October
October 16, 17 and 18: Loy Rua - Chao Ley Festival
Traditional Chao Ley Festival (literally translated: 'Boat Day') celebrated with food, music and dance in front of the school on Koh Lipe.
October 23: Chulalongkorn Day
Commemorates the passing of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn in 1910.
November
November 2: Loy Kratong
Thai festival where little floating 'Kratongs' are decorated with flowers and candles. In the evening the 'Kratongs' are offered to the goddess of water by floating them on the waterways across the country.
December
December 5: King's Birthday
Birthday of his Majesty the King.
December 10: Constitution Day
Commemorates the day in 1932 that Thailand received its first constitution.
December 25: Christmas
Most resorts are booked solid for the weeks around Christmas and New year. Reservations are essential and should be made early.
December 31: New Year
Most resorts are booked solid for the weeks around Christmas and New year. Reservations are essential and should be made early.
January
January 1: New Year
Most resorts are booked solid for the weeks around Christmas and New year. Reservations are essential and should be made early.
January 15: Chinese New Year
Celebrates the start of the Chinese Lunar Year.
February
February 9: Makha Bucha Day
Celebrates Buddha's first sermon to his disciples.
March & April
April 6: Chakri Day
Celebrates the founding of the current Rama I dynasty.
April 13, 14 & 15: Songkran
Thai New Year: celebrated with lots of water. Reservations are essential!
May to September
May 1: International Labour Day
May 5: Coronation Day
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
May 14, 15 and 16: Loy Rua - Chao Ley Festival
Traditional Chao Ley Festival (literally translated: 'Boat Day') celebrated with food, music and dance in front of the school on Koh Lipe.
May 26: Visakha Bucha Day
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
July 7:
Buddhist Lent
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
August 12: Queen's Birthday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as Mothers Day.
