Bangkok Events

With so many cultures and beliefs colliding in Bangkok, it's rare to be in town and not run into a festival of some description. This is especially true in the cooler months from November to February, but religious and cultural events occur year-round. Coronation Day is on 5 May - you may get a glimpse of the royals at Wat Phra Kaew. Also celebrated with some fervour in Bangkok is the King's Birthday on 5 December - some residents erect temporary shrines outside their houses or businesses.

On the cultural side of things, May sees the Royal Ploughing Ceremony halt traffic around Sanam Luang - this ancient Brahman ritual marks the official opening of the rice-planting season. The Thailand International Swan-Boat Races take place in Bangkok in October, and sees colourful crowds flocking to the Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River.