The small town of Dan Sai in Loei (83 km away) is the scene of one of Thailand's most impressive festivals every year: the Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival. It lasts three days and is famous for its ghost costumes and colorful masks worn by some locals, as well as for dances and parades at the main temple and in the town streets. For the rest of the year, Dan Sai is a peaceful town with few tourist attractions, such as the temples Wat Neramit Wipattasana and the magnificent Chinarat Buddha (Wat Pho Chai), located 23 km away.

Most of the Phi Ta Khon Festival celebrations take place in and around Wat Phon Chai. The festival is usually celebrated in July; the date is calculated according to the lunar calendar.

From Loei, there are public buses to Dan Sai. The journey takes 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Phitsanulok (see here). To fully enjoy the festival, it's recommended to book a room in or near Dan Sai – ideally in advance! Here is a list of accommodations in Dan Sai.

How to get there

How do I get to Dan Sai during the Phi Ta Khon Festival? Local buses run from Loei to Dan Sai. The journey takes 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Phitsanulok and then on to Dan Sai (see here). To fully enjoy the festival, it's recommended to book a room in or near Dan Sai – ideally in advance! Here's a list of accommodations in Dan Sai.