Thailand Annual Events April 2016
March 23, 2016Thailand Annual Events April 2016.
April is not Just about Songkran. Discover Thailand with Thailand Discovery.
Thailand Annual Events April 2016. Finding the actual dates of festivals in Thailand is never easy (see our post explaining more about what and who dictate their timing), but April is in the main all about the one national (crazy) festival that is Songkran, the dates are supposedly the same across the Kingdom, 13-15th April 2016, but many of the provinces will have a local ‘Songkran Festival’, where the dates, at times names and periods of festivals may vary. (see our list of the biggest Songkran events across Thailand). For more on the history, spiritual meaning and the rukes (yep you may not believe it but the festival has its own set of rules) in what is the world’s largest water fight see our post Wet and wild in Thailand
A word of warning…..It is worth noting most Thai people like to return home over this eagerly awaited festival, so they can spend time with their families and to ensure they get to join in with the water mayhem. Therefore be prepared for traffic chaos from both the people trying to get to and back from their homes and the hours you will spend in traffic if you find yourself in the middle of a towns celebrations.
Below is a selection of Thailand Festivals in April 2016, with links to the relevant Wikipedia web page, where you will find general information on how to get to the province along with information on what else to do when you get there. Those highlighted will link you to a more detailed description of the event as posted on our Asia BackPackers web site.
While some the following event names may not seem that inviting each festival has its own unique place in the history of its local people. While each has its own identity they all have a number of traits in common, they all deliver a blaze of colour, provide more than a dash of fun and you will always be surrounded by the warmth of the Thai people and best of all they are almost all free to join in.
We will update this post with dates, times and new festivals as they become known to us. Thailand Annual Events April 2016
Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival (or “Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsies”)
When: Annually on the Full Moon of April
Where: Moken villages on the South Surin Island (Surin Tai island) Mu Ko Surin National Park. Phuket Province
This annual private event (invitation only), is to help The Moken in their struggle to preserve their traditional culture in the face of growing tourism and with it, the influence of western culture. Every year in the sea gypsy village on South Surin Island (Surin Tai island), the Moken conduct the ceremony of “Loi Reua”, to pay homage to their ancestrial spirits and to ask the spirits of the dead to care for and protect the Moken people. This is a very auspicious occasion for the sea gypsies who are often described as sincere and peace-loving, preferring to flee trouble than engage in disagreements. For more on the people and the festival click here
Chakri Memorial Day
When: Annually on the 6th April
Where: Across Thailand
Chakri Memorial Day 2016; is a Public Holiday in Thailand and is a time for reflection for the people of the Kingdom to reflect on their long and colourful past. It is held on the 6th of April each year (unless the 6th falls on a weekend, then the holiday falls on the immediate Monday). Government offices, schools, and banks will be closed, but most other businesses open as usual on this day. Do note as this year the public holiday is on a Monday, ATM’s across the country may be empty and not refilled until Tuesday, therefore it is advisable to with-draw monies in advance of the weekend.
Chakri day commemorates both the coronation of Rama I and is also the day for the people of the Kingdom of Thailand to pay homage to all the previous 8 Kings in the Chakri dynasty and the current and ninth King (Rama IX) who is also the longest reigning monarch in the world.For more on the day and the Chakri Dynasty click here
Wan Lai and Kong Khao Festivals
When: Annually on the 16th – 21st April
Where: Across Chonburi Province
Thailand in April is not all about Songkran. While most of the rest of the Kingdom of Thailand will celebrate the Thai New Year over the 13-15 April, here in the Province of Chonburi the locals call Songkran the Wan Lai Tradition and there are five unique and colourful festivals that run from the 16th to the 21st of April each year. For more on each event see ourpost
Thao Suranari Memorial Fair
When: Annually 23rd March – 3rd April 2016
Where: Around the Thao Suranari Monument between Chumphon and Ratchadamnoen Roads. Nakhon Ratchasima City-Nakhon Ratchasima Province
In Memory of one of Thailand’s Greatest Heroines: The festival (billed as the biggest in Isaan) is filled to the brim with local cultural performances in song, dance and music, with the unique Khorat songs such as Phleng Khorat, played in the evenings. The song is a dialogue duet, singing tradition that has developed into a folk spectacle by the people in Khorat and traditionally uses only hand clapping with no musical instrument to accompany the vocals.
