Events in Krabi

Events & Festivals in Krabi

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Krabi's calendar pulses with traditional Thai festivals, international competitions, and local gatherings. The region's beaches draw crowds. But its annual schedule rewards visitors who dig deeper. Water-splashing celebrations, rock climbing contests, and food fairs give you reasons to plan around specific dates. Most activities cost nothing. Join the fun. Explore beyond the shoreline.

Peak event periods
  • Songkran water festival, mid-April
  • Krabi Rock and Fire Festival, January
  • Ao Nang New Year's Eve celebrations, late December
  • Loi Krathong festival, November
  • Longboat races and Vegetarian Festival, September-October
Public holidays in Krabi: 10 October 2026 to 9 October 2027
  • 13 October 2026 HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day
  • 23 October 2026 HM King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
  • 5 December 2026 HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday; National Day; National Father's Day
  • 7 December 2026 HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's Birthday (in lieu); National Day (in lieu); National Father's Day
  • 10 December 2026 Constitution Day
  • 31 December 2026 New Year's Eve
  • 1 January 2027 New Year's Day
  • 9 January 2027 National Children's Day
  • 21 February 2027 Makha Bucha
  • 22 February 2027 Makha Bucha
  • 6 April 2027 Chakri Memorial Day
  • 13 April 2027 Songkran Festival
  • 14 April 2027 Songkran Festival
  • 15 April 2027 Songkran Festival
  • 1 May 2027 National Labor Day
  • 3 May 2027 National Labor Day
  • 4 May 2027 Coronation Day
  • 20 May 2027 Visakha Bucha
  • 3 June 2027 HM Queen Suthida's Birthday
  • 18 July 2027 Asarnha Bucha
  • 19 July 2027 Buddhist Lent Day
  • 20 July 2027 Asarnha Bucha
  • 28 July 2027 HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Birthday
  • 12 August 2027 HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's Birthday; National Mother's Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close, and transport and prices can change around these dates.

January

🎉Krabi Rock and Fire International Festival

Dates vary yearly Railay Beach and Ao Nang
Free festival

Krabi's adventure sports festival blends local culture with international competition. Railay's limestone cliffs host excellent rock climbing. Live music, fire dancing, and beachside markets run into the night. The energy is electric. Climbers and spectators arrive from every continent. Active travelers love this. Evening entertainment seekers do too.

Tip: Arrive early for prime viewing at the climbing competitions. Ao Nang accommodation sells out fast. Book now.

February

🎭Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town
Free cultural

This cultural show spotlights local products, traditions, and tourism. Parades feature traditional costumes. Craftsmen demonstrate southern Thai techniques. Folk music and dance fill the stages. Stalls sell shrimp paste and cashew nuts, Krabi specialties. The mood is community-focused and educational. Families enjoy this. Culture enthusiasts do too.

Tip: The opening parade typically begins late afternoon on Utarakit Road. Try the food stalls. You'll find authentic southern Thai dishes absent from tourist menus.

⚽Krabi International Marathon

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town and surrounding areas
Book Ahead sports

Runners of every ability join this scenic race along the Krabi River and through local neighborhoods. Options include full marathon, half marathon, and fun runs. Health and tourism share the spotlight. The atmosphere is supportive. Serious runners appreciate the challenge. Casual participants get an active tour of Krabi Town.

Tip: Register online months ahead. Slots disappear fast. The early start brings cooler temperatures. Humidity remains high. Hydrate the day before.

March

🙏Makha Bucha Observances

Dates vary yearly Wat Kaew Korawaram (Krabi Town) and temples province-wide
Free religious

This Buddhist holy day develops at temples across Krabi. Evening brings candlelit processions called 'wian tian'. Devotees circle the main chapel three times. The mood is serene. Observers witness local religious practice. Alcohol sales stop this day.

Tip: Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees to observe or participate. Arrive just before dusk. Watch the ceremonies begin.

🎭Krabi International Kite Festival

Dates vary yearly Field near Krabi Town or Noppharat Thara Beach
Free cultural

Kites of every shape and color flood the sky above open fields. Stunt demos thrill. Traditional Thai kite battles entertain. Children build their own in workshops. Families picnic on the grass. The breeze carries laughter. Afternoons here are simple joy.

Tip: Wind peaks late morning through afternoon. Bring a hat. Apply sunscreen. Pack a grass mat. Snack vendors appear.

April

🎉Songkran Water Festival

Dates vary yearly Ao Nang Beach Road, Krabi Town
Free festival

Thai New Year explodes with water fights symbolizing cleansing and renewal. Ao Nang Beach Road and Krabi Town host the main action. Water guns, buckets, and hoses fuel the chaos. The party is playful. Everyone gets soaked. Tourists and locals of all ages embrace the heat relief.

