February Festivals in Thailand 2026: Dates, Tips & Where to Go

Thailand’s Lunar New Year celebrations hit full stride on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with city programs typically spanning the adjacent weekend. The biggest action is in Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road, where lion and dragon dances, acrobatics, and street food stalls take over, but lively festivities also light up Phuket Old Town, Chiang Mai’s Warorot area, and the famed Pak Nam Pho processions in Nakhon Sawan. It isn’t a nationwide public holiday, yet many Chinese‑Thai businesses close for family gatherings, and some streets become pedestrian zones for shows.

Etiquette is simple: wear red, skip head‑to‑toe black, and be mindful around shrines. Firecrackers are regulated, so follow local rules. Expect heavy crowds after sunset and limited parking near gates and stages. Arrive early, carry small cash for snacks, and hydrate. If you’re offered ang pao etiquette varies by family, so follow your host’s lead. It’s one of the year’s most photogenic nights, so pack patience and your widest smile.

Chiang Mai’s most picturesque weekend is expected on February 6–8, 2026, when the Flower Festival ushers in a parade of orchid-laden floats, hill-tribe costumes, marching bands, and beauty queens. The grand parade traditionally rolls Saturday morning from the Nawarat Bridge area, loops past Tha Phae Gate, and ends near Nong Buak Haad Public Park, where floats are parked all weekend for photos. Expect partial road closures and traffic diversions in the Old City and along the moat.

Go early for soft light and thinner crowds. After the parade, stroll the floral marketplace and stage performances at the park. Dress for the sun, bring water, and be considerate when photographing performers, especially younger participants. Most events are free, and the city’s cool-season nights keep displays fresh for evening visits. Book rooms within walking distance, as ride-hails can be delayed during closures.

Makha Bucha, one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist holy days, is expected on Sunday, February 1, 2026, marking the full moon of the third lunar month. Temples nationwide host evening candlelight processions called wian tian, where devotees circle the ubosot three times in quiet reflection. It is a public holiday, and many bars and nightlife venues observe a countrywide dry day with alcohol sales banned for roughly 24 hours. Government offices and banks close on the holiday, while malls and transport operate as usual.

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove hats and shoes before entering temple buildings, and keep voices low during chants. Photography is generally fine outdoors, but avoid flash and step aside during the procession. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, a substitution day may be observed on Monday, so plan admin tasks accordingly. Consider joining ceremonies at accessible city temples like Wat Saket (Bangkok), Wat Chedi Luang (Chiang Mai), or Wat Chalong (Phuket).

Phuket’s pastel shophouses set the stage for one of the south’s most charming street festivals, typically held shortly after Lunar New Year. For 2026, expect a late‑February weekend, with dates likely around February 21–23 (TBC). Thalang, Krabi, and Dibuk Roads transform into pedestrian promenades with Peranakan fashion shows, Sino‑Portuguese heritage tours, live music, and long tables of street snacks. The popular Lard Yai Sunday market often expands with extra stages, lanterns, and pop‑ups in hidden courtyards.

Arrive by late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours, and park outside the Old Town or take Phuket Smart Bus/Blue Bus to reduce congestion. Ask before photographing performers or residents in traditional attire, and don’t lean against heritage facades. Many activities are free, though museum entries and workshops may charge a small fee. It’s a family‑friendly, highly walkable festival with plenty of chill-out cafes in between stages.

Often called Thailand’s grandest CNY parade, Nakhon Sawan’s multi‑day celebration features gigantic dragon dances, acrobatics, and torchlit night processions snaking through the city. In 2026, expect festivities to span roughly 10 days around Tuesday, February 17 (TBC), culminating in a spectacular final parade on one of the closing nights. Ceremonies pay homage to the deities at Chao Pho-Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Shrine, with a packed schedule of street shows, fireworks (as permitted), and community rituals.

Book accommodation early within walking distance of the old riverfront, as streets can be closed to traffic during parades. Wear comfortable shoes, bring ear protection for kids near drums and crackers, and keep valuables secure in dense crowds. While not a nationwide public holiday, many local businesses reduce hours during peak nights. It’s an unforgettable deep dive into Thailand’s Chinese-Thai heritage.

One of Thailand’s quirkiest Valentine traditions, Trang’s Underwater Wedding sees couples dive beneath the Andaman to exchange vows and sign certificates on the seabed. The program usually runs February 13–15, 2026 (TBC), based in Trang town with the underwater ceremony off Koh Kradan. Even if you’re not tying the knot, you can join parades, cultural shows, and beachside festivities celebrating love and the sea.

Couples must register well in advance and meet medical and diving requirements, while spectators should plan boat transfers early and respect marine guidelines. Expect clear seas and calm weather in February, but always follow park rangers’ instructions and avoid touching coral. Accommodation sells out quickly on Koh Kradan and nearby islands, so consider staying in Trang town and day-tripping to events.

Lopburi’s signature heritage festival transforms the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace area into an Ayutthaya‑era fair, with locals donning period dress, historical reenactments, classical dance, and nightly markets lit by lantern glow. In 2026, dates are expected for mid to late February (TBC), typically running over 7–10 days. Visitors can rent traditional outfits at the venue, snap photos against palatial backdrops, and sample old‑style sweets and snacks.

Be respectful around ruins and avoid climbing structures. The city’s famous macaques roam some areas, so secure bags and don’t feed them. Trains from Bangkok make for an easy day trip, but staying overnight lets you catch the atmospheric evening program. Some performances may be ticketed, though most markets and displays are free to explore.

Cool-season blooms linger in Chiang Rai into early February, with floral displays and light installations at Suan Tung and Khom Park and other city gardens. While the main opening typically starts in December, early February still offers vivid flower beds, a giant floral clock, art installations, and evening illuminations perfect for a relaxed stroll. Weekend craft markets and music add a gentle festival vibe without the crush of a parade.

Evenings can be brisk—bring a light jacket. Most displays are free, but small fees may apply for special zones or rides. It’s a mellow alternative to Chiang Mai’s big parade, ideal for families and photographers who prefer space to compose shots. Pair your visit with a Mae Kok River sunset or a cafe hop around the old bus station area.