When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in January / February.
When: Nine days around the full moon of the 3rd (Isaan) month (January/February)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar (Isaan calendar). 2026: 26 January-3 February; 2027 not yet set.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Phra That Phanom Worship Festival
The Phra That Phanom festival is the biggest pilgrimage in Isaan. For nine days and nights tens of thousands of devotees visit the stupa in That Phanom, said to hold a relic of the Buddha. They offer sticky rice to monks, carry a cloth in procession and walk with candles around the stupa. There is a huge market with Isaan food, OTOP goods and products from Laos. The mood is devout yet relaxed.
Getting there
That Phanom is about 53 km from Nakhon Phanom city; rental car or bus.
Highlights
- Pilgrimage stupa The tallest and most revered stupa in Isaan.
- Sticky-rice alms Early-morning alms to hundreds of monks.
- Big market Regional food, silver and OTOP products.
Tips for Phra That Phanom Worship Festival
- Book accommodation in Nakhon Phanom city (about 50 km away) rather than That Phanom.
- Parking is difficult; use shuttles or songthaews.
- Dress neatly.
Phra That Phanom Worship Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Phra That Phanom, the most revered shrine of Isaan.
Frequently asked questions about Phra That Phanom Worship Festival
When is Phra That Phanom Worship Festival in 2026?
Phra That Phanom Worship Festival falls in 2026 on 26 January – 3 February, at Wat Phra That Phanom, That Phanom. Rule: Nine days around the full moon of the 3rd (Isaan) month (January/February). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Phra That Phanom Worship Festival?
Watch it best at Wat Phra That Phanom, That Phanom. The tallest and most revered stupa in Isaan. That Phanom is about 53 km from Nakhon Phanom city; rental car or bus. Early-morning alms to hundreds of monks. Highlight: Big market – Regional food, silver and OTOP products. The Phra That Phanom festival is the biggest pilgrimage in Isaan.
What should I bring or wear to Phra That Phanom Worship Festival?
Book accommodation in Nakhon Phanom city (about 50 km away) rather than That Phanom. Parking is difficult; use shuttles or songthaews. Dress neatly. Highlight: Pilgrimage stupa – The tallest and most revered stupa in Isaan. Highlight: Sticky-rice alms – Early-morning alms to hundreds of monks.
Festivals near Wat Phra That Phanom, That Phanom
- Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 50 km as the crow flies
- Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival 65 km as the crow flies
- Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 140 km as the crow flies
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 190 km as the crow flies
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) 190 km as the crow flies
Also in January / February
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)