Public Holidays in Bangkok 2026: What Tourists Need to Know

Visit Bangkok between April 13 and 15, and staying dry becomes almost impossible. Songkran fills Khao San Road, Silom and Siam with water fights, crowds and street celebrations.

Most other Thai public holidays are quieter. Banks and government offices close, but shopping malls, restaurants and major tourist attractions often continue operating. Three Buddhist holidays need extra attention because alcohol sales are restricted and temples become busier.

Bangkok Public Holidays in 2026

Thailand’s official calendars aren’t identical for government offices, banks and private companies. The dates below follow the Bank of Thailand’s 2026 financial-institution holiday calendar, with the later addition of a special Bangkok-only holiday on October 16.

December 5 remains the King Bhumibol Memorial Birthday, National Day and Father’s Day, but it falls on a Saturday in 2026. The official substitute holiday is Monday, December 7. Visakha Bucha follows the same pattern: the religious observance falls on Sunday, May 31, while offices and banks take the substitute holiday on June 1.

Does Bangkok Close on Public Holidays?

Bangkok rarely shuts down for a public holiday.

Government offices and most regular bank branches close. Private businesses follow their own calendars, because Thai employers select at least 13 paid traditional holidays each year rather than closing on every government or bank holiday. National Labour Day must form part of that allocation.

Shopping malls, convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, cinemas and private attractions often remain open. Some become busier because Bangkok residents use the day off for shopping, dining and family activities.

Opening hours become less predictable at independent shops, local markets and family-run restaurants. Owners may close for the day, open later or work with fewer staff.

Songkran produces the biggest changes. Many Bangkok residents travel to their home provinces, while businesses in celebration areas face road closures and large crowds.

Are Shops Open on Public Holidays in Bangkok?

Most large shopping centres remain open on Thai public holidays.

Department stores and malls normally trade daily, often from around 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Public holidays can be important shopping days, so central malls are more likely to extend promotions than close their doors.

Reliable options include malls around:

• Siam
• Chidlom
• Phrom Phong
• Asok
• Ratchaprasong
• Rama IX
• Charoen Nakhon
• the riverside

Individual stores inside a mall may follow shorter hours. A small boutique can close even when the shopping centre itself remains open.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

Convenience stores and supermarkets usually operate on public holidays. Branches in central Bangkok and near hotels are the most dependable.

Opening hours can change during Songkran. Staff shortages are more likely because many workers return to their families outside Bangkok.

Buy basic supplies before the main Songkran period if you’re staying in a residential neighbourhood. Finding an open convenience store won’t usually be difficult, but your preferred local restaurant or market stall may disappear for several days.

Markets

Market schedules depend more on the day of the week than the public-holiday calendar.

Chatuchak Weekend Market remains primarily a weekend destination. A Monday public holiday doesn’t automatically turn it into a full market day.

Fresh markets, neighbourhood food markets and wholesale markets may open early and finish sooner than usual. Flower markets and tourist-oriented night markets are more likely to keep trading.

Confirm opening hours directly before travelling across the city for one specific market.

Are Restaurants Open on Public Holidays?

Finding food in Bangkok isn’t normally a problem.

Restaurants inside hotels and shopping malls tend to keep their usual hours. Tourist districts such as Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, Chinatown and the riverside also offer plenty of choices on most holidays.

Small restaurants and street-food stalls are less predictable. Some close when their owners attend ceremonies or travel home, particularly during Songkran and long holiday weekends.

Food courts provide a dependable fallback. They’re tied to mall opening hours and usually operate on public holidays.

Restaurants During Songkran

Many restaurants in celebration areas stay open, but reaching them can be harder than expected.

Roads around Khao San Road, Silom and other organised festival zones may close to vehicles. Crowds can make a short walk take much longer, and arriving completely dry is unlikely.

Restaurants away from the main celebrations may close because staff have left Bangkok for the holiday. Hotel restaurants and larger chains are safer choices when you need a confirmed table.