For more on the event and details on the heroine of Korat and how she turned the tide on an invading army click here
Si Satchanalai Elephant Back Ordination Procession
When: Annually April 7th – 8th
Where: The procession is held around the village of Ban Hat Siao and the Si Satchanalai District Office. The ordination ceremony is held at Wat Hat Siao. Amphoe: Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai Province Northern Thailand
The soon to be monks are carried on the backs of elephants that once used to work the local land, these towering animals which can number between 20-30 beasts, are painted and decorated in their best finery, with their passengers attired in traditional Phuan clothing, this includes the mahout and at least one other person there to carry a huge colourful parasol to keep the sun off the novice while they parade around the town and across the river. (Others may well climb aboard during the parade as they try to join in the celebrations).
The parade is led by a mass of well-wishers, family and friends, along with musicians and huge mobile stereo systems, all joining in the cacophony of sound that surrounds the festivities. While not Songkran the people will also make the effort to keep these majestic animals cool by dousing them as often as possible with water until they first reach the cool waters of the river and then after until they reach the Wat entrance and the young men begin their journey into monkhood
The event also has its share of traditional folk dances, along with an array of music and cultural demonstrations, a selection of local handicrafts, and of course a rich boiling pot of Thai food and drinks, all of which adds to this rich mix of colour and sound.
For more on this event click here
Trang Food Festival (งานมหกรรมอาหารดี ศรีตรังบาน)
When: Annually 30 March – 3 April
Where: Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Park 95 (Khao Pae Choi). Trang. Southern Thailand
Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favorite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen),rice and vegetable mix with Voodo sauce (KhaoYam), pork fried with Dasheen and red tofu sauce (GoYuk) plus chicken birayani.
Trang also has a unique breakfast cuisine found nowhere else in Thailand Dim Sum, which can consist of; consists of; Ja Kuai (deep fried bread), Go pii and Pa Tong Ko (local sweet donut) all washed down with Go pii (black coffee served with sugar).
This annual festival is held to further promote dishes of Trang Province. Food stalls of Trang restaurants offer dishes at discounted prices. Additional activities are an eating championship and cultural performances.
Sukhothai Mini-Light and Sound show
When: 1st April 2016
Where: At Wat Sra Sri Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai
The former Thai capital city of Sukhothai will once again present a series of the mini-light and sound presentation with one show per month scheduled between February and September 2016. The show consists of classical performances, fireworks display and a Loi Krathong scene starts from 19.00 hrs and lasts about 1.5 hours. Visitors can listen to the narration in several languages including English, Japanese, French and German. At the event, visitors can take part by taking photograph with the performers, floating a krathong or launching a hot-air balloon. Best of all its FREE.
The title ‘Mini Light Show’ does not do this event justice as while it cannot compete against the major shows staged at the same venue for Loy Krathong Festival in November, they are still a wonderful presentation of the former capitals glorious past.
Sukhothai, which literally means “dawn of happiness”, is located 439.7 km north of Bangkok or about four-five hours by car or 1 hour 15 minutes by air.
Kwian Phrabat Tug-of-war Tradition (ประเพณีชักกะเย่อเกวียนพระบาท)
When: Around Mid April (TBA)
Where: Wat Tapon Yai, Amphoe Khlung. Chanthaburi Province Southeast Thailand
Kwian Phrabat or the Buddha’s footprint tug-of-war competition is a local tradition that has been observed for more than a century and plays out over the traditional Songkran period, the competitions are a mixture of fun and serious matches and while you can expect to be soaked during the day in the evenings there will be various forms of dry entertainment taking place. The festival will also include the elegant and traditional Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony (pouring scented water onto the hands of the elderly to seek their blessing see more on this traditional and ancient ceremony).
Hae Nam Khuen Hong Festival
When: Annually 17 – 19 April
Where: The plaza of Chaopho Mueang Dong Monument, Tambon Ban Tuek, Amphoe: Si Satchanalai. Sukhothai ProvinceNorthern Thailand
During the festival 14 local villages will amass approx. 50 of their elephants which they will lavishly decorate and paint before parading them between the shrine of Chaopho Khao Mung, and the plaza containing the Chaopho Mueang Dong Monument to pay homage to the memory of this ancient local hero. For more on this festival click here
Nang Yai Wat Khanon Festival
When: Around the 13-14th April (TBA)
Where: Tambon Soifa, Amphoe Photharam, Ratchaburi Province (about two-hour drive South from Bangkok).
