If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in July, don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of Thailand’s best festivals – the Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival. Every year, this colorful event attracts thousands of visitors from around the world to witness a captivating spectacle blending ancient traditions, enchanting music, and extravagant costumes.
The Phi Ta Khon festival in Thailand offers a unique experience where past and present converge in an atmosphere of joy, mystery, and spirituality. Join us to discover the fascinating origins of this festival, where and when it’s celebrated, and its cultural significance.
Overview of the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Thailand
Every year, in the picturesque town of Dan Sai, nestled in the heart of the Loei province in northeastern Thailand, the Phi Ta Khon – Ghost festival takes place. This “ghost festival” in Thailand vibrantly showcases the country’s cultural richness, attracting visitors from far and wide to bask in its unique charm.
Phi Ta Khon – The amazing “Ghost Festival” in Thailand
The festival runs from late June to early July and typically lasts for 3 days. During these bustling three days, people engage in role-playing by simply wearing a ghost mask. These masks, with their vivid colors and distinct features, exude an atmosphere that is both eerie and enchanting, adding to the festival’s allure.
In the towns, people dressed as Phi Ta Khon can be seen performing lively dances and gestures, creating a vibrant and joyous scene accompanied by captivating traditional music. Meanwhile, the main rituals take place at the Wat Pho Chai temple, one of the top spiritual sites in Thailand.
Date of the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Thailand
This festival takes place only once a year at the end of June and beginning of July. This year, the Ghost Festival in Thailand will be held from Sunday, July 7th to Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.
However, to fully experience the festival, visitors should come on the first and second days when the “Phi Ta Khon” – the participating spirits – parade through the streets.
Where is the festival held?
The Phi Ta Khon festival is held in the Dan Sai district, Loei province, a region known for its thriving agriculture in Thailand.
Experience the Loei’s majestic nature from above on the Chiang Khan Skywalk
That’s why Loei province is renowned for its stunning landscapes, with lush green hills and a cooler climate than major cities like Bangkok. Visitors who come here can thus experience the natural beauty while immersing themselves in the unique Phi Ta Khon festival.
How to Get to Loei?
To reach Loei, travelers have two primary options. The first is a short flight from Bangkok, a journey spanning about 1 hour and 10 minutes. With approximately 5 flights daily, convenience is assured. However, tickets typically range from 50 to 80 USD.
Alternatively, a road trip by bus from Bangkok presents a more economical choice, averaging around 20 USD. However, brace for a longer journey of approximately 9 hours.
Origin of the festival
The festival’s origins lie in the ancient legend of Buddhism surrounding King Vesandare. Before attaining enlightenment to become the venerable Buddha, he was Prince Vessandorn.
Phi Ta Khon marks the moment when the prince returns to his village after a long and arduous journey, and everyone thinks he is dead.
When the prince returns, people are extremely happy and consider it a miracle. According to local inhabitants, “Phi” means ghost and “Khon” means mask.
Interesting activities during the festival
Day 1 – Phi Ta Khon Day: Invocation Ritual of Phra Upakhut
A ritual invoking Phra Upakhut, a revered monk believed to reside beneath the ocean’s depths, takes place. According to legend, to celebrate the construction of 84,000 temples, King Asoka the Great (268-232 BC) summoned Phra Upakhut to safeguard a significant temple construction ceremony from malevolent spirits and demons.
During the ritual, villagers construct the Upakhut Hall and enact a symbolic dialogue between participants standing in the river and on the bank, culminating in the invocation’s success.
The celebration crescendos with vibrant fireworks displays, symbolizing the villagers’ invitation to the spiritual realm to partake in their revelry.
Day 2 – Phi Ta Khon Parade: Prince Vessandorn Returns to Town
During this eventful day, Prince Vessandorn and Phra Upakhut make their triumphant return to town, marking the beginning of the lively Phi Ta Khon parade. Streets come alive with the vibrant procession, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
Intrigued spectators witness the spectacle of locals adorned in striking masks, intricately crafted from coconut tree trunks and adorned with willow branches, each bearing unique motifs. Street vendors offer these masks for sale, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festivities by donning them and joining the jubilant crowd in dance and song.
Thai people are very enthusiastic about organizing this great festival every year
The parade features a diverse ensemble of dancers, comprising both seasoned performers and enthusiastic amateurs, donning flamboyant, otherworldly costumes. They move to the infectious beat of traditional music, entertaining the crowd with lively dances and playful antics as they weave their way through the town.
As dusk settles, the revelers return home, shedding their eerie disguises and coming together for a late meal. Over shared stories and laughter, they reflect on the day’s joyful moments, extending wishes of happiness and prosperity for the days ahead.
These spirited activities serve a deeper purpose, as they are believed to honor and appease the protective spirits of the village, beseeching favorable conditions for a bountiful harvest season in Loei Province.
Day 3 – Third Day – Ancestors’ Day: Temple Traditions
The following day is dedicated to venerating ancestors through a series of solemn rituals held in local temples. Devotees offer prayers, merits, and acts of kindness to honor their departed loved ones.
Buddhist devotees pay homage to monks, partake in Thet Mahachat sermons recounting the life of the Buddha, and pay respects to sacred relics within the temple confines.
In Thailand, festivals such as Phi Ta Khon serve as captivating windows into the country’s rich cultural tapestry, blending age-old traditions with contemporary revelry. The Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, in particular, offers an unparalleled sensory experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a whirlwind of color, dance, and spirituality.
In 2024, as this iconic festival continues to enchant audiences from across the globe, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure and diversity of Thai culture. Come, join us, and embark on a journey of discovery through this mesmerizing celebration!