Reserve special dinners in advance, but check access arrangements before paying a deposit. A restaurant may be open while the surrounding street is closed to taxis.

Restaurants on Buddhist Holidays

Restaurants can serve food on Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha days. Alcohol is a separate issue.

Thailand prohibits or restricts alcohol sales during major Buddhist observances. In 2026, the dates tourists should watch are March 3, May 31 and July 29. Bars may close, restaurants may stop serving alcohol, and supermarkets can block alcohol cabinets or refuse sales at the checkout.

Don’t assume that a hotel bar or entertainment venue will receive an exemption. Rules and official announcements can distinguish between venue types, so ask the business directly.

Are Banks Open on Public Holidays?

Regular bank branches close on dates listed as Bank of Thailand holidays.

Some branches inside shopping malls may operate when street branches are closed, but availability varies by bank and holiday. Don’t leave an important currency exchange, cash transfer or card problem until the final day.

ATMs and mobile banking continue operating. Currency-exchange booths in tourist districts and airports may also remain available, although their rates and hours differ.

January 2 and October 16 deserve particular attention in 2026. Both were added as special holidays, so an older calendar may incorrectly show banks as open.

Are Government Offices Open?

Government offices close on official public holidays.

That includes many administrative departments and public-service counters. Immigration services at airports continue because flights continue, but city offices dealing with extensions, permits or paperwork may be unavailable.

Complete time-sensitive administrative tasks before a long weekend. Songkran can create a closure lasting several working days, followed by a backlog when offices reopen.

Private visa agencies may also close even though they aren’t government departments.

Are Museums Open on Public Holidays?

Museum schedules vary much more than mall schedules.

Thailand’s Tourism Authority advises visitors to check individual institutions because some museums close once a week, while others also close on public holidays. Monday is a common weekly closing day, which matters when a substitute holiday falls on a Monday.

Private museums and attractions are often more flexible. Several Bangkok institutions operate from Tuesday to Sunday, while others open daily or specifically include public holidays in their schedules. Some still close for New Year or Songkran.

Check the official website or social-media page one or two days before visiting. Standard map listings often fail to reflect temporary holiday closures.

Is the Grand Palace Open on Public Holidays?

The Grand Palace lists daily opening hours, but its schedule can change when royal ceremonies or official events require access restrictions.

The official calendar warns that dates may be changed or added. That makes a same-day check sensible during royal birthdays, memorial days and other ceremonial holidays.

Never trust a driver or stranger who approaches you outside and claims that the palace is closed. Check the official schedule or ask at the entrance.

Dress rules still apply on public holidays. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and clothing should be suitable for a royal and religious site.

Are Wat Pho and Wat Arun Open?

Wat Pho and Wat Arun normally open daily.

Wat Pho lists daily operating hours and reminds visitors that the temple remains an active religious site. Wat Arun also advertises daily opening and requires conservative clothing.

Buddhist holidays can make both temples busier. Worshippers may attend ceremonies, monks may use particular areas, and visitor routes can change.

A temple being open doesn’t mean tourists have unrestricted access to every building. Give ceremonies space and follow instructions from staff.

Does Public Transport Run on Public Holidays?

Bangkok’s public transport continues operating on public holidays.

BTS Skytrain and MRT services don’t stop simply because banks and government offices are closed. Holiday timetables may use longer intervals between trains than weekday peak schedules. BTS publishes separate service frequencies for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Public buses also run, although frequency and routes may change. Event-related road closures can affect buses more severely than trains.

Chao Phraya Express Boat services use different schedules on weekends and public holidays, with fewer departures and earlier final boats on some routes. Check the correct flag service before planning an evening riverside journey.

Transport During Songkran

Use the BTS and MRT whenever possible during Songkran.

Large celebration areas can become pedestrian zones. Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles may drop passengers far from their destination, while buses face diversions.

In 2026, Silom Road, Siam Square and Khao San Road were among Bangkok’s busiest Songkran celebration areas. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported consistently high attendance at these locations.

