Phi Ta Khon Festival | Dan Sai
Celebration
Phi Ta Khon is a three-day festival held annually in Dan Sai district, Isan region, northeastern Thailand. Literally translated as "Ghost Festival," it is also known as the Thai Ghost Festival. During the festival, people hold lively parades, wear traditional masks and costumes, sing and dance, play games, and perform religious ceremonies.
Phi Ta Khon blends Buddhist beliefs with local folklore passed down for hundreds of years. It is part of a large Buddhist ceremony called "Bun Luang," a grand celebration of merit (for blessings, harvests, and warding off evil). The festival is related to the Jataka tale of Visandra, one of the Buddha's previous incarnations. Legend has it that when the prince returned home after a long exile, the grand celebrations awakened the spirits and ghosts, who then joined in the festivities.
The most memorable aspect of the festival is undoubtedly the costumes, especially the masks.
The masks worn during Phi Ta Khon are traditionally made from materials such as glutinous rice steamers, palm leaf sheaths, and bamboo, and are painted with striking, brightly colored patterns and exaggerated facial features. Historically, the masks were often simply coated with black soot, making them look much more terrifying than they are today. The costumes are usually made from recycled or scrap materials and generally cover the entire body from head to toe. The 2026 Phi Ta Khon festival will be held from June 20th to 22nd. During the festival, activities will mainly take place along Wat Pongchai and Kai Asa, where processions, ceremonies, and performances will be held.