May 2026 has officially arrived. Though the skies have begun to drizzle, bringing refreshing moisture, the excitement of events across Thailand remains as intense as ever.
For those seeking places to recharge physically and mentally, get ready to mark your calendars.Plan your trips,because this month offers every kind of delight—from grand traditional merit-making ceremonies and captivating art exhibitions to challenging outdoor adventures. We guarantee this month's trips will make you fall in love with Thailand in a new, unforgettable way.
Category: Art, Crafts, and Cultural Exhibitions
Art lovers and craft enthusiasts should not miss these destinations that perfectly blend local identity with contemporary design.
- Panatnikhom Basketry Fair and Traditional Merit-Making Ceremony 1-3 May 2026 at the Panatnikhom Municipal Park, Chonburi Province. Experience delicate basketry rarely seen elsewhere.
- 11th Fire Coconut Shell Shadow Puppet Cultural Festival 1-3 May 2026 at the Ban Don Shadow Puppet Museum, Rayong Province. Immerse yourself in the enchanting lights and performances of this valuable traditional art.
- 1st Talung Festival, Southern Culture Celebration 1-10 May 2026 at Thang Sadet Road and the front field of Phatthalung Provincial Hall. Celebrate southern culture in a full 10-day festival.
- Central Bangkok Craft Fair 8-10 May 2026 at Green Vintage Market, Ratchayothin, Bangkok. A collection of stylish handmade goods in the heart of the city.
- Sea Art Craft Fair at Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi 8-10 May 2026 at Cha-am Beach viewpoint, Phetchaburi Province. Enjoy art shopping while feeling the chill sea breeze.
Category: Food and Lifestyle Festivals
Foodies and café lovers prepare yourselves for events that combine delicious flavors with great vibes all in one place.
- Lab (Ph) & Craft Event 1-2 May 2026 at the Old Ban Sing Tha Community, Yasothon Province. Savor spicy Isan cuisine in a charming old town setting.
- 7th Satun Halal Street Festival 2026 1-3 May 2026 at the Tourist Service Center Plaza, Satun Province. A paradise for Halal food lovers and the largest event of its kind in the province.
- Cars and Coffee On Vacation @ Songkhla 2 May 2026 at Songkhla City Park, Songkhla Province. Enjoy sipping coffee while admiring classic cars in a laid-back atmosphere.
- Khao Ya Fest Season 5 2-3 May 2026 at Khao Ya, Mueang District, Ranong Province. A music and lifestyle festival amid golden grasslands, a notable landmark.
Category: Light, Color, and Multimedia Phenomena
Be amazed as iconic sites transform into spectacular light, color, and sound art installations.
- The Light Phenomena The Series, Year 2 (Nakhon Sawan) 1-3 May 2026 at Khlong Yuan Chuan Rak, Nakhon Sawan Province. Witness stunning riverside light shows in the city of the dragon.
- The Light Phenomena The Series, Year 2 (Uthai Thani) 29-31 May 2026 at the Local History and Culture Museum, Uthai Thani Province. Experience history through cutting-edge multimedia displays.
Category: Traditional Merit-Making Festivals and Local Identity
Experience centuries-old beliefs and faith through nationally significant grand festivals.
- Sixth Month Merit Festival and the Ghost Carrying Water Ceremony, Ban Na Sao 2-4 May 2026 at Ban Na Sao, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. Watch the unique ghost carrying water procession.
- Yasothon Rocket Festival 2026 8-10 May 2026 at Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province. Marvel at spectacular rocket parades and the launching of rockets into the sky.
- Phu Thai Million Rockets Cultural Festival 14-17 May 2026 at Ban Kut Wa, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province. See the "Million Rockets"—turbo-charged Naga-shaped rockets soaring thrillingly into the sky.
- Ten Million Rockets Festival, Bua Khok Subdistrict 16-17 May 2026 at the Bua Khok Rocket Launching Field, Tha Tum District, Surin Province. Another remarkable site celebrating the legendary rocket festival.
Category: Sports, Outdoor Activities, and Trail Running
Finally, for adventurers eager to unleash their energy and connect closely with nature, here are events tailored for runners and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
- Nan Skateboard Boat Race 2026 1-2 May 2026 at Ban Nam Krok Mai, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province. A unique water sport found only here.
- Baboon Run 2 May 2026 at Hanuman World Phuket, Phuket Province. A fun run through lush rainforest surroundings.
- Central Samui Neon Run 2026 30 May 2026 at Central Samui, Surat Thani Province. Run by the sea breeze illuminated with vibrant neon colors.
Amazing Thailand GI Tour & Trail Running (3 Regions)
- Northern region: 2-3 May 2026 at Huai Lan Reservoir, Chiang Mai Province.
- Eastern region: 23-24 May 2026 at Khao Nang Yong, Rayong Province.
- Northeastern region: 30-31 May 2026 at Ubolrat Dam, Khon Kaen Province.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
