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
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in February / March.
When: Around Makha Bucha (February/March)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 25 February-3 March; 2027 not yet confirmed.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
During Makha Bucha the Phra Borommathat stupa in Nakhon Si Thammarat is wrapped in a very long cloth carried by thousands of devotees in a procession several kilometres long. The ritual, Hae Pha Khun That, is one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist traditions in southern Thailand. The city also holds markets and performances this week. It is a beautiful way to see the religious culture of the south.
Getting there
Nakhon Si Thammarat has an airport; bus or train from Surat Thani.
Highlights
- Long cloth Thousands carry a kilometre-long cloth.
- Sacred stupa Phra Borommathat is one of the holiest sites.
- Temple fair Markets and performances around the temple.
Tips for Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
- Come early for the procession; you can walk along.
- Dress neatly.
- Alcohol is banned on Makha Bucha.
Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Phra Mahathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the site of the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions about Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
When is Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat) in 2026?
Hae Pha Khun That falls in 2026 on 25 February – 3 March, at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Rule: Around Makha Bucha (February/March). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)?
Yes. The Buddhist holy day Makha Bucha falls on 3 March in 2026, inside the festival. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules. Highlight: Long cloth – Thousands carry a kilometre-long cloth.
Where is the best place to see Hae Pha Khun That (Nakhon Si Thammarat)?
Watch it best at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thousands carry a kilometre-long cloth. Nakhon Si Thammarat has an airport; bus or train from Surat Thani. Phra Borommathat is one of the holiest sites. Highlight: Temple fair – Markets and performances around the temple.
Festivals near Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Sart Duan Sip (Tenth Month Festival) 2 km as the crow flies
- Trang Love Festival (Underwater Wedding) 105 km as the crow flies
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani) 110 km as the crow flies
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting 120 km as the crow flies
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan) 140 km as the crow flies
Also in February / March
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket)