Thailand Festivals in May 2026 – Dates, Events & Travel Tips
All you need to know about festivals and major events in Thailand for May 2026. A month packed with events. Ask for the programme.
May in Thailand is a vibrant month full of cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, and international events. From the legendary Rocket Festival in Isaan to jazz concerts by the beach in Hua Hin, this guide gives you a full overview of where to go and what to experience. Whether you’re traveling for food, music, or tradition, there’s something for everyone this May 2026.
- National events and celebrations in Thailand in May
- Cultural and Art Festivals in Thailand – May 2026
- Best Events in Bangkok in May 2026
- Sports events in May in Thailand
- Events and music festivals in May in Thailand
- FAQ – Festivals and Events in Thailand in May 2026
- Everything You Need to Know About Events in Thailand
National events and celebrations in Thailand in May
May 1st in Thailand
May 1st, Labour Day, is observed as a public holiday in Thailand. For more information, see :
Remembrance Day of the Coronation of King Rama X
Rama X was officially crowned at a ceremony held from 4 to 6 May 2019. Since then, the day of his coronation has become a public holiday.
Visakha Bucha 2026 celebrations
Visakha Bucha is one of the three major Buddhist festivals, along with Makha Bucha and Songkran. It’s a public holiday in Thailand when families take time out to go to the temple. Ceremonies are organised all over the country. To find out more about this major religious event, see the post below:
This year, Visakha Bucha falls on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and therefore Monday, June 1 will be observed as a public holiday in Thailand.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026
Every year, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony is held in the heart of the City of Angels, on Sanan Luang Square. This year, the ceremony takes place on 11 May. To find out more about the ceremony, see the post below:
Cultural and Art Festivals in Thailand – May 2026
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
Bun Bang Fai is a competition for handmade rockets made from bamboo and papier-mâché. Participants spend months designing and building their rockets, which can measure up to six metres in length and weigh more than 100 kilograms. There are two major events in May:
- Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival, which takes place from 08 to 10 May 2026 in Yasothon.
- Roi Et Bun Bung Fai Festival which takes place at the end of May and beginning of June in the Suwannaphum district of Roi Et.
Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruits 2026
From 1 to 5 May 2025, an exciting fruit festival will take place in Thailand to celebrate the country’s tropical treasures. The festival will feature a variety of activities, including fruit competitions, creative contests, expert talks and workshops on sustainable farming networks.
Visitors will be able to buy and taste top-quality fruit direct from local orchards at special prices, and take part in games to win souvenirs and prizes. Durian lovers will have the chance to sample five specially selected varieties, as well as other tropical fruits.
Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruits 2026
- Date: 1 - 5 May 2026
- Venue: Central Chanthaburi Shopping Center
- Free admission
The Neilson Hays Library Book Fair
The big book garage sale at the Neilson Hays Library will take place from May 16 to May 24, 2026, in Bangkok. For nine days, thousands of second-hand books in English and Thai, as well as magazines and DVDs, will be available starting at 20 baht.
Special Book Sale at the Neilson Hays Library
- Dates: May 16–24, 2026 (9 consecutive days).
- Location: Neilson Hays Library, Bangkok.
- Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Price: Starting at only 20 baht.
Major Exhibitions to Discover in May
In May 2026, several galleries in Bangkok will host a series of major art exhibitions and cultural events, centered around River City Bangkok, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), and other iconic venues.
Festival and Exhibition Calendar – May 2026 in Bangkok
| Dates | Events | Venues | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 | BAC Passport Winter Edition 2026 | 27 sites across Bangkok | Cultural program connecting museums, galleries, and creative spaces |
| Apr 1 – May 24, 2026 | The Hero Within | RCB Photographers’ Gallery, River City Bangkok | Photo exhibition honoring everyday heroes |
| Apr 4 – May 17, 2026 | Ethereal of Eros | People’s Gallery, BACC | Artistic exploration of emotion and intimacy |
| Apr 23 – May 31, 2026 | A Journey Without a Map | RCB Galleria 1, River City Bangkok | Contemporary exhibition on travel and imagination |
| May 2, 2026 (1 day) | Between Us: A Private Magic Experience in Bangkok | Yellow Lane | Immersive and interactive magic show |
| Until May 7, 2026 | The Architecture of Solace | M Contemporary, Gaysorn Centre | Works on comfort and architectural beauty |
| Until May 17, 2026 | The Old Town Bangkok – Historic District Exhibition | Bangkok City Library | Exhibition on the history and heritage of old Bangkok |
| Until May 31, 2026 | Bangkok Art Walk #4 | Chakrabongse – Lan Luang District | Urban art walk connecting galleries and public spaces |
Highlights of the Month
- River City Bangkok hosts major exhibitions: The Hero Within and A Journey Without a Map.
- BACC presents Ethereal of Eros, an exhibition on human sensitivity.
- Yellow Lane offers a unique event blending art and illusion.
- The Bangkok Art Walk turns the city into an open-air gallery until the end of June.
Practical Tips:
- Free or low-cost entry for most events.
- Recommended hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM for galleries; evening for shows.
