The Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival is a fantastic festival in Dan Sai, in Loei province. Each year, the village mediums will decide when the event will occur, (normally sometime between March and July). The whole event (called Bun Luang) is part of a Buddhist merit-making holiday known as Bun Phawet (assembly day) and takes place over three days. The town’s residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit of the Mun river, processing through the streets wearing colourful masks and wielding phallic symbols.
Table of Contents
Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival
The origins of the Ghost Festival parade stem from the Vessantara Jataka in which the Buddha, in one of his past lives as a prince, made a long journey and was considered to have died. The raucous celebration upon his return was said to be wild and loud enough to wake the dead. The main parade takes place on the first day of the festival, followed by costume/dance contests and a Rocket Festival element on the second day, and then a sombre final day when the villagers listen to sermons from Buddhist monks.
For a detailed history behind the Phi Ta Khon Festival,
go to THIS POST.
Location
Dates / Relevant Info
Dan Sai, Loei
Entry Fee:
Free. There is no cost to join in on the event.
Date:
Usually between June and July.
(Each year dates are decided by village mediums – so dates vary).
Follow @motogirlthailand on social media,
for updates on when the festival is announced
Time / Duration:
Spread out over three days with the main parade
taking place in the afternoon on the first day
Accommodation
Accommodation is limited and books up FAST during the Phi Ta Khon festival,
(often weeks in advance).
Aim to book accommodation AS SOON as the festival dates are announced.
Accommodation can be booked via the usual websites (Agoda, etc)
How to Get There
The best and most reliable method of getting there is via personal transport. The buses are not so convenient or reliable. However, it is doable.
Note: if you are driving or riding to Dan Sai and would like a tailored route, you can contact me directly.
Bus
Depending on your starting point, you will need to book the bus to Loei Bus Terminal or Phitsanulok Bus Terminal. Both these terminals can transfer you to Dan Sai.
Buses travelling between Loei and Phitsanulok, some extending to Chiang Mai in one direction and Udon Thani in the other, stop in Dan Sai every two hours during the day. There is also a direct bus between Dan Sai and Phitsanulok that departs every two to three hours from late morning to late afternoon.
Minibuses also run directly between Dan Sai and Loei every two hours, departing from a separate stop near Tesaban Market and the police station.
Dan Sai lacks a formal bus station. Instead, regular buses make stops along route 2013.
Fly
If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is in Loei, 80 km to the east, with at least one daily flight operated by Nok Air. Another option is the larger Phitsanulok airport, located 140 km to the west. You can then arrange a bus, minibus or private transport to Dan Sai (see above).
Rental Options
There are always rental vehicle options available. For information regarding rental companies, insurance options, and what you will need to legally operate a vehicle in Thailand, go to the Riding in Thailand link (information works for all types of vehicles).
Getting Around Within Dan Sai
Dan Sai town is small enough to get around by foot. Additionally, when the festival is in full flow, it would be difficult to enter or exit if using a vehicle. Tuk-tuks are available, however. (Keep in mind there are no Grab transport apps or similar)
If you need inspiration, download a MotoSplore GPS Map Guide!
MotoSplore Guides
Check out the current MotoSplore Map Guides
Food Options
There are plenty of food options within the town itself and during the festival, lots of stalls sprout up with tons of options.
Note: make sure that you fill up or buy snacks, because once the restaurants close, there are few food options available and there is no Grab Food app options (or similar) available.
Videos On Phi Ta Khon
History of Phi Ta Khon
Delving into the history of Phi Ta Khon. (There is also a post version HERE)
Phi Ta Khon Fun (2019)
An older video of my first visit to the festival – 2019
Related Posts
You Can Thank/Support Via:
@Motogirlthailand
Riding solo in Thailand and sharing my adventures, insights, and tips is a passion of mine. If you’ve enjoyed my report, there are a few ways you can support me and help keep the wheels turning.
Say Thanks!:
Consider buying me a coffee through BuyMeACoffee.com/motogirlthailand or becoming a patron on Patreon.com/motogirlthailand. Your support helps me continue creating content, exploring new routes, and bringing you closer to the rich culture and landscapes of Thailand.
Motogirl Shop!:
Check out my shop page where you can find MotoSplore GPS Route Map guides, exclusive MotoGirlThailand merchandise and products I recommend for every rider. Every purchase gives you a great adventure and helps fund and support the running costs for Motogirlthailand.com
