In Southeast Asia the rain dance isn’t dead, it’s just been juiced up with some high-powered bamboo rockets.
Photo © iStock/topten22photo
- Location
- Dates
- Description
- Level of Participation
- Essentials
- Other Local Attractions
- Travel Safety Tips
Location
Throughout Laos and northeastern Thailand.
Dates
Usually on the May full moon.
Description
The pre-Buddhist rain ceremony can be one of the wildest festivals in Laos or northeastern Thailand, with music, dance, folk theatre. Processions and general merrymaking. On the third and final day, bamboo rockets are launched into the sky in an attempt to kick-start the rainy season and bring much-needed water to the rice fields.
Behind the serious business of rain-making is the competition to be the local Roger Ramjet. The team whose rocket goes the highest is declared the winner; for anybody whose rocket doesn’t get off the launch pad it’s tradition to dump them in the mud.
Vientiane is a good place to see Bun Bang Fai, while in Thailand it’s celebrated best in the town of Yasothon.
Level of Participation
1 - join the crowd and watch the rockets fly.
Essentials
Dates vary from village to village, and town to town, so check ahead with tourist authorities as to festival dates. Buses for Yasothon leave from Ubon Ratchathani, two hours away.
Other Local Attractions
In Vientiane, visit the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, the symbol of Lao nationhood. In Yasothon, the Phrat That Phra Anon stupa is said to enshrine hold relics of Buddha’s personal attendant monk.
Travel Safety Tips
Bun Bang Fai is a fun, silly and somewhat "naughty" festival. Don't go if you are offended by a bit of potty humour!
On a serious note though, the (cheap) alcohol flows quite freely at this festive event - so expect the kind of generalized bawdiness and mischief associated with lots of booze, as well as tumbles, slips, stumbles and falls. Be prepared for anything - and if your preparations involve you taking it easy on the drink, then you will be in a safer position than a drunken lout - common sense really!
As for the rockets, well, lets be honest. It's dangerous - especially if you are unlucky enough to have debris fall on you as a result. (Although having said that - you do have to be pretty unlucky for that to happen). If you are witnessing the climax of the festival, try and do so under some shelter if you can - it could save your head!
More Info: Tourism Authority of Thailand; Lao National Tourism Administration
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