Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak - Upscale hotels & resorts

Beyond its quiet beaches, Khao Lak moves to the rhythm of its people. Festivals here unfold with a blend of devotion, color, and easy coastal charm, morning rituals at local temples, music echoing through Old Town streets, or surf contests under monsoon skies. No matter the month, there’s a sense of celebration that runs through daily life. Discover the highlights of Khao Lak Festivals that you should not miss here.

Khao Lak Festival Calendar at a Glance

The first months of the year bring cultural calm through the Chinese New Year and Makha Bucha. April’s Songkran adds laughter and water play. Green-season months welcome surfers, while October’s Vegetarian Festival immerses you in deep devotion. Loy Krathong lights up November nights, and December closes the year with celebration and remembrance. Each festival expresses the same thing: Khao Lak’s warmth and resilience.

Chinese New Year | 29 JanuaryFg

The lunar year begins with bright lanterns and temple prayers. In Takua Pa Old Town, Chinese-Thai families visit shrines, light incense, and enjoy small lion-dance parades. Firecrackers echo through the streets, while red decorations color every shopfront. It’s an intimate, joyful look at the area’s Chinese heritage.

Songkran Festival | 13 to 15 April

Thailand’s New Year fills Khao Lak with laughter and renewal. Morning merit-making starts at temples before gentle water play begins in the afternoon. The celebration here feels welcoming and family-friendly, far calmer than the citywide water fights elsewhere. Dress modestly, waterproof your phone, and join the fun of Songkran in Khao Lak.

Surf & Beach Culture Events | June to October

Once the southwest swell arrives, the shoreline comes alive. The Khao Lak Surf Festival and junior “Grom” contests at Memory Beach bring together friendly competitions, pop-up food stalls, and live music. Even if you don’t surf, the golden sunsets and laid-back beach-bar vibe make it one of Khao Lak’s most loved annual events.

Vegetarian Festival | Late October

Takua Pa’s Old Town turns white during this nine-day spiritual festival. Devotees observe a vegan diet and join sacred processions from Chinese shrines. The bridge-crossing ritual, known as Koi Han, symbolizes purification and renewal. Arrive early to witness prayers and avoid heavy crowds.

Loy Krathong | Early November

When the full moon rises in November, lakes and lagoons shimmer with candlelight. Locals craft krathongs from banana leaves, flowers, and candles before setting them afloat to honor the water goddess. Choose eco-friendly materials and arrive before dusk for the most photogenic moments. Loy Krathong in Khao Lak is one of the most enchanting Khao Lak festivals, blending beauty, tradition, and community spirit in a single evening.

Tsunami Memorial Day | 26 December

Each year on 26 December, communities across the region come together to honor those lost in the 2004 tragedy. Ceremonies at Baan Nam Khem and throughout Khao Lak form an important part of the Khao Lak Festival calendar, blending remembrance with gratitude and hope. Visitors are welcome to join, dress respectfully, observe moments of silence, and share in this heartfelt act of community remembrance.

Christmas & New Year Celebrations | 24 December to 1 January

As the year comes to a close, the festive spirit continues along the coast. Khao Lak Resorts and beachfront restaurants host candlelit dinners, fireworks, and live music under the stars. In Khao Lak, Christmas is relaxed and tropical, while New Year’s Eve brings gatherings on the sand, countdowns, and fireworks reflected over the sea, the perfect way to welcome another year in paradise.