When and where
When: Days before the full moon of the 11th month (October), nine days
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 17-25 October.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Chonburi Buffalo Races
The Chonburi Buffalo Racing festival is over a hundred years old. Farmers send their decorated, trained water buffalo in fast sprints over short tracks, often with a rider hanging on to a rope. There is also a parade, a beauty contest for buffalo, a fair and a funfair. It takes place in October, at the end of the rainy season and before the harvest, and is one of the few true country festivals near Bangkok.
Getting there
Chonburi is about 80 km from Bangkok; bus or minivan.
Highlights
- Buffalo races Water buffalo sprint down short tracks.
- Parade Decorated buffalo and farmers in traditional dress.
- Fair Stalls and funfair around the event.
Tips for Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Come early and bring sun protection.
- Stay behind the barrier; buffalo are unpredictable.
- Combine with a visit to Bang Saen.
Chonburi Buffalo Races 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 Chonburi town, where the races are held.
Frequently asked questions about Chonburi Buffalo Races
When is Chonburi Buffalo Races in 2026?
Chonburi Buffalo Races falls in 2026 on 17–25 October, at Chonburi Provincial Hall. Rule: Days before the full moon of the 11th month (October), nine days. This date comes from media or tourism sources and is not officially confirmed; check it shortly before you go.
Where is the best place to see Chonburi Buffalo Races?
Watch it best at Chonburi Provincial Hall. Water buffalo sprint down short tracks. Chonburi is about 80 km from Bangkok; bus or minivan. Decorated buffalo and farmers in traditional dress. Highlight: Fair – Stalls and funfair around the event. The Chonburi Buffalo Racing festival is over a hundred years old.
What should I bring or wear to Chonburi Buffalo Races?
Come early and bring sun protection. Stay behind the barrier; buffalo are unpredictable. Combine with a visit to Bang Saen. Highlight: Buffalo races – Water buffalo sprint down short tracks. Highlight: Parade – Decorated buffalo and farmers in traditional dress.
Festivals near Chonburi Provincial Hall
- Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas) 12 km as the crow flies
- Luang Pho Sothon Fair (Chachoengsao) 35 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 50 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya Music Festival 50 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya Wan Lai (Beach Songkran) 50 km as the crow flies
Also in October
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
- Chulalongkorn Day
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)