The line-up includes the North East's famous rocket festival, the nationally outstanding ‘Vijitr' light and sound show, the Samui regatta, the Phang-nga and Ratchaburi triathlons, music festivals and more.
The month of May offers an array of exciting festivals and events in Thailand, including celebrations of local culture, incredible light and sound shows in five national regions, music festivals, street art performances, Muay Thai world championship bouts, triathlons and sailing regatta.
Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival 2023
It is also time for the joyous and action-packed annual Bun Bung Fai or rocket festival, which is held in various Northeastern provinces, the largest and most famous in Yasothon and Kalasin. Usually held mid-month just before the planting of crops to ask the gods for abundant rain and good harvests, this famous event sees the launch of homemade rockets containing from 1 kg to 120 kg of gunpowder into the sky and is an awe-inspiring spectacle. noise not to be missed.
Here are the different locations to experience the rocket festival:
Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
17-21 May 2023, at Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon
There are celebrations and activities to enjoy, besides the actual rocket launch. These include colorful rocket processions of floats and folk dances, merit ceremonies, rocket team cheer contests, light and sound shows, and Bung Fai parade contests.
Si Sa Ket Bun Bung Fai and the Silk Festival
27-28 May 2023, Bueng Bun District, Si Sa Ket
Untie Bun Bung Fai Phrae Wa Festival
27-28 May 2023, Ban Phon, Kham Muang District, Kalasin
Kalasin Bun Bung Fai Talai And Festival
20-21 May 2023, and Kutwa Municipality, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin
A tradition of the Phu Thai Kutwa tribe, celebrations at Kalasin stand out for the multitude of rockets launched as part of a huge somersault-like structure six meters in diameter. This year, apart from the launching of 50 ‘Bung Fai Talai Saen' (120 kg) rockets and two ‘Bang Fai Tai Lan' (1,200 kg) rockets, other celebrations included a procession of colorful rockets from floats and folk dances, a feat-ceremony making, and activities displaying the traditions of the Phu Thai Kutwa ethnic community.
Khon Kaen Bun Bung Fai Festival
27-28 May 2023, Kranuan District, Khon Kaen
Roi Et Bun Bung Fai Festival
27 May – 4 June 2023, Suwannaphum District, Roi Et
‘Vijitr' lighting extravaganza
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has scheduled to stage an extraordinary ‘Vijitr' light and sound event in five regions of Thailand – Central, Northeast, North, South and East Regions.
Central Region: Vijitr@Bangkok
April 29-May 7 at ICONSIAM, Central Post Office also known as the Great Post Building, and Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park) in Bangkok
This beautiful light and sound show reflects local beliefs about moonlight and bathing in the moonlight for positive energy and prosperity. The spectacular includes multimedia water features, lighting, projection mapping and installation of 3D lighting elements, among other activities.
Northeast Region: Vijitr@Nakhon Phanom
May 27-June 4 on the banks of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom
Set in a colorful setting on the banks of the famous Mekong River, this event includes a light and sound show with mapping and lighting features, along with lots of other fun activities.
Southern Region: Vijitr@Nakhon Si Thammarat
20-28 May 2023 at various landmarks in Nakhon Si Thammarat
This exciting light and sound event features 3D mapping, light up, light installation, city tour and storytelling techniques, as well as various other activities at various landmarks.
Northern Region: Vijitr@Chiang Rai
20-28 May 2023 at various landmarks in Chiang Rai
Filled with the charm of the Lanna civilization, this grand event features light and sound show activities using 3D mapping, light up, light installation, and 3D projection techniques.
Eastern Region: Vijitr@Rayong
27 May-4 June 2023 at the Mangrove Forest Learning Center, Phra Chedi Klang Nam, Rayong
This exciting light and sound extravaganza includes projection mapping onto an underwater island, a colorful underwater world of jellyfish, a lighting show on the Bridge of Fine Way, a fireworks display and musical performances by leading artists, over an area of over of 2 square meters. km and is designed to be a ‘land beyond imagination'.
Other events and festivals
In addition to the annual rocket festival, May is also busy with various other cultural, entertainment and sporting events across the country. Here is the list, sorted by event date.
Mango Art Festival 2023
2-7 May 2023 at River City Bangkok
The Mango Art Festival is the first and only art festival in Asia that combines art, design and performance. From 2022 to 2025, the Mango Art Festival will be held at River City Bangkok.
Samui Summer Jazz Festival
2-7 May 2023, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
Six sensational nights featuring top international jazz artists in concert at the island's 5-star resorts and beach clubs.
Wai Kru Nora Wat Tha Khae
3-6 May 2023 at Wat Tha Khae, Mueang Phatthalung District, Phatthalung
IFMA World Championship 2023
4-13 May 2023 at centralworld, Bangkok
More than 100 countries have confirmed their participation in the 10-day event, which will be held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA). The event will feature 3 rings and over 100 matches per day televised worldwide. The outdoor venue will be transformed into a massive festival venue with over 100 booths and a main stage with daily activities.
MAY JAM FESTIVAL IN BANGKOK 2023
6 May 2023 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC)
An annual music festival that aims to bring color and fun to the Thai summer with a star-studded lineup of Korean artists.
Samui Regata 2023
20-27 May 2023 at Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
One of Asia's largest and most prestigious regatta events – the Samui Regatta looks forward to welcoming renowned yachtsmen and knowledgeable sailing experts from around the world to Ko Samui for great cruises, great parties and experiencing all that this island has to offer.
Super Sports 10 Mile Run 2023 Thailand
May 21, 2023 at centralworld, Bangkok
This year's event offers two thrilling distances, the 10 mile run and the 5 mile run, both designed to challenge and inspire runners of all levels.
Ao Nang Bicycle Week 2023
26-27 May 2023 at Ao Nang Landmark, Mueang District, Krabi
2nd KORAT Street Art
26-28 May 2023 in Activity Area, Jalan Polsaen (Next to Wat Phayap), Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima
Click Download to save Muang Thai Triathlon @ Huay Mai Teng Ratchaburi mp3 youtube com
27-28 May 2023 and Huay Mai Teng Ratchaburi 2023