When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in May.
When: May; the date is set each year by royal astrologers
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 Wednesday 13 May. 2027 not yet confirmed.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Royal Ploughing Ceremony
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an ancient Brahmin-Buddhist ritual marking the start of the rice-planting season. At Sanam Luang a senior agriculture official, in white and gold, ploughs a field with two sacred oxen and sows blessed rice. The oxen then choose from seven bowls of food, which tradition says predicts the year's harvest. It is a day off for civil servants but not for all workers.
Getting there
Sanam Luang is beside the Grand Palace; river boat to Tha Chang.
Highlights
- Sacred oxen The choice of seven bowls predicts the harvest.
- Blessed rice Consecrated grains are sown and later collected by farmers.
- Sanam Luang A rare public farming ritual in the heart of Bangkok.
Tips for Royal Ploughing Ceremony
- Arrive early and dress neatly; parts of the field are closed off.
- Bring water and a hat.
- The exact date is announced each year.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
National ceremony; held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions about Royal Ploughing Ceremony
When is Royal Ploughing Ceremony in 2026?
Royal Ploughing Ceremony falls in 2026 on 13 May and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Sanam Luang, Bangkok. Rule: May; the date is set each year by royal astrologers. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Royal Ploughing Ceremony?
Watch it best at Sanam Luang, Bangkok. The choice of seven bowls predicts the harvest. Sanam Luang is beside the Grand Palace; river boat to Tha Chang. Consecrated grains are sown and later collected by farmers. Highlight: Sanam Luang – A rare public farming ritual in the heart of Bangkok.
What should I bring or wear to Royal Ploughing Ceremony?
Arrive early and dress neatly; parts of the field are closed off. Bring water and a hat. The exact date is announced each year. Highlight: Sacred oxen – The choice of seven bowls predicts the harvest. Highlight: Blessed rice – Consecrated grains are sown and later collected by farmers.
Festivals near Sanam Luang, Bangkok
- Mother's Day (Queen Mother's Birthday) 0 km as the crow flies
- Father's Day and National Day 0 km as the crow flies
- King Bhumibol Memorial Day 1 km as the crow flies
- Coronation Day 1 km as the crow flies
- Queen Suthida's Birthday 1 km as the crow flies
Also in May
- Bangkok Pride
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji)
- Chanthaburi Paradise of Tropical Fruit
- Rayong Fruit Festival
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)