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: 16–19 July 2027 (expected)
When: Around Khao Phansa (July)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 27-30 July; 2027 around 17-19 July (not confirmed).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi)
At Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi the start of Lent is marked by a unique ritual: thousands of devotees offer dok khao phansa, a yellow flower that blooms only in this season, to monks instead of food. The flower is picked in the hills nearby. The ceremony takes place in the early morning, often with a candle procession and foot-washing. It is a rare, quiet and colourful ritual.
Getting there
Saraburi is about 110 km from Bangkok; take a bus or train and then a songthaew to the temple.
Highlights
- Yellow flowers Flowers instead of food for the monks.
- Buddha footprint The temple holds a famous sacred footprint.
- Morning ceremony Thousands walk to the temple early in the morning.
Tips for Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi)
- Arrive before sunrise and wear white or neat clothes.
- Alcohol is banned on this day.
- Flower offerings can be bought on site.
Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Phra Phutthabat, the temple with the Buddha's footprint.
Frequently asked questions about Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi)
When is Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi) in 2026?
Tak Bat Dok Mai falls in 2026 on 27–30 July, at Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi. Rule: Around Khao Phansa (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi)?
Yes. The Buddhist holy day Asarnha Bucha falls on 29 July in 2026, inside the festival. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules. Highlight: Yellow flowers – Flowers instead of food for the monks.
Where is the best place to see Tak Bat Dok Mai (Flower Alms, Saraburi)?
Watch it best at Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi. Flowers instead of food for the monks. Saraburi is about 110 km from Bangkok; take a bus or train and then a songthaew to the temple. The temple holds a famous sacred footprint. Highlight: Morning ceremony – Thousands walk to the temple early in the morning.
Festivals near Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival 20 km as the crow flies
- King Narai Reign Fair (Lopburi) 20 km as the crow flies
- Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair 45 km as the crow flies
- Don Chedi Memorial Fair (Suphan Buri) 85 km as the crow flies
- Chulalongkorn Day 110 km as the crow flies
Also in July
- Asarnha Bucha
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
- Lamphun Longan Fair