Tip: Waterproof your electronics. Wear quick-dry clothes. Secure your footwear. Peak crowds hit midday to late afternoon. Many businesses close during the core holiday.

🎉Krabi Bike Week

Dates vary yearly Ao Nang
Free festival

Motorcycle enthusiasts from Thailand and abroad converge here. Custom bike shows dominate. Rock music blares. Rider parades wind through Krabi's scenic roads. Vendors sell gear. The vibe is loud and friendly. Pure rock-and-roll. Bikers love this. Spectators enjoy the machines.

Tip: The main show and concert area typically sits near Ao Nang Beach. Parade routes clog with traffic. Plan alternative transport if you're not riding.

May

🍽️Krabi Seafood Festival

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town or Ao Nang
Free food

Krabi's seafood stars at this harbor celebration. Local cooks and fisherfolk grill fish, prawns, and crab at stalls priced for locals. Cooking demos run alongside live music. The market hums with casual energy. Seafood fans should not miss this.

Tip: Go with friends. Share plates. Sample more. Arrive hungry. Bring cash. Cards rarely work here.

🙏Visakha Bucha Observances

Dates vary yearly Major temples across Krabi
Free religious

This sacred day honors Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Krabi temples host sermons and merit-making rites. The evening brings candlelit processions. The mood is quiet and profound. Visitors witness a living Buddhist tradition.

Tip: Dress modestly. Alcohol sales pause for the day. Krabi Town's temple sits centrally. Observers are welcome.

June

🎵Krabi Jazz Festival

Dates vary yearly Ao Nang Beach or Noppharat Thara Beach
Free music

Smooth jazz drifts over the coast at this evening event. Thai and international artists perform. The mood is relaxed, even refined. Bring a mat or use provided seating. Couples gravitate here. Anyone seeking mellow Krabi nights should come.

Tip: Pack a blanket. Sand seating beats hard ground. Shows begin after sunset. The heat fades then.

July

🛒Ao Nang Regular Night Market

Dates vary yearly Ao Nang (often near the mosque)
Free market

This weekly night market anchors Ao Nang evenings. It is smaller than Krabi Town's walking street. Still, it delivers Thai street food, fruit shakes, souvenirs, and budget clothing. Travelers staying nearby get convenient nightlife without the trek.

Tip: The market runs on set evenings each week. Ask your hotel for current days. Come for a cheap, casual dinner.

🙏Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent Candle Festival

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town streets to Wat Kaew Korawaram
Free religious

Buddhist Lent begins with temple ceremonies and a candle festival. Krabi Town parades enormous carved beeswax candles through the streets before temple offerings. The procession bursts with color. Local artistry and faith shine through. Photographers and culture seekers love this.

Tip: The parade rolls in late afternoon. Stake out Utarakit Road early. Unobstructed views reward the patient.

August

⚽Krabi King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Dates vary yearly Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
Free sports

Elephants take the field in this unusual charity polo match. Funds support elephant welfare programs. Sport, culture, and conservation collide here. Sideline activities, food stalls, and education booths fill the day. Families leave smiling. The cause matters.

Tip: Match times vary. Check the schedule. Games do not run all day. Pack sun protection. Seating is exposed.

🛒Krabi Town Walking Street Market

Dates vary yearly Soi Maharat 8 (Walking Street), Krabi Town
Free market

Krabi Town's central street becomes a pedestrian market each week. Southern Thai street food dominates. Handmade crafts, live music, and local faces fill the scene. Tourists and residents mingle here. The experience feels genuine.

Tip: Friday through Sunday evenings are typical. Arrive hungry. Try khanom jeen. Order roti. Eat like a local.

September

⚽Krabi Traditional Longboat Races

Dates vary yearly Krabi River, near Krabi Town
Free sports

Village teams race longboats on the Krabi River. Sleek, colorful hulls cut the water. Dozens of paddlers move as one, driven by drummers. Locals crowd the banks, shouting encouragement. The energy is electric. Tradition lives here.

Tip: Krabi Town's riverwalk offers prime viewing. Arrive early. Claim your spot. Food vendors sell snacks and drinks throughout.

⚽Krabi Adventure Race

Dates vary yearly Varies across Krabi's interior and coastal areas
Book Ahead sports

Adventure teams tackle trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and orienteering across Krabi's jungles and coastlines. The course is demanding. The competition is serious. Teamwork and grit define the day. Krabi's rugged interior, not its beaches, takes center stage.

Tip: Teams need their own gear. Study equipment lists when registering. Support crews help on longer legs. Prepare thoroughly.

