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: Around Ok Phansa (October)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 20-26 October; parade 25 October.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
Sakon Nakhon marks the end of Lent with 'wax castles': small palaces of beeswax on wooden frames, decorated with flowers and figures. Communities build them over days and parade them to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum. There are also long-boat races and light shows. It is one of Isaan's loveliest craft traditions and less crowded than the big festivals. The works are lit up in the evening, which makes the festival even more beautiful.
Getting there
Sakon Nakhon has an airport (about 1 hour from Bangkok) and night buses.
Highlights
- Wax castles Artfully decorated beeswax palaces on wooden frames.
- Parade to the temple Communities carry the castles to the shrine.
- Long-boat races Races on the river in the days around the festival.
Tips for Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
- Come at dusk for the lighting.
- Respect ceremonies at the temple.
- Book hotels well ahead.
Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Wat Phra That Choeng Chum in Sakon Nakhon, where the wax castles are offered.
Frequently asked questions about Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
When is Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival in 2026?
Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival falls in 2026 on 20–26 October, at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon. Rule: Around Ok Phansa (October). This date comes from media or tourism sources and is not officially confirmed; check it shortly before you go.
Is there an alcohol ban during Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival?
Yes. The Buddhist holy day Ok Phansa falls on 26 October in 2026, inside the festival. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules. Highlight: Wax castles – Artfully decorated beeswax palaces on wooden frames.
Where is the best place to see Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival?
Watch it best at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon. Artfully decorated beeswax palaces on wooden frames. Sakon Nakhon has an airport (about 1 hour from Bangkok) and night buses. Communities carry the castles to the shrine. Highlight: Long-boat races – Races on the river in the days around the festival.
Festivals near Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon
- Phra That Phanom Worship Festival 65 km as the crow flies
- Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession 70 km as the crow flies
- Naga Fireball Festival (Nong Khai) 150 km as the crow flies
- Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 155 km as the crow flies
- Khon Kaen Silk and Phuk Siao Festival 160 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