When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in February.
When: February (10 days); earlier editions in December
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable. 2026: 13-22 February; 2027 not yet known.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
The Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair celebrates the old capital's UNESCO World Heritage status. In the cool months the historical park becomes a stage of light shows, illuminated temples, historical plays and traditional-style markets. Visitors are invited to wear traditional dress. It is a lovely way to see Ayutthaya in the evening, when the temple ruins are lit in colour. The evening programmes are the most beautiful, since the ruins are then bathed in coloured light.
Getting there
Ayutthaya is about 80 km from Bangkok; train, minivan or boat.
Highlights
- Light show at ruins Illuminated temples with Wat Mahathat as the backdrop.
- Historical theatre Performances about the Ayutthaya kingdom.
- Traditional market Food and crafts in old style.
Tips for Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
- Date and venue change by year; check the province's announcement.
- Combine with a river tour.
- Bring insect repellent and a jacket for the evening.
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Ayutthaya Historical Park, where the fair is held.
Frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
When is Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair in 2026?
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair falls in 2026 on 13–22 February, at Ayutthaya Historical Park. Rule: February (10 days); earlier editions in December. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair?
Watch it best at Ayutthaya Historical Park. Illuminated temples with Wat Mahathat as the backdrop. Ayutthaya is about 80 km from Bangkok; train, minivan or boat. Performances about the Ayutthaya kingdom. Highlight: Traditional market – Food and crafts in old style. The Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair celebrates the old capital's UNESCO World Heritage status.
What should I bring or wear to Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair?
Date and venue change by year; check the province's announcement. Combine with a river tour. Bring insect repellent and a jacket for the evening. Highlight: Light show at ruins – Illuminated temples with Wat Mahathat as the backdrop. Highlight: Historical theatre – Performances about the Ayutthaya kingdom.
Festivals near Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi) 45 km as the crow flies
- King Narai Reign Fair (Lopburi) 50 km as the crow flies
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival 50 km as the crow flies
- Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival 65 km as the crow flies
- Chulalongkorn Day 65 km as the crow flies
Also in February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket)