When and where
Next edition: 7–9 May 2027 (expected)
When: Second weekend of May (Friday-Sunday)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 was 8-10 May; 2027 not yet set (tradition: second weekend of May).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)
Bun Bang Fai is an ancient rain-prayer from Isaan. Villages build homemade rockets, sometimes metres long and loaded with hundreds of kilos of gunpowder, and fire them skyward to wake the rain gods for the new rice season. In Yasothon the days before feature a big parade, dance troupes, a rocket-queen contest and playful comic acts. Rockets that fail to launch bring a muddy punishment for their crew.
Getting there
Yasothon is about 530 km from Bangkok; fly to Ubon or Roi Et and take a bus or taxi, or go by direct bus.
Highlights
- Launch day Giant rockets shoot skyward and compete for height.
- Parade Decorated rockets and dance troupes move through town.
- Isaan culture Mor lam music, sticky rice and comic skits.
Tips for Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)
- Keep a safe distance from the launch site and follow organisers' instructions.
- It is hot and dry: bring water and a hat.
- Book accommodation well ahead as Yasothon is small.
Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Yasothon, home of the best-known rocket festival. Other Isaan provinces (e.g. Kalasin, Roi Et) hold their own versions.
Frequently asked questions about Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)
When is Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) in 2026?
Yasothon Rocket Festival falls in 2026 on 8–10 May, at Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon. Rule: Second weekend of May (Friday-Sunday). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)?
Watch it best at Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon. Giant rockets shoot skyward and compete for height. Yasothon is about 530 km from Bangkok; fly to Ubon or Roi Et and take a bus or taxi, or go by direct bus. Decorated rockets and dance troupes move through town. Highlight: Isaan culture – Mor lam music, sticky rice and comic skits.
What should I bring or wear to Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai)?
Keep a safe distance from the launch site and follow organisers' instructions. It is hot and dry: bring water and a hat. Book accommodation well ahead as Yasothon is small. Highlight: Launch day – Giant rockets shoot skyward and compete for height. Highlight: Parade – Decorated rockets and dance troupes move through town.
Festivals near Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket) 75 km as the crow flies
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 100 km as the crow flies
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) 100 km as the crow flies
- Surin Elephant Round-up 125 km as the crow flies
- Phra That Phanom Worship Festival 140 km as the crow flies