Not officially confirmed: The data for this festival is less certain; check on the spot or with the organisers.
When and where
When: Around Ok Phansa (October); varies by year
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar; no confirmed 2026-27 date in a source.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son)
Jong Para is a Shan ritual celebrating the Buddha's return from heaven after Ok Phansa. Small, colourful paper 'palaces' (jong para) are carried in processions to temples and decorated with lights. It is an intimate cultural experience in Mae Hong Son, which uses its Shan heritage and lakeside temples as a backdrop. Visitors can watch the processions and the lit temples.
Getting there
Mae Hong Son is reached by a short flight or bus from Chiang Mai.
Highlights
- Paper palaces Coloured jong para are carried in procession to the temple.
- Lakeside temples Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang are lit up.
- Shan culture Performances and food of the Tai Yai community.
Tips for Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son)
- Check dates locally as they vary each year.
- Respect ceremonies and ask permission for photos.
- Bring a torch for the dark.
Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son) 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 the lakeside temples in Mae Hong Son town.
Frequently asked questions about Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son)
When is Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son) in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: Around Ok Phansa (October); varies by year. Lunar; no confirmed 2026-27 date in a source. Check shortly beforehand with the organiser or the province.
Where is the best place to see Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son)?
Watch it best at Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang, Mae Hong Son. Coloured jong para are carried in procession to the temple. Mae Hong Son is reached by a short flight or bus from Chiang Mai. Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang are lit up. Highlight: Shan culture – Performances and food of the Tai Yai community.
What should I bring or wear to Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son)?
Check dates locally as they vary each year. Respect ceremonies and ask permission for photos. Bring a torch for the dark. Highlight: Paper palaces – Coloured jong para are carried in procession to the temple. Highlight: Lakeside temples – Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang are lit up.
Festivals near Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang, Mae Hong Son
- Poy Sang Long (Shan novice ordination) 0 km as the crow flies
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho) 45 km as the crow flies
- Lahu New Year 80 km as the crow flies
- Hmong New Year (Doi Pui) 110 km as the crow flies
- Visakha Bucha 115 km as the crow flies
Also in October
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
- Chulalongkorn Day