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: Day after the full moon of the 8th lunar month (July)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 30 July; 2027: 19 July.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
Khao Phansa marks the start of the three-month rains retreat, the Buddhist Lent. Monks stay in their temples to study and meditate, and many young men temporarily ordain. Lay people donate candles and robes to the temple and some give up alcohol or smoking. Famous celebrations are the Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani and the flower offering in Saraburi. The day ends with candlelight and prayer.
Getting there
Ubon Ratchathani is reached by domestic flight (about 1 hour) from Bangkok or night train.
Highlights
- Ubon Candle Festival Giant carved candles parade through the city.
- Temporary ordination Many men become monks for the three months.
- Robes and candles Lay people donate robes, candles and supplies to the temple.
Tips for Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
- Alcohol sales are banned on the day.
- Combine with the Asarnha Bucha weekend and book early if heading to Ubon.
- Bring an umbrella; it is rainy season.
Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) 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; the map shows Ubon Ratchathani where Khao Phansa is marked by the Candle Festival. See also Tak Bat Dok Mai in Saraburi.
Frequently asked questions about Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
When is Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) in 2026?
Khao Phansa falls in 2026 on 30 July and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Ubon Ratchathani (Candle Festival), Thung Si Mueang. Rule: Day after the full moon of the 8th lunar month (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)?
Yes. On Khao Phansa 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. Alcohol sales are banned on the day.
When is Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) in 2027?
Khao Phansa falls in 2027 on 19 July and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Ubon Ratchathani (Candle Festival), Thung Si Mueang. Rule: Day after the full moon of the 8th lunar month (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Festivals near Ubon Ratchathani (Candle Festival), Thung Si Mueang
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 0 km as the crow flies
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket) 60 km as the crow flies
- Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 100 km as the crow flies
- Surin Elephant Round-up 150 km as the crow flies
- Phra That Phanom Worship Festival 190 km as the crow flies
Also in July
- Asarnha Bucha
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
- Lamphun Longan Fair
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival, Dan Sai)