Alcohol ban: On the five Buddhist holy days (Makha, Visakha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) a 24-hour nationwide alcohol sales ban applied in 2026, with limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, designated tourist zones). Check the current rules. Rules can change per year and province; check the current rules. nationthailand.com: 40069132 ↗ angthong.prd.go.th: 388517 ↗
When and where
When: Full moon of the 8th Thai lunar month (July)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 29 July; 2027: 18 July (bank holiday Monday 19 July). Khao Phansa follows the next day.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Asarnha Bucha
Asarnha Bucha commemorates the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park near Sarnath, which led to the first monks and the monastic community. The day falls on the July full moon and comes right before the start of Buddhist Lent. People go to temples, offer alms and walk around the temple hall with candles in the evening. In Nakhon Pathom, at the tallest stupa in the country, many pilgrims gather.
Getting there
Nakhon Pathom is about 55 km west of Bangkok; take the train or bus from Bangkok.
Highlights
- Candle procession Three times around the ordination hall with candle, flower and incense.
- Phra Pathom Chedi The tallest stupa in Thailand draws many pilgrims.
- Start of Lent The next day monks begin their three-month retreat.
Tips for Asarnha Bucha
- Dress neatly and stay quiet in temples.
- Alcohol is banned in most shops and restaurants.
- Combine with the next day, Khao Phansa, for extra temple activities.
Asarnha Bucha on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
National holiday celebrated in every temple. The map shows a well-known pilgrimage temple in Nakhon Pathom.
Frequently asked questions about Asarnha Bucha
When is Asarnha Bucha in 2026?
Asarnha Bucha falls in 2026 on 29 July and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom. Rule: Full moon of the 8th Thai lunar month (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Asarnha Bucha?
Yes. On Asarnha Bucha itself a nationwide 24-hour ban on alcohol sales applies in 2026. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules.
When is Asarnha Bucha in 2027?
Asarnha Bucha falls in 2027 on 18 July and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom. Rule: Full moon of the 8th Thai lunar month (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Festivals near Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom
- Phra Pathom Chedi Fair 0 km as the crow flies
- Wat Bang Phra Sak Yant Tattoo Festival 19 km as the crow flies
- Banana-leaf Krathong Festival (Mae Klong) 45 km as the crow flies
- Thod Kathin and Royal Barge Procession 45 km as the crow flies
- King Bhumibol Memorial Day 45 km as the crow flies
Also in July
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
- Lamphun Longan Fair
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival, Dan Sai)