The event includes not only performances by the temples own puppeteers (each performance has a cast of approx. 20 puppeteers and 10 musicians playing traditional musical instruments and narrators) but also from troupes from around the Kingdom, including the smaller rod puppets from Klong Bangluang, puppet dance from Phetchaburi.
That’s not all there will also be workshops and demonstrations of mask and puppet making and other traditional performing arts including the Lanna Khon Dance, telling the “Origin of Songkran Day” and the Dikir Hulu Muslim folk dances.For more the festival and art of Nang Yai, along with details on other types of puppeteers click here
The Chaopho Khao Tok Fair and Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (ประเพณีเจ้าพ่อเขาตก หรือ งานแห่เจ้าพ่อเขาตก)
When: On the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month, and continues for four days.
Where: Held at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi Province Central Thailand
The dates shown here cover two separate and strikingly different events; The Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (also known asHae Phra Khiao Kaeo – ประเพณีแห่พระเขี้ยวแก้ว) takes place on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month. Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo was the tooth of the Lord Buddha and therefore hold it in great esteem. During the day people will carry the relic which is normally housed at the Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum in a procession around the town. The local belief is that by holding and attending the procession, the town and its inhabitants will prosper and live in happiness.
The second part of these celebrations the Chaopho Khao Tok Fair takes place in the confines of the ancient Royal temple, which was constructed in 1624 during the reign of King Songtham. The event is in fact a little known Chinese festival which features, a colourful and noisy Lo Ko Dragon Parade, along with performances of Chinese Opera. There are also special rituals in which people will walk over burning coals as a demonstration of their faith and beliefs.
The Museum
The temple compound also holds the PhraPhutthabat National Museum, which displays precious artifacts and artwork from King Songtham’s era. However, it is only open to the public during the PhraPhutthabat Fair which is held biannually, on the eighth day of the waxing moon until the first day of the waning moon in the third month and the fourth month of the lunar calendar.
Poy Sang Long
When: Annually in April Dates to be confirmed
Where: Wat Pa Pao on Manee Noparat Road. Chaing Mai Northern Thailand
This colourful tradition of the Shan people called Poy Sang Long is to celebrate its young sons who are to be ordained as novice monks and happens in only a selected number of Shan temples in the provinces of Chaing Mai and Mae Hong Son.
On the first day of this three-day festival, the selected boys known as luk kaeo, or “Crystal Sons” and who are usually between the ages of 7 -14, have their head and eyebrows shaved (to remove all vanity), they are then bathed in herbal water before feasting with their family after which they spend the night in the temple.
The second morning of Poy Sang Long, finds the boys donning white turbans, each are then assigned three attendants, one to act as the body guard, one to shade him with an umbrella, while the third is there to carry him atop his shoulders as the boy prince is only allowed to touch the ground either inside a family home or a temple, then each new prince along with their attendants and a mass of dancing and drumming participants set off in a parade to the temple.
On the third day the boys are again carried in a procession, escorted by their attendants and flanked by family and friends who are all eager to greet their newly found prince, as they believe their Crystal Son will bring them good luck. This time the boys are attired in the most lavish of clothes and jewellery, with faces powdered to represent the most affluent of nobility, the parade is led by traditional Shan musicians in a mass of colour and noise.
This is the point when the extravagance comes to an end. The boys ask permission of the senior monk to be ordained. Once this has been granted they start the process of removing the elaborate make up and costumes and change into the saffron robes of a traditional monk that have already been provided by their parents. The boys will remain as novice monks for at least one month, as they learn the pillars of Buddhism
The ordination of a son is a proud moment for all Buddhist parents, as they believe it will give them the highest merit. While for the boys it is hoped that the memory of this special occasion will stay with them forever. For more on the event the Shan people along with a host of picture click here
Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival
When: 3rd-5th April each year
Where: Phanom Rung Monument. Buriram Province Northeast Thailand.
Phanom Rung or full name, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is Perched 402 metres on top of a dormant volcano, this somewhat magical place was built between the 10th and 13th centuries and has commanding views of the surrounding countryside, from this vantage point you can see all the way to the Dongrek Mountains in Cambodia (Due South) and if you look to the Northwest you may also just see the smaller Khmer temple of ‘Prasat Meuang Tam’ some 8 kms away. The location and size of the complex is a sign of its prior importance in the Khmer Empire.
