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), about nine days
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 22 February-3 March.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae)
Phra That Cho Hae is the holiest stupa of Phrae in northern Thailand and is heavily visited during Makha Bucha. The stupa is wrapped in red cloth and thousands of pilgrims walk around it in a candlelit night procession. It is one of the most important temple fairs in the north. The temple sits on a hill, with a quiet mood and fine views.
Getting there
Phrae is about 550 km from Bangkok; fly or train; temple about 9 km from town.
Highlights
- Red cloth The stupa is wrapped.
- Candlelight procession Pilgrims walk with candles around the stupa.
- Hilltop temple Quiet mood with views.
Tips for Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae)
- Come in the evening for the procession.
- Dress neatly.
- Alcohol ban on Makha Bucha.
- Combine with Phrae town.
Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Phra That Cho Hae near Phrae.
Frequently asked questions about Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae)
When is Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae) in 2026?
Phra That Cho Hae Fair falls in 2026 on 22 February – 3 March, at Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae. Rule: Around Makha Bucha (February/March), about nine days. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae)?
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: Red cloth – The stupa is wrapped.
Where is the best place to see Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae)?
Watch it best at Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae. The stupa is wrapped. Phrae is about 550 km from Bangkok; fly or train; temple about 9 km from town. Pilgrims walk with candles around the stupa. Highlight: Hilltop temple – Quiet mood with views.
Festivals near Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae
- Uttaradit Langsat Festival 55 km as the crow flies
- Nan Boat Races 100 km as the crow flies
- Thai Elephant Day 105 km as the crow flies
- Loy Krathong 130 km as the crow flies
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival, Dan Sai) 135 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)