royal imagery and national symbols in public settings. For festival offerings such as krathongs, choose natural materials like banana leaves and flowers or biodegradable bread to reduce environmental impact. Common mistakes to avoid include pointing feet toward Buddha images, stepping on temple thresholds, and using flash photography during ceremonies.
Songkran safety and packing checklist
Prepare for water play with waterproof phone cases, a small dry bag, quick-dry clothing, and non-slip footwear. Pack eye protection such as clear goggles for children, carry a copy of your ID in a sealed pouch, and keep banknotes in a zip bag. A light extra layer helps in air-conditioned spaces after getting wet. If you use masks, bring spares so you can change into a dry one.
Stay safe by avoiding driving during peak splash times, using clean water in any water play, and respecting no-splash zones near temples, hospitals, and official areas. Families can look for designated, alcohol-free celebration streets often set up by local authorities. Follow local rules and instructions from festival marshals to keep the experience fun for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main public holidays in Thailand in 2025?
Major 2025 dates include Makha Bucha (Feb 12), Chakri Day (Apr 6), Songkran (Apr 13–15), Labor Day (May 1), Coronation Day (May 4; substitute May 5), Visakha Bucha (May 11), Asalha Bucha (Jul 10), King’s Birthday (Jul 28), Queen Mother’s Birthday (Aug 12), Memorial Day for King Bhumibol (Oct 13), Chulalongkorn Day (Oct 23), Loy Krathong (Nov 6), King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day (Dec 5), Constitution Day (Dec 10), and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31). Chinese New Year is Jan 29–31 (widely observed). Substitute days may be added when holidays fall on weekends.
When is the best time to visit Thailand for beach holidays?
For the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak), the best months are November to April with lower rain. For the Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao), April to September is typically best. October–January can be wetter on the Gulf islands.
Are alcohol sales banned on Buddhist holidays in Thailand?
Yes, alcohol sales are typically prohibited on major Buddhist days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha. Many bars and entertainment venues close or reduce service on these days. Always check local notices, as enforcement can vary by area.
How crowded and expensive is Thailand during Songkran?
Songkran (Apr 13–15) is very crowded in major hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Flight and hotel prices often rise significantly and popular areas can sell out 4–8 weeks in advance. Book early and expect street closures and high demand for transport.
Do banks and government offices close on Thai public holidays?
Yes, banks and government offices close on national public holidays and may observe substitute days. Visa and official services are unavailable during closures. Plan applications and currency needs before holiday periods.
Where is the best place to celebrate Loy Krathong?
Chiang Mai is famous for lantern displays alongside river krathongs, while Sukhothai Historical Park offers a heritage setting with cultural shows. Bangkok hosts large riverside events with fireworks. Arrive early to secure viewing spots.
What is a good 10-day multi-centre itinerary in Thailand?
A balanced 10-day plan: Bangkok (3 nights) for temples and food, Chiang Mai (3 nights) for culture and nature, and a beach destination (4 nights) like Phuket or Koh Samui. Use one-way flights between regions to save time.
Is Thailand suitable for all-inclusive holidays and what do they include?
Yes, Thailand offers all-inclusive options mainly in beach resorts such as Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. Packages often include accommodation, meals, selected drinks, airport transfers, and some activities. Check alcohol policies on religious days.
Conclusion and next steps
Thailand’s 2025–2026 holiday calendar blends fixed national observances with lunar-based Buddhist days and cherished festivals. For smooth travel, note the core dates, expect substitute days when holidays fall on weekends, and plan around Songkran’s nationwide peak. Alcohol sales are often restricted on holy days, and banks and government offices close on official holidays, while transport demand surges during long weekends.
Match your beach plans to the season: Andaman from November to April and the Gulf from April to September. Use shoulder seasons for better value and consider two-centre or multi-centre holidays Thailand travelers favor, pairing cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai with a well-timed beach stay. If packages appeal, Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui offer the widest all-inclusive options, but verify hotel policies for religious days. Finally, celebrate respectfully: choose eco-friendly festival practices, follow temple dress codes, and check local notices for any updates to dates, closures, or transport schedules.
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