10 Things to Do in Bangkok Over the Year: Celebrations & Events

These things to do in Bangkok over the year cover the best celebrations & events in the city, as well as attractions to visit each month.

As a tropical country, Thailand is often associated with Summer vacations and resorts. This is only one side of the coin, though. The capital of Thailand is a center of cultural events, seasonal attractions, and unique customs. See the top 10 things to experience in this city during your stay, no matter when you come. 

Bangkok Travel Tips

Of course, this website is full of tips for visiting Bangkok, but here is a quick overview:

Getting Around: As a capital, Bangkok has great infrastructure for tourists. Transportation includes sky trains, subways, river transportation, and traditional buses.

Currency and Spending: In Thailand, the Thai Baht is predominately used, although some major Western changes can accept the US Dollar. However, it is best to stick with the local currency. Financial options are also versatile. There are ATMs throughout the city as well as exchange points in most shopping malls. Plus, with the help of NFC and terminals, you can find the most stable coins on the JM lists and use bank card conversion to pay digitally.

Where to Stay: Hotels include luxurious resorts, cost-effective hostels, and medium-budget places. You can easily find accommodation in Bangkok at Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hotels.com; there is something for everyone. We love the Sukhumvit area and would recommend opting for a hotel near a BTS or MRT stop, to make public transportation a more viable option1.

When to visit:

• From March to May, the Hot season, the temperature hit 35°C (95°F), and most outdoor activities are held at night;
• During the rainy season in June–October, heavy rainfalls offer a slow-paced atmosphere and green landscapes. Most activities are held indoors;
• November–February temperature is around 25°C (77°F), and the city is much more energetic. 

As all months offer unique attractions, let’s overview Bangkok’s activities year-round. 

Things to Do in Bangkok Over the Year

January: Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year date is determined by the Lunar calendar and is usually in January or February. In 2025, the celebration will take place on January 29th. This is a traditional family holiday when locals come together at home. Yet, there are events for tourists as well. 

Visit Bangkok Chinatown to see dragon parades, acrobats, and bright celebrations all day and night long. It is also a great time to try Thailand’s interpretation of Chinese food. 

February: Bangkok Design Week

Fans of modern arts and fashion can’t miss Design Week in Thailand – in 2025, it takes place on February 7th. The local Art and Culture Center holds the event, offering unique exhibitions, presentations, and cultural events. You should not be connected to the industry to enjoy the event. The center of innovations and Asian cultures, Bangkok Fashion Week is the unique blend of national motives with futurism. 

March: Makha Bucha Day

Shortly, Makha Bucha Day honors Buddha and his teachings. During this day, monks gather in temples and hold amazing ceremonies, attracting locals and tourists. You should also try food festivals, held near temples.

For locals, the day has a spiritual meaning, and the magical atmosphere feels across the city. 

April: Visit Pak Khlong Talat

Pak Khlong Talat is the largest flower market in Bangkok. As Spring arrives, you can see all possible sorts of flowers, plants, vegetables, and fruits. The beauty and exotic atmosphere of the flower market attract tourists from all over the world. Enjoying the smell of fresh flowers is the best way to celebrate Spring in Bangkok. 

May: Royal Plowing Ceremony

The Royal Plowing Ceremony is a religious event, connected with the agriculture season in Asia. The event has deep meaning for locals, while tourists visit it to see unique ceremonies. On this day, the king arrives and leads the parade, consisting of monks, agriculture workers, and religious personalities. 

June: The Peak of Gastronomic Markets

June is the peak of the humid season in Thailand. Heavy rains bring great harvests, but people commonly feel weaker and more relaxed than usual. To energize themselves, Bangkok locals eat more spicy and hot foods, and local markets in Bangkok adapt to this trend.

June becomes the best period to try all the national dishes, usually containing seafood and spicy herbs. Fruit season also begins in June–July.

July: Summer Travel

July brings with it plenty of rain and tourists to the city, however, it is also technically off-season in the South. This is the ideal time to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, Bangkok to Pattaya or Bangkok to Phuket for gorgeous resorts with great offers and rates.

August: Queen’s Birthday

Thai Queen Sirikit celebrates her birthday on August 12th. As a 92-year-old monarch, Sirikit is often called the mother of the nation. On this day, people not only celebrate the new day but praise all mothers. Traditionally, the city is decorated in blue colors, and even locals wear clothes with blue elements. The festive atmosphere is especially prominent in Bangkok. 

September: Time for Sightseeing

September is often considered the last month of the humid season. The weather conditions are better compared to August, but hotels and flights are still cheaper compared to hot peak seasons. At the same time, the city does not feature significant festivals or celebrations and sees less tourists.

September is the perfect month to see the calm Bangkok and visit the Grand Palace, museums, and temples. There is plenty of things to do in Bangkok, like the best museums in Bangkok and the incredible temples like Wat Pho.

October: Samut Prakan Lotus Event

During the two weeks in October, locals hold religious events in Samut Prakan, a province new to Bangkok. During this period, people visit the temples to ask for gods’ blessings and celebrate the royal coronation day. This is a great opportunity for tourists to feel the local atmosphere and spirituality. You can also witness food festivals, rowing competitions, and other seasonal events in Samut Prakan. 

November: Loy Krathong Light Festival

The Loy Krathong light festival is the time in Thailand to ask the gods for good fortune and prepare for the next year. Hundreds of sky lanterns fly across the Bangkok sky. The event takes place at the end of November, but the exact date may change – the festival is connected to the full moon. During these two days, locals also ask Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, for blessings. You can see water festivals as well. 

December: Christmas Celebration

Thailand is not a Christian country, but the heavy flow of tourists in December brought the festive atmosphere of Christmas to Bangkok. Locals celebrate the Winter month, borrowing traditions and customs from European countries. This is the perfect place for the Winter holidays, where the Asian and European atmospheres are combined. 

Visit the Great Gatsby Christmas festival with shopping sports, concerts, and delicious foods. Concerts take place in Bangkok all over the month, and tickets are sold out long before. At the time, 10th December is Constitution Day in Thailand, which comes with local parades and celebrations. 

Bangkok is home to plenty of celebrations, from Loy Krathong full of lights to Song Kran, full of water; the celebrations are fun and excitng! When are you planning to visit next?!