Alcohol ban: On the five Buddhist holy days (Makha, Visakha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) a 24-hour nationwide alcohol sales ban applied in 2026, with limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, designated tourist zones). Check the current rules. Rules can change per year and province; check the current rules. nationthailand.com: 40069132 ↗ angthong.prd.go.th: 388517 ↗
When and where
When: Full moon of the 3rd Thai lunar month (February/March)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 3 March; 2027: 21 February (bank holiday observed Monday 22 February).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 disciples of the Buddha on a full-moon day, when he set out the core of his teaching. Thais visit temples, offer alms to monks and in the evening join the wian tian: walking three times around the temple hall with candles, flowers and incense. Everything is calm and respectful. Dress neatly and note that alcohol sales are banned in many areas.
Getting there
Every temple in the country celebrates Makha Bucha; in Bangkok use BTS/MRT plus a taxi to Wat Benchamabophit.
Highlights
- Candlelit wian tian Worshippers walk three times around the ordination hall with candle, flowers and incense.
- Alms-giving Thais offer food to monks and listen to sermons.
- Hae Pha Khun That In Nakhon Si Thammarat a long cloth is carried around the stupa.
Tips for Makha Bucha
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples.
- Alcohol is unavailable in many shops and restaurants; plan for that.
- Behave quietly and photograph monks respectfully.
Makha Bucha on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
National holiday celebrated in every temple. The map shows a well-known Bangkok temple. See also Hae Pha Khun That in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Frequently asked questions about Makha Bucha
When is Makha Bucha in 2026?
Makha Bucha falls in 2026 on 3 March and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Bangkok. Rule: Full moon of the 3rd Thai lunar month (February/March). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Makha Bucha?
Yes. On Makha Bucha itself a nationwide 24-hour ban on alcohol sales applies in 2026. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules.
When is Makha Bucha in 2027?
Makha Bucha falls in 2027 on 21 February and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Bangkok. Rule: Full moon of the 3rd Thai lunar month (February/March). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Festivals near Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Bangkok
- National Children's Day 0 km as the crow flies
- Chulalongkorn Day 0 km as the crow flies
- Wat Saket Golden Mount Fair 2 km as the crow flies
- Constitution Day 2 km as the crow flies
- King's Birthday 2 km as the crow flies
Also in February / March
- 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)