Celebrate with Elephants & Join Pattaya Music Festival – Thailand’s March Festival Guide

▲ The Elephant Saga Dork Festival will be held in grand style this March.

Reported by Chen Hanyin / Compiled by HowToTrip

Thailand’s rich natural biodiversity and diverse culture attract travelers from around the world, and its monthly festivals and traditional ceremonies are also among the must-experience highlights. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in March, animal lovers can join the Elephant Saga Dork Festival, water sports enthusiasts can head to Khao Kho in Phetchabun Province to spot jellyfish, and take advantage of the visa exemption period to plan a summer getaway.

Elephant Saga Dork Festival
Date: March 13, 2017
Location: Lampang Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang Province

Once you’ve seen an elephant in person, you’ll surely be captivated by its soulful and adorable eyes. The Elephant Saga Dork Festival features elephant performances, parades, and a competition for decorating the elephants with Saga Dork (sacred cloth). This festival primarily aims to provide the elephants with a celebratory feast of fruits and vegetables.

Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony
Date: March 17, 2017
Location: Ayutthaya Province

Muay Thai fighters from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their martial arts teachers and honor the legendary Thai folk hero Nai Khanom Tom. The festival highlights include the Wai Khru ceremony and opening ceremony, light and sound shows, traditional Thai folk sports, demonstrations, and exhibitions.

Paddling Boats and Hiking in Search of Freshwater Jellyfish
Date: March – May 2017
Location: Khao Kho, Phetchabun Province

Freshwater jellyfish, found in only six places worldwide, can be spotted in the renowned ecotourism destination of Khao Kho National Park in Thailand. Visitors can enjoy a rubber boat ride along the Khek Stream to reach rapids 1 and 2 of Ban Laem Chan, in search of the beautiful freshwater jellyfish.

Pattaya International Music Festival
Date: March 2017
Location: Pattaya

The Pattaya International Music Festival is one of Asia’s and Thailand’s largest international beach music festivals. Held on the Pattaya Beach Road in Chonburi Province, the festival features exciting performances on stages near the beautiful beach. Audiences can enjoy a variety of music genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B. Moreover, Thai and international music fans can experience different styles of music each year, such as international, Asian, and Thai music. The three-day festival event goes from evening to midnight.

Sweet Grape and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Week Fair
Date: March 2017
Location: Ratchaburi Province

The Sweet Grape and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Week Fair offers the chance to buy most of the grapes grown by local residents in Damnoen Saduak, which are known for their sweetness and delicious taste. Highlights of this year’s fair include the Thida A-ngun Wan beauty pageant and a competition for premium agricultural products.