Alcohol ban: On the five Buddhist holy days (Makha, Visakha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) a 24-hour nationwide alcohol sales ban applied in 2026, with limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, designated tourist zones). Check the current rules. Rules can change per year and province; check the current rules. nationthailand.com: 40069132 ↗ angthong.prd.go.th: 388517 ↗
When and where
When: Full moon of the 6th Thai lunar month (May/June)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 31 May (day off Monday 1 June); 2027: 20 May.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Visakha Bucha
Visakha Bucha is the most important Buddhist day. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, which tradition places on a full moon of the same month. Devotees wear white, give alms and in the evening perform the wian tian around the temple with candles and incense. In Chiang Mai thousands walk up Doi Suthep with candles. It remains a calm, spiritual day.
Getting there
Doi Suthep is about 15 km from central Chiang Mai; take a red songthaew from the university or Huay Kaew Road.
Highlights
- Doi Suthep candle walk Thousands of devotees walk up to the temple at night with candles.
- Wian tian Three rounds of the ordination hall with candle, flowers and incense.
- White clothing Many people dress in white and keep the eight precepts.
Tips for Visakha Bucha
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and stay quiet.
- Alcohol is unavailable in most shops and restaurants on this day.
- Bring water for the climb or temple queue.
More photos of Visakha Bucha
A monk with devotees making merit at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai on Visakha Bucha day Photo: John Shedrick from Chiang Mai, Thailand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Buddhist followers make merit before a golden Buddha statue at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai on Visakha Bucha Photo: John Shedrick from Chiang Mai, Thailand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Monks and white-clad laypeople seated in a hall for Visakha Bucha day at Wat Pa Pavanaram Photo: Ya tonavanik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Rows of white-clad laypeople praying in a hall on Visakha Bucha day at Wat Pa Pavanaram Photo: Ya tonavanik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Devotees praying by candlelight on Visakha Bucha night in Thailand, with monks in orange robes in the background Photo: John Shedrick from Chiang Mai, Thailand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Visakha Bucha on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
National holiday celebrated in every temple. The map shows Doi Suthep (famous candlelit climb at night). Also big in Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions about Visakha Bucha
When is Visakha Bucha in 2026?
Visakha Bucha falls in 2026 on 31 May and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai. Rule: Full moon of the 6th Thai lunar month (May/June). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Visakha Bucha?
Yes. On Visakha Bucha itself a nationwide 24-hour ban on alcohol sales applies in 2026. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules.
When is Visakha Bucha in 2027?
Visakha Bucha falls in 2027 on 20 May and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai. Rule: Full moon of the 6th Thai lunar month (May/June). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Festivals near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
- Hmong New Year (Doi Pui) 4 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival 7 km as the crow flies
- Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai 7 km as the crow flies
- Songkran (Thai New Year) 8 km as the crow flies
- Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) 9 km as the crow flies
Also in May / June
- Bangkok Pride
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji)
- Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruit
- Rayong Fruit Festival
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)