Thailand is in the final leg of the country’s chaotic peak tourism season in February. This month, Thailand welcomes the last influx of tourists before the start of the off-season in mid-March.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Chiang Mai’s Flower Festival is usually held on the first weekend of February. This festival showcases Chiang Mai’s unique floral culture. A street parade with flower floats, live music, and locals in traditional dress complements this colorful festival.
Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha (also known as Magha Puja) or Makha Bucha Day is Thailand’s second most important festival. This festival marks a particular date in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated on a full moon day in the third lunar month. Thailand celebrates a public holiday on this day. On this auspicious day, Buddhists visit temples, perform the candlelight ceremony known as Wian Tian, and engage in merit-generating activities with the spiritual goal of purifying the mind and committing no sin.
Chinese Lunar New Year
Since Thailand has a large Chinese immigrant community, Chinese New Year is celebrated in a big way every year. It is a beautiful time when different communities come together, break bread and wish each other good luck for the coming year. The streets are decorated in bright red, with beautiful Chinese paper lanterns hanging from overhead and kite dancers lining the street. The Chinese New Year generally takes place according to the lunar calendar and falls in January or February. On this day, you must visit Chinatown in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, where most Chinese live.
14th February – Valentine’s Day
Thailand’s Universal Love Day celebrations are known as “Old Wine in a New Bottle.” For Valentine’s Day, people in Thailand take a trip to Bangkok’s “Sanctuary of Love,” the Trimurti Shrine in the heart of the Thai capital. Trimurti represents the three most potent Hindu gods; Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer. Together they represent love and unity. Couples can be seen going straight into the shrine to red light candles and lay red roses.
Underwater Wedding in Trang
Recently, couples have been choosing exotic and unconventional ways to get married. While some choose to get married 33,000 feet in the air, others decide to get married underwater, such as the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony. The Trang Chamber of Commerce has started holding the Trang Underwater Wedding annually on February 13-15, and the actual wedding ceremony is held on Valentine’s Day. The couple will be taken by boat to Ko Kradan Island, where the ceremony will take place. The marriage certificate will be sent to the couple. The problem with attending this ceremony is that you must be certified divers.
Travel Tips to Keep in Mind While in Thailand in February
- Hotel and flight prices are lower than in January and December. Be sure to look for the best deals that fit your budget.
- If you’re traveling north, pack warm clothing, as nights can be chilly. Days can be sunny, so be sure to bring sunscreen.
- Free live park concerts by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra take the stage to entertain people and liven up the atmosphere.
February is a great month to travel to Thailand. With a lower average price and pleasant weather across the country, this may also be the best time to visit Thailand.