Water on station floors can create slippery surfaces. Put your phone, passport and wallet in waterproof protection before entering a celebration zone, not after someone has already soaked you.

Airport Transport

Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports operate during public holidays. Flights don’t stop for Songkran, New Year or Buddhist holidays.

The problem is road traffic. Domestic travel rises around long weekends, while journeys to bus terminals and airports may take longer.

Allow a larger buffer during Songkran and New Year. A train connection to the airport is usually more predictable than a taxi caught in holiday traffic.

Makha Bucha Day: March 3, 2026

Makha Bucha is one of Thailand’s major Buddhist holidays.

People visit temples, make merit and attend evening candlelight processions. Bangkok temples can become busier before sunset as worshippers gather for ceremonies.

Banks and government offices close. Malls, restaurants and many attractions continue operating.

Alcohol sales are prohibited during the religious observance. Bars and nightlife venues may close or operate without serving alcohol.

Makha Bucha can be a good day to visit a temple, but approach the experience as a religious observance rather than a staged attraction. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and avoid blocking worshippers taking part in the procession.

Chakri Memorial Day: April 6, 2026

Chakri Memorial Day commemorates the founding of the Chakri dynasty.

Government offices and banks close. Most malls, restaurants, markets and tourist businesses continue operating.

Official ceremonies can take place near royal and historic sites. Check the Grand Palace schedule before building a fixed itinerary around it.

For most tourists, April 6 feels like a regular weekend day with more domestic visitors at popular attractions.

Songkran Festival: April 13–15, 2026

Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year and its most disruptive public-holiday period for tourists.

The official holiday lasts three days, from April 13 to 15. Its religious traditions include cleaning homes, visiting temples, making offerings and pouring scented water over Buddha images and the hands of elders.

The public celebration is much wetter.

Khao San Road and Silom host large water fights. Siam and other commercial districts organise events, music and designated splash zones. Crowds can fill streets from late morning until evening.

What Tourists Should Expect During Songkran

Expect to get wet inside celebration areas. A polite refusal won’t always stop a bucket of water.

Protect passports, phones, cameras and bank cards. A basic water-resistant phone case isn’t enough for several hours in a crowded water fight.

Wear secure shoes with grip. Flip-flops can break or slide on wet streets.

Use clean water and avoid spraying monks, young children, elderly people, drivers and anyone carrying food or electronic equipment.

Waterproof your belongings before leaving the hotel.

What Remains Open During Songkran?

Major shopping malls, hotels, chain restaurants and tourist attractions commonly remain open.

Small restaurants, local shops and service businesses may close for part or all of the holiday. Many workers leave Bangkok to visit their families.

Banks and government offices close throughout the official holiday period.

Temples remain active, but visitors should separate traditional ceremonies from street water fights. Don’t enter temple grounds while behaving as though the site is part of the splash zone.

Should You Visit Bangkok During Songkran?

Songkran is a strong choice when you want to join the celebration and can accept crowds, noise and unpredictable travel.

It’s a poor choice for a tightly timed itinerary built around private drivers, formal clothing or quiet street photography.

Stay close to a BTS or MRT station. Avoid switching hotels during the busiest hours, and schedule airport travel with a generous buffer.

National Labour Day: May 1, 2026

May 1 is a public holiday for employees and a Bank of Thailand holiday.

Banks, government offices and many corporate offices close. Shopping malls, restaurants, private attractions and entertainment venues usually remain open.

The effect on tourists is much smaller than Labour Day in some European cities. Bangkok doesn’t shut down.

Public gatherings or labour-related events can affect individual streets, but most central tourism districts continue operating.

Coronation Day: May 4, 2026

Coronation Day is an official royal holiday.

Government offices and banks close. Public buildings display royal decorations, and official ceremonies may appear on television and in central districts.

Malls, restaurants and tourist attractions commonly operate. The Grand Palace may adjust access because of royal events, so verify the official schedule before visiting.

