Thailand Public Holiday 2025 Guide

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, it is helpful to know when public holidays take place. During these times, some shops and attractions may close, public transport can be busier than usual, and hotel prices might go up. But public holidays can also make your trip more exciting. You might get to see colorful festivals like Songkran, the Thai New Year, or the beautiful Loy Krathong celebration with floating lanterns. This guide will explain all the official holidays in Thailand, what they are about, and how they might affect your travel. Whether you want to avoid the busy crowds or join in the fun, knowing the holiday calendar can help you plan your trip better. 📆🎊

🗓️✨Thailand Public Holiday Overview

Here’s a full list of public holidays in Bangkok, Thailand for 2025. Use this to plan your trip around festivals, closures, or busy travel seasons 🎉📆

🧠 Tips for Travelers:

• Songkran in April is Thailand’s biggest festival. Expect water fights, road closures, and fully booked hotels. Bring waterproof gear and book early 💦
• Buddhist holidays like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha are alcohol-free days. Temples get busy and nightlife may pause 🛕
• Some holidays fall near weekends, creating long holidays where locals travel. Transport and tourist areas can get very crowded 🧳
• Royal birthdays or memorial days may affect traffic and business hours, especially around major landmarks 👑

🗓️ Thailand Public Holidays 2025 Calendar

(Source: tatnews.org)

Stay organized and plan your trips effectively with our Thailand Public Holiday 2025 calendar. This comprehensive visual guide highlights all the key holiday dates, helping you schedule vacations, avoid peak travel periods, and make the most of your time in Thailand.

🧳 How Public Holidays Affect Travel in Thailand

Planning a trip around Thailand’s public holidays? Whether you're a savvy traveler or just want to avoid the chaos, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time.

🚆 Transport Demand

➤ Flights and trains tend to sell out fast, especially before and after big holidays like Songkran (April 13–16) and New Year’s.
➤ Ride-hailing apps may have longer wait times or surge pricing during festive periods.
➤ Bus terminals and train stations are often packed with locals returning home.

🏨 Accommodation Prices

➤ Hotel prices go up quickly during major festivals and long weekends.
➤ Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beach destinations like Phuket or Krabi get especially pricey.
➤ Book early if you're planning to stay during holidays like Loy Krathong, Visakha Bucha, or Mother’s Day (August 12).

🚫 Closures & Reduced Services

➤ Government offices, banks, and many businesses close during key holidays.
➤ During Buddhist holidays like Makha Bucha or Asahna Bucha, alcohol sales are restricted, and nightlife is paused.
➤ Smaller shops and family-run eateries may take several days off.

📸 Tourism Surges

➤ Expect huge crowds at temples, theme parks, and top tourist spots.
➤ Quiet spots like national parks and waterfalls may turn into full-blown family picnic zones during holidays.
➤ Songkran especially brings massive water fights across cities, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai—fun but not ideal for dry sightseeing!

💡 Smart Travel Tips Around Public Holidays

➤ Book flights, trains, and hotels at least a month in advance during peak seasons
➤ Use flexible dates to catch better deals
➤ If you're not celebrating, travel on the actual holiday morning to beat the crowds
➤ For a calmer trip, aim for non-festival weekdays

🎉 Major Holidays & Cultural Highlights in Thailand

Thailand’s public holidays are more than days off—they’re vibrant cultural experiences filled with tradition, spirituality, and joyful celebration. If you're visiting during these times, here's what you can expect:

🚫 What Closes or Changes During Public Holidays in Bangkok

Planning a trip to Bangkok during a holiday? Here’s what you might run into—and how to stay prepared:

✅ Transport & Traffic Disruptions

🚗 Heavy traffic on highways and main city roads, especially before and after long weekends
🚆 Train and bus tickets (especially to Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.) sell out early
🚖 Grab and taxis may be limited or have surge pricing during peak hours

✅ Government & Admin Services

🏛️ Banks, embassies, and post offices are usually closed on public holidays
🧾 Visa offices and government departments pause services, especially over multi-day holidays

✅ Shops, Malls & Restaurants

🛍️ Small markets and local shops may close for a few days during major festivals like Songkran
🏬 Big malls like Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM stay open, though some may have shorter hours
🍽️ Tourist restaurants stay open, but queues and wait times increase

✅ Tourist Attractions

🕌 Temples and museums may close or open for limited hours during religious holidays
🎡 Popular spots like Chatuchak or Asiatique stay open but can get overcrowded

💡 Smart Tips to Stay Ahead:

➤ Book all intercity transport and hotels in advance 🧳
➤ Check attraction opening hours before going
➤ Bring small cash—some local vendors may not use digital payment during the holidays

✨ Smart Travel Tips for Thailand Holiday Seasons

Traveling during a public holiday in Thailand? Expect big crowds, traffic jams, and higher prices—especially around Songkran or long weekends. But with a bit of smart planning, you can still enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip. 📆✈️

✈️ Book flights, trains, and hotels 4–6 weeks ahead—they fill up fast during holidays
🕒 Travel early in the morning or on midweek days to skip the peak rush
📲 Use Thai transport apps like Grab, Bolt, or Moovit for real-time updates and routes
🏨 Stay near BTS/MRT stations or main attractions to save time on transport
🌴 Pick less crowded areas like Ayutthaya, Khao Yai, or smaller islands for a calmer break
🗓️ Fly on the holiday morning itself—it’s often quieter and cheaper than the day before

Travel Smarter Around Thailand’s Holidays

With Thailand’s public holidays in mind, you can now plan your trip more wisely whether you’re joining the fun at Songkran or skipping the crowds during long weekends 📆. It’s always a good idea to start booking early, especially around major festivals and school holidays. Ready to lock in your plans? Check out the best flights to Thailand, find great-value hotels, or explore fun things to do in Thailand on Trip.com 🧳