UNDER REVISION FOR 2023
Thailand in October – a good time to visit the Land of Smiles? There is an illuminated boat procession, boat races, a domestic travel fair, a bikini beach race, national holidays – the list goes on. And because Buddhist Lent ends in mid-October, some important religious ceremonies take place. As for the weather of Thailand in October, it’s still rainy. But since it’s off season, you might score discounts on hotel rooms.
In This Post
Weather in Thailand in October
What is the weather like in Thailand in October? Because Thailand is located near the Equator, it is hot all year. And it really has only two seasons: wet and dry. As for October, it is a transitional month, when the country transitions from the wet season to the dry season.
Generally speaking, Thailand October weather will be rainy and humid in most parts of the country. But it becomes sunnier and drier towards the end of the month.
If you’re after cooler temperatures, head for the north For example, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are usually cooler than other parts of Thailand.
Thailand October Events
Check out this short list of events taking place in Thailand in October. However, keep in mind that dates sometimes change. And sometimes events are cancelled at the last minute.
Therefore, you might want to check with tourism authorities before booking your hotel room. Better safe than sorry!
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day- 13 October 2023
Flag of King Bhumibol. Photo Credit: Xiengyod.
The death of Thailand’s much beloved King Bhumibol, Rama IX, is observed as a national holiday in Thailand. Because It falls on Thursday in 2022, the following day is a holiday, as well, to give Thais a four-day weekend. In fact, schools and most businesses are closed. It is also known as Father’s Day in the kingdom.
Throughout Thailand
- 2024 – Sunday 13 and Monday 14 October 2024
- 2025 – Monday 13 October 2025
- 2026 – Tuesday 13 October 2025
- 2027 – Wednesday 13 October 2027
Vegetarian Festival – 13 to 24 October 2023
Sometimes called the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the Vegetarian Festival is held in several cities across Thailand,. And many people – especially those of Chinese heritage – will abstain from meat for nine consecutive days and nights
But the celebration in the island of Phuket in Southern Thailand is the biggest and most famous. In fact, it is held at 31 temples across the province.
Devotees in Phuket enter into trances (or so they claim). And they engage in various acts of self-mutilation. Examples include body piercing, walking on hot coals, and climbing razor sharp ladders. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
The Vegetarian Festival takes place during the ninth month of the Chinese Lunar Year. Therefore, the dates of the celebration on the Gregorian Calendar are different each year. In addition, the dates of the festival are not exactly the same in all of the Thai cities where it is celebrated.
Chon Buri, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Korat (“jia-chai”), Maha Sarakham, Phak Hai, Phang-nga, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Sarakham, Korat (“jia-chai”), and Udon Thani.
Illuminated Boat Procession – 20 to 30 October 2023
The Illuminated Boat Procession marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent. All of the 12 districts in Nakhon Phanom province launch beautifully decorated boats in the Mekong River. And some of them are set on fire. Other activities include cultural performances and street processions.
Nakhon Phanom province – 440 miles (707 kilometers) Northeast of Bangkok
Rap Bua Lotus Receiving Festival – 22 to 30 October 2023
The Rap Bua Festival, a.k.a. Yon Bua Festival, is held on the 13th day of the waxing moon of the 11th lunar month. And it is held early the next morning. Devotees pick lotus blossoms and offer them to the image of Buddha on boats.
Samut Prakan province – 12 miles (20 kilometers) Southeast of Bangkok.
HM King Chulalongkorn Day – 23 October 2023
Chulalongkorn Day celebrates the life and accomplishments of King Chulalongkorn, who modernized Thailand.
Because Chulalongkorn Day falls on a Saturday in 2022, Monday the 23rd is also a holiday to give Thais a three-day weekend
And schools and most businesses throughout Thailand are closed.
- 2024 – celebrated on Wednesday 24 October
- 2025 – celebrated on Thursday 23 October
- 2026 celebrated on Friday 23 October
- 2027 – celebrated on Saturday 23 October. Monday 25 October is also a holiday.
Wax Castle Festival and Long-boat Race – 23 to 29 October 2023
A procession of the intricately carved wax castles portraying the illuminating scenes of Heaven to Wat Phrathat Choeng Chum, and traditional long-boat races on Nong Han Reservoir.
Chaloem Phrakiat Park, and Wat Phrathat Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon.
Pattaya Bikini Beach Race – 28 October 2023
Hundreds of bikini glad running enthusiasts will race along a five-kilometer track along Pattaya Beach from 10 am to 10 pm. The race begins in front of the Central Pattaya Shopping Center. It ends with a concert by Songkran artists.
Central Pattaya – Pattaya is 930 miles (150 kilometers) from Bangkok.
Naga Fireball World Festival – 29 October 2023
The Naga Fireball World Festival marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent. On this evening, unexplained fireballs light the skies over the Mekong River.
Mueang District, Lan Naga Boek Fa in Phon Phisai District, Lan Boeng Wiang in Si Chiang Mai District, and Rattanawapi District Hall, Nong Kha
Nakhon Phanom province – 440 miles (707 kilometers) Northeast of Bangkok.
Ok Phansa Festival – 29 October 2023
Ok Phansa marks the end of the Buddhist Lent, which runs for three months during the rainy season. During this period, monks remain at a specific temple. On this day, they can leave the temple.
Meanwhile, devotees visit temples and make offerings of food. In some parts of Thailand, there are long-boat races.
Throughout Thailand
Naga Fireball Festival – 29 October 2023
Also Known as Wan Ok Phansa, the Naga Fireball Festival is held on the night of the first full moon of the 11th month of the Lunar Calendar. Moreover, it marks the end of the three-month long Buddhist Lent, a..k.a. Vassa.
During the festival, which lasts three days. bazaars, dance performances, food fairs, and rowing contests are held along the shores of the Mekong River. Beautifully illuminated boats parade down the river. And fireballs are launched into the sky.
Thetsaban Mueang Nong Khai, Nong Khai Province, Thailand
Tak Bat Thevo Festival – 30 October 2023
The Tak Bat Thevo Festival falls the day following Ok Phansa. On this day, offerings are made to the monks descending the 449 steps down the hillside from the Sangkat Rattana Khiri Temple. Following this ceremony, there is a parade from the bus station.
BTW, the festival is sometimes spelled Tak Bat Devo Festival.
Sangkat Rattana Khiri Temple – Uthai Than province is 158 miles (254 kilometers) north of Bangkok.
Full Moon Party – 30 October 2023
The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Haad Rin every month on the night of the full moon.
DJs play a variety of musical styles including trance, dubstep, reggae, and techno. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and fireworks add drama to the all-night event.
Haad Rin is crescent shaped beach located on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It can be reached by boat from Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Southern Thailand.
Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometers) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended,. The flight takes just over one hour.
Halloween – 31 October 2023
While Halloween is not an official holiday in Thailand, many shopping malls put up decorations. In addition, some restaurants and clubs stage special events.
Throughout Thailand
Samut Prakan Temple Fair – 2023 Date Pending
The Samut Prakan Temple Fair is a huge night market with games stalls and food. Held of two sides of the river, it is one of the largest and longest running temple fairs in Thailand
Samut Prakan Temple – Samut Prakan province is 12 miles (19 kilometers) Southwest of Bangkok.
If You are Visiting Thailand
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