Sometimes known as Ghost Festival, Phi Ta Khon is a festival completely unique to the sleepy Dan Sai district in Loei Province and symbolises the locals’ beliefs in spirits and ghosts. It is held annually as part of the magnificent festival known as ‘Boon Luang’ and is one of the biggest attractions to the little, farming village snuggled in the mountains of northeast Thailand. The dates are fixed at the first weekend after the sixth full moon and is recognised for its Halloween atmosphere of local men wearing decorated masks, raggedy robes and enacting the part of formidable ghosts. The festival also includes cheerfully taunting children who dance and tease the crowds of onlookers as well as merry, carnivalesque goings-on such as dancing, cheering and music playing.
Phi Ta Khon is not only one of Thailand’s most lively and colourful festivals, but it also allows visitors insight into the remarkable rites and beliefs of the locals. The festival is a sight to behold and is supposedly based on the long journey made by Prince Vessantara, which is said to be Buddha in a past life. After not returning from his journey for very long, his followers assumed that he had died until one day he returned alive and well. Legend has it that his followers rejoiced with such gusto and enthusiasm that they were said to have awoken the dead.
