Thailand has 19 national holidays in 2026. These holidays fall into three categories: Buddhist festivals (based on the lunar calendar, like Visakha Bucha), royal celebrations (like the Queen Mother's Birthday), and secular/international holidays (like New Year's Day).
Most last just one day, so your trip is rarely disrupted. Longer celebrations—like Songkran or major royal events—can stretch 2–5 days, which may affect travel plans. Still, for travelers, holidays are generally more about fun, colors, and festivities than full city shutdowns.
2026 Thailand Public Holidays Calendar
| Date 2026 | Holiday | Days Off |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 31, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 | New Year's Day | 5 |
| Mar 3 | Makha Bucha (to honor the Buddha's core teachings and the first great assembly of his disciples.) | 1 |
| Apr 5–7 | Chakri Day (to honor the founding of the Chakri Dynasty) | 3 |
| Apr 12–16 | Songkran Festival | 5 |
| May 1 | Labor Day | 1 |
| May 4 | King's Coronation | 1 |
| May 31–Jun 1 | Visakha Bucha (celebrated for the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing (parinirvana)) | 2 |
| Jun 3 | Queen Suthida's Birthday | 1 |
| Jul 29 | Asahna Bucha (celebrated for the Buddha's first sermon) | 1 |
| Jul 30 | Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa, celebrated for the monks' annual rains retreat) | 1 |
| Jul 28 | King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday | 1 |
| Aug 12 | Queen Mother's Birthday (Mother's Day) | 1 |
| Oct 13 | Memorial Day of King Bhumibol | 1 |
| Oct 23 | Chulalongkorn Day (celebrated for honoring King Rama V's reforms and modernization of Thailand) | 1 |
| Dec 5–7 | King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) | 3 |
| Dec 10 | Constitution Day | 1 |
Dates in 2025 are adjusted according to Thailand's rule: holidays falling on weekends are observed on the following weekday(s).
Thailand Public Holidays in January
- Jan 1 – New Year's Day
January 1 is the official holiday, but the real action happens the night before. Expect packed attractions, hotels, and heavy travel demand.
Thailand Public Holidays in February and March
- Makha Bucha – March 3, 2026 (based on the lunar calendar, usually in Feb/Mar)
Makha Bucha is the only public holiday during this period. On this day, alcohol sales pause, and locals flock to temples to make merit, listen to sermons, and join evening candlelit processions—making it a rare chance to see these Buddhist traditions up close.
Makha Bucha Day, Wat Maheyong, in the AyutthayaThailand Public Holidays in April
- Chakri Day – Apr 6
- Songkran Festival – Apr 13–15
Songkran Festival is Thailand's biggest party. You can expect three days of water fights everywhere. If you'd rather stay dry, try to avoid city centers during peak water-fight hours.
Traveling during Songkran is somewhat challenging. Families are suggested to book your hotels at least six months in advance for a better chance of securing family rooms. Since some family-run restaurants may close, staying near a large shopping mall ensures convenient dining options. To avoid the heavy traffic caused by water fights, try to stay clear of city centers and main activity areas.
Thailand Public Holidays in May
- May 1 – Labor Day
- May 4 – King's Coronation Day
- Visakha Bucha – May 31, 2026 (based on the lunar calendar, usually May/Jun)
May is more varied. Labor Day passes with little effect. King's Coronation Day may cause short-term road closures near palaces.
Then comes Visakha Bucha, an important Buddhist holiday. Temples are busy with ceremonies. Locals often make merit in the early morning, and in the evening, you can see candlelit processions with monks.
Thailand Public Holidays in June to August
- Queen Suthida's Birthday – Jun 3
- Asahna Bucha – Jul 29, 2026 (based on the lunar calendar, usually Jul)
- Buddhist Lent – Jul 30, 2026 (based on the lunar calendar, usually Jul)
- King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday – Jul 28
- Queen Mother's Birthday (Mother's Day) – Aug 12
Between June and August, Thailand celebrates its royal family. You'll notice streets decked out with royal portraits and festive lights, which makes the cities feel extra special. Expect long-weekend traffic and crowds.
The Grand Palace, BangkokThailand Public Holidays in September and October
- Memorial Day of King Bhumibol – Oct 13
- Chulalongkorn Day – Oct 23
September is completely free of public holidays, and October has two royal celebrations, so travel is smooth and crowds are normal.
Thailand Public Holidays in November
November doesn't have official public holidays, but it's festival season with major cultural events like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng.
You can float lotus-shaped lanterns on rivers during the nationwide Loy Krathong or, in Chiang Mai, release sky lanterns into the night sky at the Yi Peng Festival.
Hotels in Chiang Mai get booked up quickly as a hot spot, so if you're planning to go, book early.
Thailand Public Holidays in December
- King Bhumibol's Birthday (Father's Day) – Dec 5
- Constitution Day – Dec 10
- New Year's Eve – Dec 31
The big moment in December, of course, is New Year's Eve (Dec 31). If you're a partygoer, Bangkok's countdowns and Phuket's beach parties will thrill you. For a more culturally immersive New Year's countdown, go to Chiang Mai, release your own sky lanterns, and see the spectacle of thousands of sky lanterns drifting into the sky.
If you're a couple or a family, you might enjoy a private hotel dinner or a smaller town celebration for a cozier, more intimate way to welcome the new year.
Just plan early, as it's one of the busiest weeks for flights and hotels.
See the best customized Thailand tour for the New Year: 10-Day Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui tour.
FAQ – Thailand Public Holidays 2025
Q1: What is the biggest holiday in Thailand?
A: Songkran (mid-April) is the biggest, with nationwide water fights and multi-day celebrations, especially in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket.
Q2: Are all the businesses closed on holidays in Thailand?
A: Most attractions, shops, and restaurants stay open. Exceptions: some family-run restaurants during Songkran, the Grand Palace on royal holidays, and limited nightlife on Buddhist holidays.
Q3: Do public holidays affect transportation?
A: Yes. Long weekends and major festivals can cause traffic jams, busy trains, and packed flights. Book ahead to avoid delays.
Q4: Which holidays should I avoid if I don't like crowds?
A: Songkran and New Year's Eve. These bring the biggest surges in domestic travel.
Q5: What are the best holidays to experience Thai culture?
A: Buddhist festivals like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha for spiritual traditions, or Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in November for lantern and river rituals.
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