While festive activities will take place in all the provinces of Thailand, some destinations have become especially well-known for their own take on the holiday.
Isan – Ubon Ratchathani, July 23-26
Ubon is famous for its wax candle festival and procession which takes place in Thung Si Mueang Park and is a staggering demonstration of skillfully made wax artworks.
Isan – Nakhon Ratchasima, July, 26-28
Besides all things candle – a competition and a parade – the festival will also feature local art and culture, including khon, or traditional mask dance perfomances.
Isan – Nakhon Phanom, July 28
Nakhon Phanom offers a similar version of the candle festival but with a Lao twist. A beauty pageant is a must-see activity, too.
Centre – Ayutthaya, July, 28
The ancient Lad Chado canal is the epicentre of the Acquatic Phansa Festival in Ayutthaya where candles are brought to temples in 200+ elaborately decorated boats.
Centre – Suphanburi, July, 27-28
Suphanburi holds a very similar celebration as in Ubon Ratchathani but it sits closer to Bangkok, so you can make an easy hop there.
Centre – Saraburi, July, 26-28
Khao Phansa in Saraburi has white and yellow colour with tak bat dok mai flowers offered to monks at Wat Phra Putthabat Ratchaworamahaviharn. Absolutely spectacular!
North – Nan, July, 29
Nan has it traditional way: almsgiving in the morning, bringing candles to temples in the afternoon and merit-making all day long.
Thailand Gets Ready For Khao Phansa Festival 2018
News in Asia
The day of the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, Wan Khao Phansa, is celebrated throughout the country on full moon of the 8th lunar month. This year, it falls on July, 28, and the Tourism Association of Thailand has prepared a list of the destinations to get most of the festival.