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 11th Thai lunar month (October)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 26 October; 2027 expected 15 October (computed, not confirmed by a source).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent)
Ok Phansa ends the three-month Buddhist Lent. Monks may leave their temples again and the following morning lay people give food and gifts in the 'tak bat thewo' ritual, often from a boat or along the river. In the northeast and south colourful boat and light processions follow, such as the Naga fireballs on the Mekong, the illuminated boats of Nakhon Phanom and the Chak Phra of Surat Thani. The kathin season then begins.
Getting there
Nong Khai is reached by flying to Udon Thani plus a transfer (about 1 hour) or the night train from Bangkok.
Highlights
- Naga fireballs Mysterious red fireballs rise from the Mekong at Nong Khai.
- Illuminated boats Nakhon Phanom and Maha Sarakham float colourful lit boats.
- Tak bat thewo The next morning alms are offered to descending monks.
Tips for Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent)
- Alcohol is banned in most shops and restaurants for a day.
- Hotels on the Mekong fill up; book months ahead.
- Be careful of fireworks and traffic near the river.
Ok Phansa (end 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 observance; the map shows Nong Khai where the end of Lent coincides with the Naga fireball festival. See also Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Surat Thani.
Frequently asked questions about Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent)
When is Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent) in 2026?
Ok Phansa falls in 2026 on 26 October and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Nong Khai, Mekong (Naga fireballs). Rule: Full moon of the 11th Thai lunar month (October). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent)?
Yes. On Ok 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 is banned in most shops and restaurants for a day.
Where is the best place to see Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent)?
Watch it best at Nong Khai, Mekong (Naga fireballs). Mysterious red fireballs rise from the Mekong at Nong Khai. Nong Khai is reached by flying to Udon Thani plus a transfer (about 1 hour) or the night train from Bangkok. Nakhon Phanom and Maha Sarakham float colourful lit boats. Ok Phansa ends the three-month Buddhist Lent.
Festivals near Nong Khai, Mekong (Naga fireballs)
- Naga Fireball Festival (Nong Khai) 40 km as the crow flies
- Khon Kaen Silk and Phuk Siao Festival 160 km as the crow flies
- Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival 170 km as the crow flies
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival, Dan Sai) 180 km as the crow flies
- Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 220 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