- Easy access:
- BTS Saphan Taksin → River City Bangkok
- MRT Sam Yan → Gaysorn Centre
- BTS National Stadium → BACC
Best Events in Bangkok in May 2026
Outdoor Fest 2026 - Travel Fair
Outdoor Fest is a travel fair. It is an annual event that brings together travel professionals, passionate travellers and exhibitors from all over the world. The event offers a unique platform to discover the latest travel trends, explore new itineraries and find exclusive offers on travel and activities.
Visitors can meet representatives from travel agencies, airlines, tourist offices, hotels and tourist activity providers to get personalised advice and plan their next adventures. Outdoor Fest also offers conferences, workshops and presentations to inform and inspire visitors in their travel plans.
Outdoor Fest 2026
- Date: May 21–24, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Hall 5–6, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
- Free Admission
- Official Website: Outdoor Festival 2026
Sports events in May in Thailand
FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2026
- Date: May 8–10, 2026
- Location: Buri Ram
- Description: FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2026
Samui Regatta 2026
Since its inauguration in 2002, the Samui Regatta has attracted some of Asia’s finest yachts as well as large numbers of spectators who come to Koh Samui for the sailing and entertainment. In 2025, the Regatta will continue to be based on Chaweng beach, but the sailing courses and social events will extend to the whole island. Over the years, the Regatta has become a truly international event, attracting around 500 competitors from over 22 different countries each year.
Samui Regatta 2026
- Date: May 23 – May 30, 2026
- Location: Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
- Official Website: Samui Regatta 2026
Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2026 Thailand
The SUPERSPORTS 10 MILE RUN SERIES 2026 THAILAND is set to be a major event with more than 24,000 participants expected across four races in Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai.
Founded in 2019, this event offers two race distances – 10 miles and 5 miles. As part of a nationwide running series, the dates and locations include: Bangkok (City Run) on May 17, 2026, Hua Hin in August, Bangkok (Park Run) in September, and Chiang Mai in December.
Traditionally enjoyed for its relaxed and fun atmosphere, this event is designed for the whole family and serves as ideal training for both long and short-distance running.
Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2026
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Location: CentralWorld, Bangkok
- Official Website: Supersports 10 Mile Run Series 2026
Andaman Archery Championship 2026
The Andaman Archery Championship is an annual international archery event held in Satun, west of the Isthmus of Kra. This competition has quickly become one of the highlights of the Asian archery calendar, attracting more than 400 archers from various countries across Asia.
The event spans three days, beginning with preliminary qualification rounds, followed by elimination matches, and culminating in intense finals to determine the medalists.
Andaman Archery Championship 2026
- Date: May 2–3, 2026
- Location: Satun
- Official Website: Andaman Archery Championship 2026
Thailand Super Series 2026 EVENT 1
Thailand’s premier motorsport series kicks off its season with the region’s best drivers and teams. Car races in GT3, GTM, GT4 and other classes on 23 and 25 May at Buriram’s famous Chang motor racing circuit.
Thailand Super Series 2026 EVENT 1
- Date: 21 - 24th May 2026
- Venue: Chang International Circuit, Buriram.
- Official website: Thailand Super Series 2026 EVENT 1
Sports events in Pattaya
Several sporting events will take place in Pattaya in May:
- Assetwise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship from May 1–3, 2026 – Fitz Club @ Royal Cliff Hotels Group.
- Football Pattaya Cup 2025 from May 2–16, 2026 – Ban Nong Phang Khae.
- Pattaya 2025 World Boccia Asia-Oceania May 19–28, 2026.
Marathons in May 2026
Many cities will host marathons throughout May in all categories. To summarize:
- Early May: major events in Hua Hin and Bangkok.
- Mid-May: trails and half-marathons in Phetchabun, Kalasin, and Bangkok.
- Late May: major events in Hua Hin (Ultra 100K), Koh Samui (Neon Run), Phrae, and Udon Thani.
Events and music festivals in May in Thailand
Kraftwerk in Bangkok
- Tour: Multimedia Tour 2026
- Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
- Location: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok
Carmen by Essential Opera Company
On May 22 and 23, 2026, the British Club of Bangkok will host an intimate version of Bizet’s opera Carmen, presented by the Essential Opera Company and the Bangkok Community Theatre, in a dinner-theatre format with buffet included.
Carmen Opera
- Dates & Times: May 22 and 23, 2026 – aperitif at 6:00 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM, performance afterwards.
- Location: British Club, Silom Soi 18, Bangkok.
- Limited Capacity: 75 spectators per performance for an exclusive atmosphere.
- Tickets: 2,700 baht (dinner included), early bird price at 2,500 baht.
- Audience: Adults and children aged 12 and above.
Opera Siam: Ecco la Primavera – Love Songs of the Renaissance
On May 10, 2026, Opera Siam will present at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok a concert titled Ecco la Primavera – Love Songs of the Renaissance, an evening dedicated to Renaissance love songs, featuring madrigals and emblematic works by Monteverdi, Morley, and other composers.