The festival is held to celebrate the 6 am sunrise in April each year and with it, the mystical powers the sun’s rays have on those who are fortunate enough to witness the light as it streams through the open temples doorways. It also includes a buang suang ceremony, (see here: You Tube of the ceremony) along with a gloriously colourful parade to pay respect to the gods and spirits. There are a number of traditional cultural dance & music performances and on April 4 and 5 there is the Phanom Rung Devalai light-and-sound presentation. The 3pm show depicts the procession of a former Khmer princess, while the 7pm light-and-sound show presents the history of Phanom Rung.
For more on the monument’s past and its Hindu roots along with more on the festival and the other days you may witness this spectacle click here
Thai Song Dam Festival (ประเพณีไทยทรงดำ)
When: Annually on the 18th April
Where: Song Dam Village, Khao Yoi Amphoe, Phetchaburi Central Thailand
Khao Yoi is in the North of Phetchaburi and is always the first stop for tourists who are visiting the province as it is under 2 hours from the centre of Bangkok. The popular attractions are the Khao Yoi Cave, the teakwood ordination hall at Wat Kuti, and Thai Song Dam community center.
The festival is awash with colour, as the villagers wear their traditional costumes through-out the day. There is a Buddhist merit-making ceremony and an abundance of more playful celebrations including folk plays and dancing. To see more on this unique festival and its people click here
Wai Khru Bucha Tao Ceremony (พิธีไหว้ครูบูชาเตา)
When: Annually around April – May
Where: Ban Ton Pho, Ban Phai Nong and Ban Salai, Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Nakhon Luang. Phra Nakhon Si AyutthayaCentral Thailand
This wai khru ceremony, as with all Wai Khru ceremonies is to pay tribute to their teachers. In this instance it is held by blacksmiths and knife-makers of Aranyik knives who also pray to the spirits who live within their forges. The ceremony is normally held on a Thursday nearest to the day of the waxing moon of the 5th lunar month (around April – May). Thursday is traditionally the day of the Hindu God Brihaspati presides over, and is the day of other Hindu deities and gods of wisdom and teachers.
After chanting for a congregation of angels and saluting the Triple Gem, the master of the ceremony will chant for a congregation of gods which include Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Vishnukarma, Matuli, Vaya and others, as well as Thai, Lao, Mon, and Chinese masters who handed down to them their ironwork skills and secrets. All the participants, tools and equipment will be sprinkled with lustral water to ensure each person continued success, prosperity and to sweep away any possible future accidents.
Cantaloupe Day and Aranyaprathet Fair
This quiet part of Isaan that normally has the feeling of being the stage for a spaghetti western border town, comes alive for a few days of the year, when it celebrates its best known home grown produce
When: Annually 6-15th April
Where: Aranyaprathet railway station. Sa Kaeo Province Eastern Thailand
The town of Aranyaprathet is ideally situated if you are planning to travel to neighbouring Cambodia, situated as it is 6 kms from the border and far larger Cambodian town of Poipet ((officially Paôy Paêt It is famous for its strip of casinos, which is frequented by many Thai’s as gambling is illegal in Thailand). The border town is also on Route 33, part of the route connecting Bangkok and Siem Reap, the city nearest Angkor Wat.
During April every year when melons are being harvested locally the town plays host to this agricultural fair. The event includes a host of agricultural contests and presentations, a wonderful colourful parade of floats decked in cantaloupe, a beauty contest along with a myriad of booths selling local handicrafts and produce. That’s not all during this 9 day event there are also a range of other entertainment shows and activities.
For more on this fair and the province click here
Paet Rio Mango and Products Fair
When: Annually March to April
Where: Phutthasothon School in Amphoe Mueang, Chachoengsao Province Central Thailand
The province is home to one of Thailand’s most loved fruits the sweat mango and has around 140 square kilometers, mostly in Amphoe Bang Khla and Plaeng Yao, dedicated to growing this succulent fruit. There are several mango species, each offering a different flavor profile, such as Raet, Khiao Sawoei, Nam Dok Mai, Chaokhun Thip and Thong Dam. During the mango season there is an agricultural fair in its honour featuring agricultural produce contests, agricultural exhibitions, along with a mass of booths selling local handicrafts, food and drinks and of course a huge choice of different ways to enjoy mangoes.
