The Samui regatta, the Phang-nga and Ratchaburi triathlons, music festivals, and the renowned rocket festival in the Northeast are among the events on the schedule.
In Thailand, the month of May is jam-packed with spectacular festivals and events, such as regional celebrations of local culture, grandiose light-and-sound shows in each of the country’s five regions, music festivals, a street art exhibition, Muay Thai world championship matches, triathlons, and sailing competitions.
The 2023 Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival
The annual Bun Bung Fai, commonly known as the rocket festival, is also in full swing. It takes place in a number of Northeastern provinces, with Yasothon and Kalasin hosting the largest and most well-known celebrations. This famous event, which is typically held in the middle of the month just before crop planting to pray to the gods for plenty of rain and a good crop, involves the launch of homemade rockets containing anywhere from 1 kg to 120 kg of gunpowder high into the sky. It is an amazing and extremely loud spectacle that shouldn’t be missed.
The following venues offer access to the rocket festival:
Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival will take place from May 17–21, 2023, in Mueang District.
Along with the rocket launches themselves, there are festivities and other things to enjoy. This consists of vibrant rocket processions with floats and folk dancing, merit-making ceremonies, a competition for the best rocket team cheer, a light and sound performance, and a competition for the best Bung Fai parade.
The Si Sa Ket Bun Bung Fai and Silk Festival will take place in Bueng Bun District on May 27 and 28, 2023.
The Kalasin Bun Bung Fai Phrae Wa Festival will be held in Ban Phon, Kham Muang District, on May 27 and 28, 2023.
20-21 May 2023 will mark the Kalasin Bun Bung Fai Talai Lan Festival in Kutwa Municipality’s Kuchinarai District.
The celebrations in Kalasin, an ethnic Phu Thai Kutwa tradition, stand out because many of the rockets are launched as part of enormous cartwheel-like formations up to six meters in diameter. In addition to the launch of 50 “Bung Fai Talai Saen” (120 kg) and two “Bang Fai Tai Lan” (1,200 kg) rockets this year, other festivities include colorful rocket processions of floats and folk dancing, a ceremony to award merit, and events that highlight the customs of the Phu Thai Kutwa people.
Khon Kaen Bun Bung Fai Festival will take place in Kranuan District on May 27 and 28, 2023.
Roi Et Bun Bung Fai Festival, Suwannaphum District, 27 May – 4 June 2023
Lighting extravaganza for “Vijitr”
The elaborate light-and-sound shows known as “Vijitr” are slated to take place throughout Thailand’s five different regions: the Central, Northeastern, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Regions.
Central Area: Bangkok’s ICONSIAM, Central Post Office, also known as the Grand Postal Building, and Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park) will host the Vijitr@Bangkok exhibition from 29 April to 7 May.
This beautiful display of light and sound is in keeping with local superstitions regarding the benefits of swimming in the moonlight for good fortune and energy. Along with several other activities, the spectacular has a multimedia water feature, lighting, projection mapping, and 3D lighting installation elements.
Region in the Northeast: Vijitr@Nakhon Phanom
On the banks of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, from May 27 to June
This festival comprises a light and sound display with mapping and light-up features, along with many other enjoyable activities, in a colorful setting beside the famed Mekong River.
Vijitr@Nakhon Si Thammarat, 20–28 May 2023, at various Nakhon Si Thammarat landmarks
This captivating light and sound event includes storytelling techniques, 3D mapping, light up, light installations, city tours, and other activities at major places.
Vijitr@Chiang Rai 20-28 May 2023 at various Chiang Rai sites, Northern Region
This great event uses 3D mapping, light up, light installation, and 3D projection techniques to create light and sound performances that are reminiscent of the Lanna culture.
Region of the East: Vijitr@Rayong
Mangrove Forest Learning Center, Phra Chedi Klang Nam, Rayong, 27 May–4 June 2023
This thrilling light and sound extravaganza spans more than 2 sq km and is intended to be “a land beyond imagination.” It features projection mapping onto a watery island, the vibrant underwater world of jellyfish, lighting show at the Bridge of Fine Way, fireworks display, and music performances by renowned artists.
Other occasions and celebrations
May is jam-packed with a variety of other cultural, entertaining, and sporting events across the nation in addition to the yearly rocket festival. Here is a list of them, organized by date of the event. 2–7 May 2023: Mango Art Festival at River City, Bangkok
Asia’s first and only festival that mixes art, design, and performance is called the Mango Art Festival. The Mango Art Festival will take place at River City Bangkok from 2022 to 2025.
Samui Summer Jazz Festival, Ko Samui, Surat Thani, 2–7 May 2023
Top worldwide jazz musicians will perform six unforgettable nights at the island’s 5-star resorts and beach bars.
Wai Kru Nora Wat Tha Khae will be held there from May 3–6, 2023, in the Mueang Phatthalung District of Phatthalung.
IFMA World Championships 2023 4–13 May in Bangkok’s Central World
This 10-day event, which will coincide with the International Federation of Muaythai Associations’ (30th) anniversary celebration, has already received participation commitments from over 100 nations. Over 100 fights each day will be broadcast around the world in 3 rings during the event. An enormous festival ground with more than 100 vendors and a major stage hosting daily events will be created out in the open.
6 May 2023 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC): M.A.Y. JAM FESTIVAL IN BANGKOK 2023
An annual music event featuring a star-studded roster of Korean musicians with the goal of bringing color and happiness to Thailand’s summer.
20-27 May 2023 at Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui, Surat Thani, for the Samui Regatta
The Samui Regatta, one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious regatta events, anticipates welcoming both famous yachts and knowledgeable sailing specialists from all over the world to Ko Samui for fantastic sailing, fantastic parties, and to experience everything the island has to offer.
Thailand’s Supersports 10 Mile Run will take place on May 21 at Central World in Bangkok.
The 10-mile run and the 5-mile run, both thrilling durations offered at this year’s competition, are intended to test and motivate runners of all abilities.
The 26th and 27th of May 2023 will mark the Ao Nang Bike Week in Krabi’s Mueang District.
26-28 May 2023: Activity Grounds, Polsaen Road (near Wat Phayap), Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima; 2nd KORAT Street Art
Huay Mai Teng Ratchaburi Muang Thai Triathlon 2023
Huay Mai Teng Ratchaburi, May 27–28, 2023
