Date: Jun-Aug

 

When the rains start to hit the Isaan plateau, trek outto Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Thong national parks in Chaiyaphum to witness the blooming of the Siamese tulip, or krajiew flowers. The full bloom starts at Pa Hin Ngam in Jun, then moves to Sai Thong in Jul-Aug. 

 

Date: May 9-11

 

Literally one of the most explosive festivals in the Thai calendar, the Boon Bung Fai Festival is based on an old folk belief, which sees local farmers trying to coax the gods into the romantic mood needed to produce rainfall. They do this by sending huge home-made phallic-shaped rockets or “Bang Fai” up into the heavens. These events are held throughout the region but the one at Yasothon has now grown to become the biggest and best. Parties involving beauty pageants, colorful traditional costumes, local music and lots of alcohol. 

 

Date: Jun 27-29 

 

The annual ghost festival held in Loei’s Dan Sai District includes a parade of young men wearing colorfully decorated masks, bright outfits and waving wooden phalluses to represent ghosts. The aim is to pay respect to local spirits who protect the village from harm and to ask for a prosperous farming season.    

 

Date: Jul 11-21

 

Held in the town center, the Ubon Wax Festival celebrates the age-old art of candle carving as a form of Buddhist devotion. The beautifully-carved candles are lit at temples during the period of Lent, when monks are required to remain inside the temple for three months and need additional light for their studies. The highlight is a parade of floats decorated with wax and candles.

 

The Naga Fireballs, Nong Khai