More on the province
Derived from Khmer, the name Chachoengsao means deep canal, the province is also called Paet Riu, which means eight and Rio means stripes. The name is believed to have come from the way dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were pierced together into eight stripes before being sold. Chachoengsao(Paet Rio) is located to the east of Bangkok, approx. 80 kilometers from Bangkok. Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan is the largest temple in the province and unlike most other temples in Thailand the roof is gray not orange/gold.
Phuket Bike Week
When: Mid-April 2016
Where: Patong Beach, Phuket Town, Phuket. Southern Thailand
The annual Phuket Bike Week (now in its 22nd year) is on the 8th -16th April 2016. The event is expected to draw over 10,000 motorcycles and 50,000 visitors from 30 countries to Phuket. The excitement will take place in Patong Beach on 8th -10th April 2016 and in Phuket Town on 15th-16th April 2016. While not on the same scale as the bike week in Chonburi (Held Annually in February) the event promises to be a mass of colour and noise with bike shows and a music festival, all designed to straddle the Songkran water Festival during April 13 – 15
Thailand Annual Events April 2016. For more info contact:Tel.: +66(0) 76 352 069 Fax: +66(0) 76 261 028 E-mail: info@phuketbikeweek.comwww.phuketbikeweek.com
Pu Cha Phaya Lo Fair (Bucha Phra Lo) (ประเพณีปู่จาพญาลอ-บูชาพระลอ)
When: Annually on the 9th April
Where: Wiang Lo Ancient Town, Ban Huai Ngio, Amphoe Chun Phayao Province Northern Thailand
This ancient ruined town with its former walls, moat and temples was once a flourishing out-post of the Northern Kingdom of Phayao and may have been abandoned when the Burmese took control of the tiny kingdom in 1558. The festival is to pay homage to the former inhabitants of Wiang Lo and to ensure the history of this once important town is not forgotten. During the days event there are parades, cultural performances and a procession inviting the spirits of Wiang Lo’s past Kings to give their blessings on those in attendance. The evening is finished with a light and sound presentation.
Nonthaburi Fruit Fair
Fruit carving display
When: Annually mid April – to the beginning of June
Where: Rip-rap court in front of the old city hall, Muang District. Nonthaburi province Central Thailand
Nonthaburi Province is renowned for growing the best durian in the country, where it has been grown for over 400 years. The fruit is known as “durian Nont” which means durian from Nonthaburi Province. It is also known as the most expensive durian in the world. If you like your fruit why not stop in at the Nonthaburi Fruit Fair There are plenty of stalls and booths selling fruits, such as mangosteen, santol, Burmese grape, mango and of course Durian amongst other tasty local fruits. Plus a huge selection of flowering and decorative plants produced in Nonthaburi
Contact Nonthaburi Provincial office of Tourism and Sport Bangkra-Sor, Nonthaburi 11000 , Thailand Tel. 0-2589-5479
Tham Erawan Festival
Picture by TAT
When: Annually 12-15 April. Thailand Annual Events April 2016
Where: The Tham Erawan Cave on the border between Loei and Nong Bua Lamphu Provinces. Northeast Thailand
Situated inside the mountain of Pha Tham Chang is the Tham Erawan Cave, only accessible via a winding 600-step stone stair case. At the caves entrance sits the crossed legged golden Buddha statue of Phra Buddha (Chaisri Maha Munee Lokkanart). The entrance of which leads to a huge hall dotted with various types of stalactites and stalagmites in all manner of strange and eerie shapes that are picked out from the caves dark interior by both natural lighting from the caves opening and the colourful electrical lighting that is strategically place within the caves depths. A local gruesome folktale, Nang Phom Hom (The Lady with Fragrant Hair), who was the daughter of an elephant is said to have taken place here.
During the festival at the nearby temple, local villagers will make khan mak beng (Elaborate sculptures of varying sizes made from banana leaves and flowers) and take them in a colourful procession to the cave via the staircase. Later the khan mak beng will be judged with winners receiving prizes. There is also a beauty contest, a banana eating contest and of course this would not be Thailand if they did not also provide you the opportunity to treat yourself to buying local handicrafts and delicious local food.
