Phi Ta Khon is a yearly three-day festival held in Dan Sai, Northeastern Thailand’s Isan region. Phi Ta Khon can be directly translated to “Ghosts with Faces”, it is often called Thailand’s Ghost Festival. The festival consists of three days of vibrant parades, traditional masks and costumes, dancing, games, and religious ceremonies. In this article, we will dive deeper into the origins and significance of Phi Ta Khon festival, dates (which change every year), how to get there, as well as a regional itinerary that will help you explore more of Thailand’s Isan region.
What is the Phi Ta Khon Festival?
The Phi Ta Khon Festival blends Buddhist belief with centuries-old local folklore. It is part of a larger Buddhist ceremony known as “Bun Luang” – great merit-making festival (seeking blessings, good harvest, protection from spirits). The festival is linked to the legend of Vessantra Jataka, one of the previous lives of the Buddha. According to the legend, when the prince returned to his city after a long exile, the celebrations were so loud and powerful that they awakened spirits and ghosts, who then joined in.
There are also several local legends and folk beliefs associated with the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Thailand, reflecting a blend of Buddhist tradition and older animist practices in the Isan region.
Costumes and masks
One of the most unforgettable things about the festival are the costumes and in particular, the masks. The masks worn during Phi Ta Khon are traditionally created from materials such as sticky rice steamers, palm sheaths, and bamboo. They are then painted with bold, bright patterns and exaggerated features. Historically, the masks were usually just painted with black soot, making them look a lot scarier than they do today. Costumes are typically patchwork, made from recycled or scrap fabrics, and are usually designed to cover someone from head to toe.
Why these masks?
The masks represent spirits and ancestors joining the community and participating in celebrations. It is believed that wearing these masks connects the physical and spirit worlds.
Types of Masks
Phi Ta Khon Yai
These are large masks worn by a small number of selected performers. The wearers lead the parades and they symbolize powerful guardian spirits. These performers are usually the descendants of certain families who have played a significant role historically in the festival. The making of Phi Ta Khon Yai begins with a sacred ritual performed to ask for supernatural blessings before the crafting process starts.
Phi Ta Khon Lek
These smaller masks are worn by the general public and can be worn by anyone who would like to join celebrations. They represent everyday spirits and ancestors.
Dates
The Phi Ta Khon Festival is usually held in late June or early July. The exact festival dates are chosen each year by local spirit mediums. in 2025, it was on the 28th-30th June, Phi Ta Khon Festival 2026 will take place on the 20th-22nd June.
Location
The Phi Ta Khon Festival takes place in Dan Sai District, Loei Province, in Northeastern Thailand’s Isan region. During the festival, events are focused around Wat Phon Chai Temple and along Kaew Asa Road, where parades, rituals, and performances are held.
How to reach Dan Sai
- By air
Fly from Bangkok to Loei Airport, then take a car ride for about 1.5 hours to reach Dan Sai. This is considered the easiest and most straightforward way to reach Dan Sai if you are not combining it with other destinations in Isan. - By road
Driving directly from Bangkok is possible but only recommended if combined with visits to other destinations along the way, as it is a long journey. If done directly, the journey can take around 7 hours drive.
Event details and schedule
The Phi Ta Khon Festival takes place over three days, days 1 and 2 tend to be more celebration focused, while day 3 is more spiritual and inwardly focused.
Day 1
Opening events and parade
Colorful ghost mask processions parade through the town, accompanied by dancing, music, and festivities meant to “wake the spirits” and invite them to join the celebration.
Day 2
Games and contests
Parades continue with parades, music, games, and costume and dance competitions. Activities include firing rockets to encourage rain and prosperity for the community.
Day 3
Religious ceremonies
Monks deliver Buddhist sermons and villagers gather at the temple to make merit. Day 3 is slower and more contemplative, ending the festival on a more spiritual and religious note.
Is it worth visiting?
The Phi Ta Khon Festival is definitely worth visiting. This festival will let you experience many aspects and elements of Thai culture. From the costumes to the parades to the spiritual and playful atmosphere, Phi Ta Khon will be an unforgettable and interesting experience in Thailand.
Tips from us as local experts
If you’re visiting Phi Ta Khon, it’s best to plan ahead. Book your accommodation in advance, as hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly during the festival and there is quite limited accommodation overall. We also recommend that you arrange flights, transport, and your itinerary well in advance to make the most of the festival and avoid last-minute stress. For things to do at Phi Ta Khon Festival, joining a traditional mask-making workshop will let you have a fun, hands-on experience. Contact us for a customized tour covering Phi Ta Khon festival.
Combine it in a regional itinerary
Visiting the Phi Ta Khon Festival also allows you the opportunity to make it a wider regional trip and discover a less commonly visited destination in Thailand. A suggested itinerary is as follows:
- Bangkok → Loei
Fly from Bangkok to Loei, then travel onward to Dan Sai. - Dan Sai and Phi Ta Khon Festival (3 days)
Attend the festival, take part in the parades, join mask-making workshops, visit temples, and explore local markets. - Nearby attractions
While visiting Dan Sai for the Phi Ta Khon Festival, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring.
- Wat Phon Chai and the Phi Ta Khon Museum will help you learn more about the cultural and historical roots of the festival.
- Phu Ruea National Park has a number of hiking trails and panoramic mountain views. A great oppritunity to spend time in Northern Thailand’s nature and experience its landscapes.
- Loei City is a great choice for exploring local markets and trying authentic Isan cuisine.
From the striking ghost masks and lively parades to the deeper cultural and religious meaning behind the festival, attending Thailand’s Ghost Festival is a rare opportunity to experience a different side of Thailand. Combined with nearby nature, local markets, and regional history and culture, it makes for a memorable journey through northeastern Thailand.
For those planning a trip around the festival, working with an experienced DMC in Thailand can help with an itinerary helping you explore something off the beaten track. With good planning, Phi Ta Khon can easily become a highlist of your journey and travels in Thailand.
