When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in January / February.
When: Mid January to early February (about 15 days)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable (annually mid-Jan to early Feb). 2026: 18 January-1 February (67th edition); 2027 not yet known.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri)
The Don Chedi fair commemorates King Naresuan the Great and his legendary elephant duel in 1593 with which he defeated the Burmese army. Around the royal monument the battle is re-enacted with elephants and horses, and there are light shows, markets, concerts and a Red Cross fair. It is a big local event with a strong note of national pride. The fair lasts about fifteen days and nights and attracts many Thai visitors from the region.
Getting there
Don Chedi is about 20 km from Suphan Buri town and 160 km from Bangkok; bus or rental car.
Highlights
- Elephant battle Re-enactment of the 1593 duel on elephant back.
- Light-and-sound show The story of King Naresuan in sight and sound.
- Red Cross fair Market, concerts and funfair beside the monument.
Tips for Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri)
- The show is in the evening; come early for a spot.
- It is a local event with little English.
- Combine with Suphan Buri town.
Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows the Don Chedi Monument, the site of King Naresuan's victory.
Frequently asked questions about Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri)
When is Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri) in 2026?
Don Chedi Memorial Fair falls in 2026 on 18 January – 1 February, at Don Chedi Monument, Suphan Buri. Rule: Mid January to early February (about 15 days). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri)?
Watch it best at Don Chedi Monument, Suphan Buri. Re-enactment of the 1593 duel on elephant back. Don Chedi is about 20 km from Suphan Buri town and 160 km from Bangkok; bus or rental car. The story of King Naresuan in sight and sound. Highlight: Red Cross fair – Market, concerts and funfair beside the monument.
Is Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri) free to attend?
Yes, watching is free. The venue is Don Chedi Monument, Suphan Buri. The show is in the evening; come early for a spot. It is a local event with little English. Highlight: Elephant battle – Re-enactment of the 1593 duel on elephant back. Highlight: Light-and-sound show – The story of King Naresuan in sight and sound.
Festivals near Don Chedi Monument, Suphan Buri
- King Narai Reign Fair (Lopburi) 65 km as the crow flies
- Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair 65 km as the crow flies
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival 65 km as the crow flies
- Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi) 85 km as the crow flies
- Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival 85 km as the crow flies
Also in January / February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)