Visakha Bucha Day: May 31, 2026

Visakha Bucha is one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing.

The religious observance falls on Sunday, May 31. The substitute bank and government holiday follows on Monday, June 1.

Temples hold ceremonies and evening candlelight processions. Alcohol sales are prohibited during the actual religious holiday on May 31. The substitute Monday shouldn’t automatically carry the same restriction unless a separate announcement says otherwise.

Plan temple visits with respect for worshippers. If nightlife matters to your trip, treat May 31 as a quiet evening.

Queen Suthida’s Birthday: June 3, 2026

The Queen’s Birthday is a government and bank holiday.

Official buildings and public spaces may display portraits, flags and decorative lighting. Ceremonies don’t usually stop normal tourism across the city.

Malls, restaurants and private attractions tend to remain open. Government services and regular bank branches close.

The King’s Birthday: July 28, 2026

The King’s Birthday is marked by official ceremonies and public decorations.

Banks and government offices close. Tourist businesses usually continue trading, although royal sites can change their schedules.

Expect ceremonial activity around important government and royal locations. Avoid relying on a fixed Grand Palace itinerary without checking its daily calendar.

Asarnha Bucha Day: July 29, 2026

Asarnha Bucha follows the King’s Birthday in 2026, creating two consecutive official holidays.

The Buddhist observance commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. Temples hold religious activities, and alcohol sales are prohibited during the holiday.

Banks and government offices remain closed. Malls, daytime restaurants and many attractions continue operating.

Nightlife choices become limited. Confirm directly with bars, clubs and rooftop venues rather than assuming their standard Wednesday schedule applies.

Queen Mother’s Birthday and Mother’s Day: August 12, 2026

August 12 serves as both the Queen Mother’s Birthday and Thailand’s Mother’s Day.

Banks and government offices close. Families often spend the holiday dining or shopping together, which can make popular restaurants and malls busier.

Tourist attractions generally operate. Restaurants may offer Mother’s Day promotions, and reservations are sensible at well-known hotel brunches or riverside venues.

King Bhumibol Memorial Day: October 13, 2026

This holiday commemorates the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The atmosphere is more reflective than festive. Government offices and banks close, while commercial businesses usually continue operating.

Visitors should behave respectfully around ceremonies, portraits and memorial displays. Royal sites may adjust opening arrangements.

Special Bangkok Holiday: October 16, 2026

October 16 is different from every other date in this article. It is a special public holiday created specifically for Bangkok.

The Thai government introduced it to support security and traffic management during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. Bangkok government agencies were also instructed to use remote work on October 12, 14 and 15. Banks and specialised financial institutions in Bangkok close on October 16.

The meetings take place from October 12 to 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The special holiday doesn’t mean Bangkok’s malls, restaurants or attractions must close. Private businesses can continue operating.

Expect additional security and possible traffic controls near Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, central Sukhumvit and surrounding routes. Using the MRT should be easier than relying on road transport in that area.

Tourists arranging banking, embassy visits or government paperwork should avoid October 16.

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day: October 23, 2026

Chulalongkorn Memorial Day honours King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V.

Banks and government offices close. Commemorative ceremonies may take place near royal monuments and official buildings.

Shopping, dining and sightseeing continue in most of Bangkok. The Friday date creates a three-day weekend, which can increase domestic travel and visitor numbers.

December Public Holidays

December contains several official and unofficial dates that tourists often confuse.

December 5 is the birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, National Day and Father’s Day. It falls on Saturday in 2026, so the substitute bank and government holiday is Monday, December 7.

Constitution Day follows on Thursday, December 10. Banks and government offices close again, while malls and restaurants generally stay open.

Christmas Day isn’t a Thai public holiday. Bangkok’s malls, hotels, restaurants and attractions usually operate on December 25, often with decorations and special menus.

New Year’s Eve on December 31 is an official holiday. Central Bangkok and riverside areas become busy with countdown events, dinners and celebrations. Public transport may extend its hours for major New Year events, but the final schedule is normally announced closer to the date.