October

🍽️Krabi Vegetarian Festival

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town, areas with Chinese-Thai communities
Free food

This nine-day Taoist festival demands vegetarian eating for body and mind cleansing. Yellow-and-white flags mark participating restaurants and stalls. Meat-free Thai and Chinese dishes fill the menus. Some devotees perform rituals. The focus is purification. Food lovers find this fascinating. Cultural observers do too.

Tip: Follow the yellow flags to the best stalls. Non-participants are welcome. Many eateries offer special vegetarian menus during this period.

November

🎉Loi Krathong in Krabi

Dates vary yearly Krabi Riverfront, Ao Nang Beach
Free festival

The festival of lights sends decorated baskets called 'krathongs' onto the water. The gesture honors the water goddess. Krabi Town's riverfront and Ao Nang's shores glow with candlelight. The evening is romantic. Beauty contests, fireworks, and cultural shows often accompany the floating lights.

Tip: Buy a krathong from vendors or craft your own from banana leaves and natural materials. Krabi Town's riverfront draws smaller crowds than the beach. The setting feels more traditional.

⚽Krabi Climbing Festival

Dates vary yearly Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach
Book Ahead sports

The climbing community organizes this gathering around camaraderie and new routes. Guided sessions welcome all abilities. Gear demos run throughout. Professional climbers present slide shows. Social events fill the evenings. The tone is welcoming. Novice climbers learn plenty. Seasoned veterans find their people.

Tip: Registration typically covers T-shirts, meals, and clinic access. Book Railay or Tonsai accommodation early. Rooms are scarce.

December

🎭Krabi Art and Culture Festival

Dates vary yearly Krabi Town
Free cultural

Local arts take center stage here. Krabi and Andaman region artists exhibit their work. Traditional puppet shows entertain. Live painting happens in real time. Handicraft workshops invite participation. Public parks or cultural centers host the event. The pace is relaxed. Families feel welcome. Visitors see Krabi's creative side beyond the scenery.

Tip: Workshop space is limited. Arrive early to sign up. This is your best source for unique, locally-made souvenirs and gifts.

🎉Ao Nang New Year's Eve Countdown

Dates vary yearly Ao Nang Beach
Free festival

Ao Nang Beach throws a massive New Year bash for tourists. Live pop and rock stages keep the energy high. A packed night market serves food and drinks. Fireworks explode over the water at midnight. The crowd is international. The vibe is pure party.

Tip: Beachfront restaurants and bars fill up hours early. Head toward Noppharat Thara for better fireworks views. The crowds thin out there. Worth the walk.

🎉Krabi Hot Air Balloon Festival

Dates vary yearly Large open fields near Krabi Town
Book Ahead festival

Hot air balloons rise at dawn and often again at dusk. Limestone karsts frame the sky. The sight is memorable. Ground activities include food fairs, music, and tethered rides. Photographers and families gather early. The spectacle delivers.

Tip: Tethered ride tickets vanish fast. Book online the moment sales open. Arrive before sunrise for the best mass ascension photos.

Tips for Attending Events

Practical advice to help you get the most out of local events and festivals.

1

Check Krabi weather forecasts closely, from May to October during the rainy season. Heavy downpours can cause cancellations or delays for outdoor events.

2

For major festivals like Songkran or New Year's Eve, book your Krabi hotel months in advance. The best places fill up quickly. Prices rise sharply.

3

Use local transport like songthaews (shared taxis) to reach events. Parking is often extremely limited in busy areas like Ao Nang and Krabi Town.

4

Carry both cash and small change. Market stalls, food vendors, and local transport rarely accept credit cards.

5

Dress appropriately for religious events. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.

6

Stay hydrated. Use sunscreen at outdoor day-time events. The tropical sun in Krabi is intense even outside the hottest midday hours.

Event Categories

Browse events by type to find what interests you.

🎉
festival

Major public celebrations and holidays. Expect street parties, parades, and community-wide participation.

🎭
cultural

Events focused on local arts, heritage, crafts, and traditions. Look for exhibitions, performances, and folk festivals.

⚽
sports

Organized athletic competitions and adventure events. These range from international marathons to local boat races.

🛒
market

Seasonal or regular markets. Night markets and walking streets feature local food, crafts, and goods.

🙏
religious

Observances and ceremonies tied to Buddhist or other religious calendars. Temples host most of these.

🎵
music

Concerts and festivals centered on live musical performances. Jazz to rock, it is all here.

🍽️
food

Culinary events and festivals showing local cuisine, seafood, or specific dining traditions.

Book Tours & Activities in Krabi

Discover experiences to complement local events and festivals

Didn't see anything interesting yet?

Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Krabi.

See All Krabi Tours on Viator