Experience the Magic of the Phi Ta Khon Festival 2025 in Loei

Mark your calendar for one of Thailand’s most unique and colorful festivals—Phi Ta Khon 2025—set to take place from June 28 to 30 in the scenic Dan Sai district of Loei province. Also known as Thailand’s “Ghost Festival,” this lively celebration blends folklore, spiritual belief, and artistic creativity into three days of unforgettable cultural expression.

This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s Buddhist traditions, honors the tale of Prince Vessandara, a past incarnation of the Buddha. According to legend, his return to his city was such a joyful event that even the spirits rose to celebrate. Today, locals commemorate that moment through a vibrant parade featuring hand-crafted ghost masks, exuberant dancing, and elaborate costumes.

The signature phi ta khon masks, often crafted from rice husks, coconut husks, or banana tree trunks, are adorned with vivid colors and elongated noses. Participants wear patchwork costumes in a kaleidoscope of fabrics, marching through the town to the rhythm of traditional music. Two types of masks are worn: phi ta khon yai (large ghost masks), made only with spiritual permission, and phi ta khon lek (small ghost masks), which are open to all.

The festival kicks off on June 28 with the Phra Upakut Invocation, a spiritual ceremony to invite blessings. The main attraction—the grand ghost parade—unfolds on June 29, offering an explosion of color, noise, and joyful energy. The final day, June 30, is more solemn, focusing on Buddhist sermons and rituals, offering visitors a quieter but deeply meaningful experience of local beliefs.

Whether you’re drawn by the cultural pageantry, spiritual depth, or sheer spectacle, Phi Ta Khon 2025 promises an extraordinary immersion into one of Thailand’s most fascinating traditions.