Ecco la Primavera – Love Songs of the Renaissance
- Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
- Location: Grand Ballroom, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok
- Schedule: Doors open at 6:00 PM (bar and snacks)
- Ticket Price: 900 baht
Bangkok Liszt Festival
The Bangkok Liszt Festival will celebrate the romantic genius of Franz Liszt with a series of concerts.
Bangkok Liszt Festival
- Dates: May 22, 23, and 24, 2026
- Location: Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Bangkok (accessible via MRT Phawana, Exit 1)
- Schedule: Opening on May 22 at 7:00 PM with the inaugural concert
- Tickets:
- Day Pass: 1,200 baht
- Full Pass (3 days): 3,000 baht
Satun Sup Board Geo Craft
Program & Entertainment:
- Concerts by renowned artists on the beach.
- Spectacular opening ceremony with the Fire Dance.
- Festive and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying music and the sea.
Sports Activities:
- Free introduction to SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) with experienced instructors.
- SUP competition open to all, with a trophy at stake.
Musical Run 2026
- Date: May 1–3, 2026
- Location: Bang Sila Beach, La-ngu District, Satun Province
- Official Website: Satun Sup Board Geo Craft
Hua Hin Beach Cross Country & Music Festival 2026
The Hua Hin Beach Cross Country & Music Festival 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Cha-am (Phetchaburi Province). The event combines a cross-country beach race with a major concert featuring five renowned Thai artists.
| Races (May 2, 2026) | Time | Benefits / Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| 10 KM (competition) | 4:30 PM | - Official timing - Finisher medal + T-shirt - Trophies for the top 5 - Prizes up to 8,000 THB |
| 3 KM (fun run) | 4:40 PM | - Open to all - Souvenir medal - Friendly atmosphere |
| Concerts (May 2, 2026) | Time | Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Concert | From 6:00 PM | - Ben Chalatit - The TOYS - Golf F.Hero - Scrubb - Tilly Birds |
Recap of Events and Festivals in May
May is one of the richest months in the Thai calendar. Between major Buddhist celebrations, agrarian festivals, sporting events, international concerts, and cultural fairs, the month combines ancient traditions with contemporary programming. Here is the updated calendar of the main events in Thailand in May 2026.
| Dates | Event | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Labor Day | National | Public Holiday |
| May 1–5 | Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruits | Chanthaburi | Food Festival |
| May 1–3 | Satun Sup Board Geo Craft | Satun | Sport & Music |
| May 1–3 | Assetwise Junior Tennis Championship | Pattaya | Sport |
| May 2 | Hua Hin Beach Cross Country & Music Festival | Cha-am | Sport & Concert |
| May 2–3 | Andaman Archery Championship | Satun | Sport |
| May 2–16 | Football Pattaya Cup | Pattaya | Sport |
| May 4–6 | Coronation Commemoration of Rama X | National | Public Holiday |
| May 8–10 | Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival | Yasothon | Traditional Festival |
| May 8–10 | FIM Asia Road Racing Championship | Buriram | Motorsport |
| May 10 | Kraftwerk Multimedia Tour | Bangkok | Concert |
| May 11 | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Bangkok | Royal Ceremony |
| Mid-May (TBC) | Visakha Bucha | National | Buddhist Festival |
| May 16–24 | Neilson Hays Book Fair | Bangkok | Culture |
| May 17 | Supersports 10 Mile Run | Bangkok | Marathon |
| May 19–28 | World Boccia Asia-Oceania | Pattaya | Sport |
| May 21–24 | Outdoor Fest 2026 | Bangkok | Expo |
| May 21–24 | Thailand Super Series | Buriram | Motorsport |
| May 23–30 | Samui Regatta | Koh Samui | Water Sport |
| Late May–Early June | Roi Et Bun Bang Fai | Roi Et | Traditional Festival |
| All Month | Exhibitions BACC – River City – Bangkok Art Walk | Bangkok | Art |
Highlights of the Month Not to Miss
For Thai Traditions
- Visakha Bucha
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony
- Bun Bang Fai in Yasothon and Roi Et
For Original Festivals
- Chanthaburi Fruit Festival
- Satun Sup Board Geo Craft
- Hua Hin Beach Cross Country & Music Festival
For Sports Enthusiasts
- Samui Regatta
- FIM Asia Road Racing
- Thailand Super Series
- Supersports 10 Mile Run
FAQ – Festivals and Events in Thailand in May 2026
What are the public holidays in Thailand in May 2026?
May 1 (Labor Day), the commemoration of the Coronation of King Rama X (May 6), Visakha Bucha, and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony (not a public holiday) are the main official holidays or events.
What is the biggest traditional festival in May?
The Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) in Yasothon is one of the most spectacular in the country.
Where can you see festivals around Bangkok in May?
Bangkok hosts exhibitions at BACC, River City, Outdoor Fest, Neilson Hays Book Sale, and the Kraftwerk concert.
Are there events on the islands in May?
Yes, the Samui Regatta is one of the major highlights of the month. Koh Samui also hosts races and festive events.
Is May a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes. It is an interesting period to combine cultural festivals with sometimes lower prices before the European summer high season.
What is the most original event?
The Bun Bang Fai, with its handmade rockets launched to call for rain, is probably the most unique event of the month.
