Pattaya boasts a rich and diverse calendar of annual events, festivals, and sporting occasions. From the world’s biggest water fight during Songkran to spectacular fireworks displays, international golf tournaments, and colorful Chinese New Year celebrations, there’s almost always something happening throughout the year.
The events below are among Pattaya’s best-known annual celebrations. They take place throughout both Pattaya’s high and low seasons, so you may want to plan your visit around one that interests you. As dates and venues can occasionally change, it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedules before making travel plans.
Chinese New Year in Pattaya
Chinese New Year takes place in January or February, depending on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is celebrated extensively in Pattaya with dragon and lion dances, cultural performances and special events held throughout the city.
Burapa Pattaya Bike Week
Burapa Pattaya Bike Week is usually held in February. Although the venue has changed over the years, it is often held near the Indoor Sports Stadium on Soi Chaiyaphreuk. One of Pattaya’s longest-running annual events, it typically lasts three days and attracts motorcycle clubs from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Expect an impressive display of motorcycles, including Harleys and vintage bikes, along with classic cars, live music, stunt shows, and trade displays.
Honda LPGA Golf in Pattaya
The Honda LPGA Thailand is usually held in February at Siam Country Club. If you’re a golf or sports fan, now is the time to see many of the world’s top women golfers in action.
Pattaya Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The St Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on or around 17 March each year on Pattaya Beach Road. The carnival-style parade features colorfully decorated floats, marching bands, and participants dressed in Irish-themed costumes. It’s also a fundraising event, with the proceeds going to local charities in Pattaya.
Songkran Festival in Pattaya
The Songkran Festival officially begins on 13 April, although in Pattaya the celebrations often start a day or two earlier, particularly in some of the city’s popular nightlife areas. The main event is Wan Lai Pattaya on 19 April, when the city hosts what is widely regarded as one of the world’s biggest water fights. While the water battles are what the festival has become famous for, it’s traditionally a time for merit-making, paying respect to elders, and celebrating the Thai New Year.
Pattaya International Marathon
The Pattaya Marathon is an annual sporting event that usually takes place in July, with the start and finish on Pattaya Beach Road. It attracts thousands of participants, including elite international athletes and runners of all abilities from Thailand and around the world.
Halloween
Halloween is not a huge event in Pattaya, but come October 31, you’ll see plenty of Thais getting into the Halloween spirit, everywhere from shopping malls and restaurants to bars and discos. Look out for Halloween parties at bars and clubs, and expect a Halloween theme at the major shopping malls.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most important annual festivals. Usually held in November, people gather to float their beautifully decorated krathongs on the water to let go of bad luck and bring good fortune. In Pattaya, the sea and lakes such as Lake Mabprachan are popular places to take part, although even a swimming pool will do! Anyone can join in, and you’ll find krathongs for sale throughout the city in the days leading up to the festival.
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival
The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival usually takes place over two evenings in November. The festival is an international competition featuring teams from around the world, with several spectacular fireworks displays each night. Anywhere along Pattaya Beach is a good place to watch, although the area in front of Central Pattaya offers one of the best views.
Pattaya New Year Countdown
The Pattaya New Year Countdown takes place over several days leading up to New Year’s Eve, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. Technically speaking, that makes it both the last major event of the year and the first of the next in Pattaya. In the days leading up to the finale, live music concerts and other entertainment are usually held at Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Bali Hai Pier.
The events listed above are Pattaya’s major annual events, but they’re by no means the only ones. Throughout the year, the city also hosts a variety of one-off events, concerts, sporting competitions, exhibitions, and festivals, so it’s always worth checking local event listings before you travel.