Chinese New Year Is Not a Public Holiday

Chinese New Year isn’t a nationwide public holiday in Bangkok.

Banks and government offices generally follow their normal schedule unless another official holiday falls on the same date. Shopping malls and restaurants remain open.

Yaowarat and surrounding parts of Chinatown become much busier. Temples and Chinese shrines receive visitors, streets may host performances, and traffic controls can affect the area.

Treat Chinese New Year as a major festival rather than a citywide day off.

Which Bangkok Holidays Require the Most Planning?

Songkran requires the most preparation. Road access changes, small businesses close, crowds fill major celebration zones and nearly everyone gets wet.

Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha matter when nightlife or alcohol forms part of your plans. Sightseeing remains possible, but bars may close and alcohol sales stop.

October 16 affects banks, government services and traffic near the IMF and World Bank meeting venue. Many older holiday calendars won’t include it.

Royal and memorial holidays cause fewer problems for ordinary sightseeing. Check the Grand Palace calendar, then plan the rest of the day normally.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bangkok During a Public Holiday

Check each attraction directly. A public holiday doesn’t produce one standard opening schedule across Bangkok.

Use rail transport during Songkran and large official events. BTS and MRT services are less vulnerable to road closures.

Carry some cash before a long holiday. ATMs work, but bank branches and certain exchange counters may close.

Don’t schedule visa or government paperwork on a public holiday. Check for substitute Mondays as well as the original commemorative date.

Confirm alcohol availability on Buddhist holidays. An open restaurant isn’t proof that it can serve beer, wine or spirits.

Keep a backup attraction ready. A mall, private museum, park or riverside walk can replace a government museum that closes unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does Bangkok have in 2026?

The Bank of Thailand’s original calendar contains 19 financial-institution holidays. A later announcement added October 16 as a special holiday for Bangkok banks and government agencies. Private companies don’t necessarily close on every listed date.

Are shops closed on public holidays in Bangkok?

Most malls, department stores, supermarkets and convenience stores remain open. Independent shops may close or reduce their hours, especially during Songkran.

Are restaurants open?

Yes, most tourist restaurants, mall restaurants and hotel dining venues remain open. Smaller family-run businesses are more likely to close during Songkran or long weekends.

Are banks open on public holidays?

Regular branches close on Bank of Thailand holidays. Some mall branches may operate, but tourists should check the individual branch.

Does the BTS run on public holidays?

Yes. BTS services operate on public holidays, but train intervals may differ from weekday schedules.

Does the MRT run during Songkran?

Yes. The MRT continues operating and is often one of the easiest ways to avoid road closures and traffic around major Songkran zones.

Are Bangkok temples open on Buddhist holidays?

Many remain open and become active places of worship. Ceremonies can restrict access to some areas, so tourists should dress modestly and give worshippers space.

Can tourists buy alcohol on Buddhist holidays?

Alcohol sales are prohibited or restricted on major Buddhist holidays, including Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha. Restaurants can still serve food, but bars and alcohol service may stop.

Is the Grand Palace open on public holidays?

The Grand Palace normally opens daily, but royal ceremonies and official events can change the schedule. Check its official calendar on the day of your visit.

Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Bangkok?

No. December 25 isn’t a Thai public holiday. Malls, restaurants, banks and attractions generally follow their normal weekday schedules.

What is the most disruptive public holiday in Bangkok?

Songkran. The festival affects roads, local businesses, transport and sightseeing between April 13 and 15.

Check the official holiday calendar before booking appointments, then confirm each attraction’s hours a few days before your visit. Bangkok will probably be open. Your chosen museum or bank branch may not be.

Alison Adams

Alison is a travel writer passionate about solo adventures, photography, and memorable getaway escapes. She loves uncovering Cancun’s scenic coastline, boutique stays, local experiences, and hidden gems, creating stories that help curious travelers see more than the usual tourist highlights. Her work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, and other major outlets.