9 Quirky Thai Festivals Dedicated to Animals

Celebrate Thailand’s Love for Animals at These Unique and Fun Festivals

Thailand is home to a unique and vibrant festival culture, but what makes it truly stand out is the way the country celebrates its love for animals. From monkeys and elephants to water buffaloes, these quirky festivals honor the creatures that have played a significant role in Thailand’s history, mythology, and daily life. These events are more than just fun spectacles—they offer an insight into the deep connection between animals and Thai culture, blending tradition with a playful spirit.

Join us as we take a closer look at 10 of Thailand’s most unusual animal-themed festivals, where the country’s love for its creatures is on full display. From grand feasts for monkeys to high-speed buffalo races, these celebrations will give you a fresh perspective on Thai life and culture.

Monkey Buffet Festival

A Grand Feast for the Monkeys

Perhaps Thailand’s most famous animal festival, the Monkey Buffet Festival is held annually in the historic city of Lopburi. Here, the local macaques are treated to an enormous buffet of fruits, vegetables, and sweets, all laid out in front of ancient Khmer temples. The festival not only attracts tourists but also celebrates the important role monkeys play in the region’s mythology, as they are believed to bring good fortune.

When: Late November
Where: Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Lopburi

Interesting Facts

• The festival began in 1989 as a way to thank the monkeys for bringing tourism to Lopburi.
• Over 4,000 kilograms of food is offered to the monkeys every year!

Things to Explore

• Watch as hundreds of monkeys feast on the elaborate buffet, climbing over tables and temples.
• Visit the nearby ancient temples and ruins that the monkeys have made their home.

HELPFUL INFO

• It’s Better In Thailand: Monkey Banquet Festival in Lopburi

Surin Elephant Round-Up

The Largest Elephant Celebration in Thailand

Held annually in the northeastern province of Surin, the Elephant Round-Up is a spectacular event that showcases the strength, intelligence, and cultural importance of Thailand’s elephants. The festival includes parades, demonstrations of traditional elephant training techniques, and re-enactments of historical battles where elephants played key roles.

When: Third weekend of November
Where: Surin

Interesting Facts

• Over 300 elephants participate in the festival, which includes a grand procession and elephant games.
• The festival is deeply rooted in Surin’s history as a center for elephant training, particularly for warfare during ancient times.

Things to Explore

• Watch the impressive battle re-enactments featuring elephants in traditional armor.
• Experience the elephant parades and learn about the historical and cultural significance of elephants in Thai society.

HELPFUL INFO

• Tourism Authority of Thailand: Surin Miracle Elephant Festival

Buffalo Racing Festival

High-Speed Fun on the Backs of Water Buffaloes

In Chonburi province, the annual Buffalo Racing Festival is held to celebrate the hardworking water buffaloes that play a key role in Thai agriculture. The festival features exciting races where local farmers ride on the backs of their buffaloes across a racetrack. The event also includes beauty contests for buffaloes, parades, and agricultural exhibitions.

When: October (during the end of the rice harvest)
Where: Chonburi

Interesting Facts

• The races are incredibly fast-paced, with buffaloes capable of sprinting at surprising speeds.
• The festival dates back over 140 years and is a way for farmers to thank their buffaloes for their hard work.

Things to Explore

• Enjoy the thrill of the buffalo races and witness local farmers showcasing their prized animals.
• Check out the buffalo beauty contests, where buffaloes are decorated and judged on their appearance.

HELPFUL INFO

• Trip Advisor: Buffalo Racing Festival

Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival

A Spooky Celebration Featuring Sacred Cows

The Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, is one of the quirkiest events in Thailand. While the festival’s main focus is on spirits and masked revelers, it also pays homage to sacred animals, including cows and buffaloes. The festival features animal processions and parades where locals dress in elaborate ghost masks and costumes, dancing through the streets to honor the spirits of the land and the animals that help in farming.

When: June
Where: Dan Sai, Loei Province

Interesting Facts

• The festival is believed to call on spirits for rain to ensure a successful farming season, with animals playing a key role in these rituals.
• The colorful masks and costumes are handmade, often representing spirits that protect crops and animals.

Things to Explore

• Witness the lively parades featuring sacred animals and villagers dressed as spirits.
• Learn about the spiritual connection between animals, farming, and Thai folklore.

HELPFUL INFO

• Wikipedia: Phi Ta Khon

King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

A Regal Sport Played by Elephants

Elephant polo is one of the more unusual sporting events in Thailand. The King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament sees teams of players riding elephants and playing a modified version of polo. The event, held in Bangkok, is not just a quirky sport but also a charity event that raises funds for elephant conservation projects across the country.

