Thailand is a country full of diversity, color and ancient traditions. In the month of May, Thai culture comes alive with a series of fascinating festivals and events. Whether you are interested in religion, agriculture, good food or a unique experience, there is something for everyone.
May Events Calendar Thailand 2023
May brings an exciting array of festivals and events to Thailand. Visitors can look forward to local cultural celebrations, spectacular light and sound shows in all five regions of the country, music festivals, a street art exhibition, Muay Thai World Championships, triathlons and a sailing regatta.
Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival 2023
A highlight in May is the annual, action-packed Bun Bung Fai or rocket festival. Held in several northeastern provinces, with Yasothon and Kalasin being the most famous, this event is an experience not to be missed. During this period, the Thai ask the gods for abundant rain and a good harvest, and this is celebrated by launching home-made rockets, filled with 1 to 120 kg of gunpowder.
Locations to experience the rocket festival:
- Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
- Date: 17-21 May 2023
- Location: Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon
- Activities: Rocket processions, folk dances, merit ceremonies, rocket team encouragement contest, light and sound show, and Bung Fai parade contest.
- Si Sa Ket Bun Bung Fai and Silk Festival
- Date: 27-28 May 2023
- Location: Bueng Bun District, Si Sa Ket
- Kalasin Bun Bung Fai Phrae Wa Festival
- Date: 27-28 May 2023
- Location: Ban Phon, Kham Muang District, Kalasin
- Kalasin Bun Bung Fai Talai Lan Festival
- Date: 20-21 May 2023
- Location: Kutwa Municipality, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin
- Details: Celebrations of the ethnic Phu Thai Kutwa people, launch of 50 'Bung Fai Talai Saen' (120 kg) rockets and two 'Bang Fai Tai Lan' (1.200 kg) rockets.
- Khon Kaen Bun Bung Fai Festival
- Date: 27-28 May 2023
- Location: Kranuan District, Khon Kaen
- Roi Et Bun Bung Fai Festival
- Date: May 27 – June 4, 2023
- Location: Suwannaphum District, Roi Et.
Vijitr Enlightenment Extravaganza
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organizes the extravagant light and sound event 'Vijitr' in the five regions of Thailand – Central, Northeast, North, South and East.
- Central Region: Vijitr@Bangkok
- Date: April 29-May 7
- Location: ICONSIAM, Central Post Office (aka Grand Postal Building) and Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park) in Bangkok
- Description: The show reflects local beliefs about moonlight and bathing in the moonlight for positive energy and prosperity. It includes multimedia water features, lighting, projection mapping and 3D lighting installations along with various other activities.
- Northeast Region: Vijitr@Nakhon Phanom
- Date: May 27-June 4
- Location: banks of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom
- Description: This event includes a light and sound show with mapping and lighting features, along with many other fun activities.
- Southern Region: Vijitr@Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Date: 20-28 May 2023
- Location: Several places of interest in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Description: The event includes 3D mapping, lighting, light installation, city tours, storytelling techniques and several other activities.
- Northern Region: Vijitr@Chiang Rai
- Date: 20-28 May 2023
- Location: Various attractions in Chiang Rai
- Description: This event highlights the charm of the Lanna civilization with light and sound performances, 3D mapping, lighting, light installations and 3D projection techniques.
- Eastern Region: Vijitr@Rayong
- Date: May 27-June 4, 2023
- Location: Mangrove Forest Learning Center, Phra Chedi Klang Nam, Rayong
- Description: This event includes projection mapping on an island, a colorful underwater world of jellyfish, a light show, fireworks and music performances by leading artists.
Other events and festivals
In addition to the annual rocket festival, there are many other cultural, entertainment and sporting events across the country in May. Here's a list, sorted by event date.
Mango Art Festival 2023
- Date: 2-7 May 2023
- Location: River City Bangkok
- Description: The Mango Art Festival is the first and only arts festival in Asia that combines art with a wide variety of entertainment and activities. This festival offers art exhibitions, workshops, music performances and culinary delights. It is a must for art and culture lovers.
Samui Summer Jazz Festival
- Date: 2-7 May 2023
- Location: Koh Samui, Surat Thani
- Description: Six sensational evenings of concerts by top international artists in the island's 5-star resorts and beach clubs.
Wai Kru Nora Wat Tha Khae
- Date: 3-6 May 2023
- Location: Wat Tha Khae, Mueang Phatthalung District, Phatthalung
2023 IFMA World Championships
- Date: 4-13 May 2023
- Location: centralworld, bangkok
- Description: More than 100 countries will participate in this 10-day event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).
MAY JAM FESTIVAL IN BANGKOK 2023
- Date: May 6, 2023
- Location: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC)
- Description: An annual music festival that brings color and joy to the Thai summer with a star-studded lineup of Korean artists.
Samui Regatta 2023
- Date: 20-27 May 2023
- Location: Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
- Description: One of Asia's largest and most prestigious regatta events. The Samui Regatta welcomes famous yachts and expert sailors from all over the world.
Super Sports 10 Mile Run 2023 Thailand
- Date: May 21, 2023
- Location: centralworld, bangkok
- Description: This year's event features two exciting distances, the 10-mile run and the 5-mile run, both designed to challenge and inspire runners of all abilities.
Ao Nang Bike Week 2023
- Date: 26-27 May 2023
- Location: Ao Nang Landmark, Mueang District, Krabi
2nd KORAT Street Art
- Date: 26-28 May 2023
- Location: Activity Grounds, Polsaen Road (next to Wat Phayap), Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima
Muang Thai Triathlon @Huay Mai Teng Ratchaburi 2023
- Date: 27-28 May 2023
- Location: Huay Mai Teng, Ratchaburi
- Description: This triathlon race promises a challenging course and a competitive atmosphere.
The month of May in Thailand is filled with an array of cultural and entertainment activities that attract locals and tourists alike. Whether you're interested in music, sports, art or culture, there's something for everyone.
Is there a website that lists events throughout the year?