Literally one of the most explosive and unusual festivals in the Thai calendar, the Boon Bung Fai Festival is based on an old folk belief, which sees the local Isaan farmers try to coax the gods into the romantic mood needed to produce rainfall by sending huge phallic-shaped rockets or “Bang Fai” up into the heavens. Such festivals are held throughout the region but the one at Yasothon has now grown to become the biggest and best. Parties involving beauty pageants, colourful traditional costumes and local music all feature before the rockets are fired. Some rockets take months to build and can be over ten feet high, fired off from giant launch pads, making for a spectacular if slightly chaotic affair. May 12-13. More information at TAT Udonthani office 045-243-770, 045-250-714.