When: Annually in March
Where: Bangkok

Interesting Facts

• The event was originally held in Hua Hin before moving to Bangkok and is a major fundraiser for elephant welfare.
• The elephants used in the games are treated with care, and strict guidelines are in place to ensure their well-being.

Things to Explore

• Watch the exciting polo matches played by teams of skilled riders and their elephant teammates.
• Learn about the conservation projects funded by the tournament and how they support Thailand’s elephant population.

HELPFUL INFO

• Thai Airways: Don’t Miss The King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Poy Sang Long

A Rite of Passage Involving Elephants

Poy Sang Long is a traditional festival celebrated by the Shan people in northern Thailand, particularly in Mae Hong Son. It is a rite of passage for young boys who enter the monkhood, and elephants often play a role in the festivities. Boys dressed in colorful robes are paraded through town on the backs of elephants, symbolizing their journey towards enlightenment.

When: March-April
Where: Mae Hong Son

Interesting Facts

• The boys are dressed as princes to represent the Buddha’s princely origins before renouncing his royal life to seek enlightenment.
• Elephants are used in the processions, adding a regal touch to the celebrations.

Things to Explore

• Witness the colorful processions as young boys dressed as princes are carried through the streets on elephant back.
• Learn about the significance of the festival and its connection to the Buddhist tradition.

HELPFUL INFO

• Centara Hotels & Resorts: Poy Sang Long Ceremony Mae Sot

Wing Kwai Buffalo Racing

Another High-Speed Festival Celebrating Water Buffaloes

Similar to the Buffalo Racing Festival in Chonburi, the Wing Kwai Buffalo Races in Tak province celebrate the agricultural importance of water buffaloes. The festival features thrilling buffalo races, along with local games and cultural performances. The event draws large crowds of locals who come to cheer on their favorite buffaloes.

When: Late October
Where: Tak

Interesting Facts

• Tak’s buffalo racing tradition has been passed down for generations, with farmers competing for pride and prestige.
• The event also includes buffalo-related games and contests, making it a fun day for the whole family.

Things to Explore

• Cheer on the buffalo racers as they speed down the tracks, showcasing their incredible power and agility.
• Explore the festival grounds, where you can enjoy traditional food and games.

HELPFUL INFO

• Thailand Foundation: Wing Khwai: Thailand’s Buffalo Racing Festival

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Honoring Sacred Animals During Acts of Devotion

Though the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is known for its extreme acts of self-mortification and devotion, it also honors animals, particularly oxen and other sacred creatures. During the festival, processions and rituals are performed to pay respect to the animals that serve humanity. The event is rooted in Chinese Taoist beliefs, where animals are seen as spiritual beings.

When: October
Where: Phuket

Interesting Facts

• The festival lasts nine days and includes firewalking, piercing, and other extreme displays of devotion.
• Animal offerings are made at temples to seek protection and blessings from the spirits.

Things to Explore

• Witness the intense devotion of festival participants and the sacred rituals honoring animals.
• Visit one of Phuket’s many temples to observe the intricate ceremonies and offerings made during the festival.

HELPFUL INFO

• Phuket Vegetarian Festival Information: Provides details on the festival’s history, events, and rituals.

Elephant Procession Festival

A Historic Celebration of the Kingdom’s War Elephants

The Elephant Procession Festival in Ayutthaya is a grand event that celebrates the historical significance of war elephants in Thailand. The festival includes processions of elephants in traditional costumes, recreating scenes from ancient battles where elephants played a key role in the military strategies of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

When: January
Where: Ayutthaya

Interesting Facts

• Elephants were used as living tanks in ancient Thai warfare, and the festival pays tribute to these majestic creatures.
• The processions feature elephants dressed in elaborate ceremonial armor, recreating the glory of Thailand’s ancient kingdoms.

Things to Explore

• Watch the grand elephant procession as it winds through the historic ruins of Ayutthaya.
• Learn about Thailand’s ancient military history and the role elephants played in shaping the kingdom’s power.

HELPFUL INFO

• Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom

These quirky Thai festivals provide a glimpse into Thailand’s unique relationship with animals, showcasing how deeply intertwined animals are with the country’s culture, history, and spiritual beliefs.

For more cool experiences, check out our articles on Secret Hot Springs Only Locals Know About or Scenic Waterfall Hikes in Thailand for Adventurers.