February is a wonderful time of the year to be visiting Thailand, with the cooler climate making travelling around even more enjoyable. Flowers and foliage are in bloom in the north of Thailand, popular places like Phuket and Krabi are as amazing as ever, and there are fantastic festivals and events to experience.
Here are some of the key events and occasions to visit during February:
Red Lotus Sea
February, 2023, Nong Han Kum Pavapi, Udon Thani
Each year from November through February, millions of pink water lillies bloom on Nong Han Lake in what’s known as the ‘Red Lotus Sea’ or Talay Bua Daeng. The best time to see this is from around 06.00-11.00 Hrs. before the flowers close up, and boats can be hired to take visitors out on trips usually 45-90 minutes in duration.
Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023
2-6 February, 2023, Rajabhat Park, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
This exciting event will showcase the world-class Thai martial art form of Muay Thai, and coincides with the annual National Muay Thai Day on 6 February. The programme includes a Wai Kru ceremony with 5,000 participants to set a new Guinness World Record, Muay Thai exhibition, Muay Thai industry promotional activities, and sales of merchandise and local cuisine to enjoy.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023
3-5 February, 2023, Nong Buak Hat Public Park, Chiang Mai
A popular event for locals and tourists from around the world, this festival is a magnificent occasion full of floral and agricultural beauty and takes place while many local flower species are in bloom during the cooler season. The programme includes a delightful street parade of beautifully decorated flower floats, grand stage show, Queen of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023 contest, sales of flowers, plants, seeds and other items, and of course, flowers everywhere.
Sukhothai Mini Light & Sound 2023
4 February,2023, Wat Sra Sri, Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
This much-anticipated annual event highlights the history and prosperity of the Sukhothai Kingdom, an ancient Thai capital, as a source of national heritage. This year presents a total of 7 shows, which are scheduled on every first Saturday of the month, on 4 February, 4 March, 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, and 5 August. The show starts at 19.30 Hrs.
Bangkok Design Week 2023
4-12 February, 2023, 9 Districts in Bangkok
This the sixth edition of the Bangkok Design Week is being held under the theme “urban’NICE’zation” and features over 530 online and offline activities spread throughout the nine districts of Charoenkrung – Talad Noi, Yaowarat, Samyan – Siam, Ari – Pradipat, Phra Nakhon / Pak Khlong Talat / Nang Loeng, Wongwian Yai – Talat Phlu / Khlong San, Bang Pho, Phrom Phong, and Kaset. The programme includes showcases and exhibitions, talks and workshops, musical performances, movie screenings, and performing art.
Concert in the Park #30
5, 12 and 19 February, 2023, from 17.30 Hrs., Sala Bhirombhakdi, Lumpini Park, Bangkok
Organised by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), this latest edition of the much-loved Concert in the Park series promises relaxing evenings of music in a delightful park setting. Along with guest soloists and vocalists, the programme features a mix of light-classical music, Thai and Western pop classics, famous movie soundtracks, Broadway numbers, and Thai traditional tunes.
UnKonscious Beach Festival 2023
9-10 February, 2023, Alexa Beach Club, Pattaya, Chon Buri
In its fourth edition, the UnKonscious Beach Festival 2023 comprises a pool party in the afternoon (12.00-16.00 Hrs.) and a beach party from evening into the late night (16.00-24.00 Hrs.). The event is hosted by an impressive line-up of renowned international DJs. For more information, visit: https://www.unkonsciousfestival.com/, or Facebook: unkonsciousfestival.
King Narai the Great Fair 2023
10-19 February, 2023, King Narai’s Palace, Muang District, Lop Buri
This fascinating cultural event will include an historical procession, worship dance, the ‘Narai Naruemit’ garden beautifully presented with light decorations and characters of mythical creatures, showcase of the ancient Thai traditional medicine dated some 300 years ago, the changing of the royal guard, and money folk theatre. There are numerous other activities for visitors to enjoy, such as, human chess, an ancient-style market, cultural courtyard, cultural performance, and local food, as well as OTOP products on sale.
The Biggles Big Band Amsterdam: Thailand Tour 2023
11 February in Udon Thani, and 14 February in Khon Kaen
The Biggles Big Band, a 25-piece jazz orchestra from Amsterdam, will be performing at the ‘Udon Thani International JAZZ @the museum’ on 11 February, from 18.00 Hrs. at Udon Thani Museum. They will be performing at the Khon Kaen International Jazz Festival 2023, on 14 February, from 17.30 – 22.00 Hrs. at the Treasury Museum, Khon Kaen. Admission to both event is free. Performances at Udon Thani and Khon Kaen is part of the band’s Thailand Tour 2023, scheduled during 9-24 February, in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket and Hua Hin.
Elephant-back Wedding Ceremony
14 February, 2023, Surin Public Park, Surin
One of the most unique Siamese ways to get married, this sacred ceremony known as the “Sut Tae” ritual will see the local people (known as Kuai) help couples wed in the traditional style. The grooms, clad in Thai silk, ride a majestic elephant with great pomp to greet their brides-to-be who join them atop their gigantic steed. A parade takes place as special ceremonies are performed to ensure a long and happy union. The marriage registration formalities take place while the couples are on the elephants.
2023 Mini Light & Sound Phimai
18 February, 2023, Phimai Historical Park, 16.00-20.00 Hrs., Nakhon Ratchasima
This colourful event celebrates the culture and heritage of Phimai, a prominent town during the time of the Khmer Empire. The programme includes guided tours around Phimai Historical Park – home to the largest stone Khmer temple in Thailand, traditional welcoming and blessing ceremonies, Isan (Northeast Thailand) folk music performances, and ‘ancient market’ style shops selling local food. (TAT)
