April and May in Bangkok: Thai Cultural Highlights You Can’t Miss After Songkran 2025

By Kasim Sheerazi

photo credits | Thailand Foundation, 2025 provided by mgronlin

As the festival of Songkran comes to an end, and along with it, the rowdy streets of

Bangkok begin to wind down, this doesn’t mean that Bangkok cannot continue to brim with

vibrant experiences well into the final weeks of April. For anyone curious enough, the city offers

a deeper dive into the traditions, tastes, and rhythm of Thai life beyond the usual tourist track.

For those still riding the festive spirit, the post-Songkran season brings smaller but

meaningful cultural celebrations around the city. One of the most unique ones is the Mon

Songkran Festival, celebrated by the Mon community in the Phra Pradaeng district. Scheduled

for April 19–21 this year. This lesser-known but culturally rich extension of Songkran features

traditional Mon dances, parades, and food offerings, as well as the charming and calming

practice of building sand pagodas at temples. It’s a beautiful way to see how Thailand’s ethnic

diversity contributes to its national identity, and visitors are welcome to join in the fun (Thailand

Foundation, 2025).

Those looking for something spiritual can take part in local temple fairs happening in

neighborhoods like Dusit and Banglamphu. These fairs often feature traditional games, live

performances, Thai fortune-telling, and of course, plenty of street food every day of the week.

While specific dates vary, many of these events continue well into late April, making them a

great chance for everyone to immerse themselves in community-driven Thai culture (Time Out

Bangkok, 2025).

Meanwhile, for those looking for cultural festivals well into May, there is a traditional

holiday called Vesak, known popularly as Buddha Jayanti, coming up on the 11th May. This

day is marked on the full moon day of every sixth lunar month, typically falling into May every

year. This is a very important day in Thailand because it commemorates the three key events in

the life of Gautama Buddha, which are, birth, enlightenment, and passing. In Chiang Mai, they

are celebrated yearly by the locals walking 11km to the summit of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Temple (Holidify, 2025). This festival is so significant that there are always around 10,000

people participating every year, with many starting the night before or just after midnight to

reach the temple by sunrise. In Bangkok, major temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho are

focal points for ceremonies.

At Sanam Luang, adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew, mass alms-giving

events and candlelight processions are held, drawing large crowds of worshippers and tourists

alike (Holidify, 2025).

For the more high-energy and partygoers types, international concerts and rooftop parties

add to the city’s energy, Thai-themed events still steal the spotlight. Events like cultural dance

showcases at the Thailand Cultural Centre or Muay Thai live shows at Rajadamnern Stadium

are running regularly through the month and offer a chance to witness the country’s rich

performance arts and martial heritage up close (Time Out Bangkok, 2025; Rajademnem Muay

Thai Stadium, 2025).

As April approaches towards its end, Bangkok offers more than just nightlife and noise

which are usually the main focus of Songkran. Whether it’s joining a festival procession,

meditating in a golden temple, or watching Thai martial arts, the city invites everyone with taste catered to their own choice.

catered to their own

catered to their o

catered to their own