For more on the festival and what else to do and see in the province click here
Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest 2016
When: 1st – 30th April 2016. Thailand Annual Events April 2016
Where: Railay Bay, Ton Sai Bay, Krabi Southern Thailand.
The contest provides participants with the opportunity to climb the craggy, challenging limestone cliffs and rock formations overlooking the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. With Krabi offering some 600 rock-climbing routes, with numerous challenges for individuals of various levels of skills and experience. There are also several beginner climbs, so that even the novice climber can experience the thrill of climbing. Equipment rentals, instruction, and guides are all available. The towering cliffs of Railay Beach and Ton Sai Beach attract rock climbers from all over the world and have steadily gained fame as one of the premier rock-climbing destinations.
There are a number of different competitions including a lead climbing marathon, deep water soloing and a fire contest.
Koh Chang’s Food and Fruit Festival
When: 1 Apr – 31 May 2016
Where: Koh Chang Municipal Office Koh Chang, Trat Southwestern Thailand
Koh Chang is the second largest island after Phuket and benefits both from an abundance of sea and land produce which it proudly showcases during this event. This is your opportunity to try the famous and uniquely tasting Chani Durian or as it is commonly known as the “Koh Chang Durian” which has a hint of salt to its normal smelly but tasty flesh. You can expect to find a vast array of locally produced agricultural products and freshly caught fish and shell fish along-side a magical assortment of traditional handicrafts, there are also a number of various stage performances featuring the local Thai culture.
For more info contact: Koh Chang Municipal Office Tel. 039-586176 Koh Chang agricultural office Tel. 039-586180
Monkey Feeding Festival (งานบุญพาข้าวลิง)
When: Annually on the 2nd April
Where: Kosumpi Forest Park Maha Sarakham ProvinceNortheast Thailand
This is one of two forest parks in this province, that derives most of its wealth from agriculture, the park is located on the Chi River and was formed to protect the natural hunting grounds of a number of crab eating birds and the local population of the rare “Golden monkey”, (Goldern Hair Macaques are only found in southeast Asia). They share this small forest with approx. 800 of the more common crab eating macaques.
The park opens its doors to enable the public to witness close up these at times rude but always funny primates eat a feast provided by the park rangers
Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day (งานวันรถไฟรถม้าลำปาง)
When: 1st April Thailand Annual Events April 2016
Where: Nakhon Lampang Railway Station. Lampang Northern Thailand
The Northern Province is celebrating the 17th Train and Horse Carriage Festival, commemorating the opening of the first railway from Bangkok to Lampang in 1916 and on the 1st April in the same year when the first royal train pulled into the station. The event is also to salute the horses that played such an important part to the provinces earlier trading ability. The day includes both exhibitions of trains and horse carriages and the participants will dress up in the traditional style of costume of the period. There will also be numerous other shows and performances featuring cowboys and cowgirls costume competition, a food festival and finishes with a light and sound show. There will be horse carriages on hand through-out the day and early evening should you wish to conduct your own sight-seeing adventure.
Phrathat Si Song Rak Fair (งานนมัสการพระธาตุศรีสองรัก)
When: Annually usually late April – early May (The full moon day of the 6th lunar month)
Where: Wat Phra That Si Song Rak Dan Sai district Loei Northeastern Thailand
Built in 1560 and located on a hill on the border of the former Kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Lang Xang, stands Wat Phra That Si Song Rak, built as a monument to the resolve of the kings of these two kingdoms, who agreed not to invade each other’s territory and to join forces against the invading Burmese armies. The temple was built in a style similar to that found in Laos and has a 30-meter-high ‘Chedi’. The wat is a focal point of this festival in and where local residents offer items made of candle wax to the temple’s monks, while this is a normal practice of merit making in this festival it takes on a deeper meaning as the temple is home to a Wax figure of the original the founder of the Temple.
A word of warning: It is important not to offer any red-colored items to the temple or to dress in red when you visit as this is regarded as invoking bad luck.
This same small backwater of a town is also host to the worldwide renown Phi Ta Khon Festival (also spelled Pee Ta Khon (Thai: ผีตาโขน), sometimes known as the Ghost Festival)
Contact Details: Dan Sai district Tel. 0-4289-1266 TAT Loei office Tel. +66 4281 2812