Naga Fireball of Nong Khai

[ucom04]

Naga fireball in Mekong River



17 - 23 October 2008,
Naga Fireball Nong Khai Province
See for yourself the beautiful, mysterious and unexplained Naga Fireball natural phenomenon and enjoy a whole variety of activities. Amaze yourself as you watch the mysterious globular fires of Naga Fireball - resembling fire flies from a distance the crimson balls shoot up quietly from the river The phenomenon occurs each year full moon night of 11 month of lunar year You can also participate in a whole host of other activities in this area of ancient cultures.

October 17-23
Enjoy a huge variety of delicious food in the City, While watching Mekong regional art and cultural performances along Rim Kong Road, on the banks of the Mekong River.


Na ka Fireball in the movie(15 Kam Deun 11)

October 18-20
Mini light and sound show of the legends in tribute to the Naga Fireball. Watch the illuminated floats that light up the entire river in respect to the Naga.

October 20
Marathon Run across the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Ceremonial consecration of the Naga and sacred relics of the river Stupa Mueang District.

October 21
Long Boat race in competition for a Royal trophy celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent. A spectacular river procession of traditional annual Wax Sculpture Competition. Rites of respect are performed for the Naga at Ponepisai District. The Charming Loy Krathong Festival normally takes place in November but in Nong Khai Province it is always held in October.

At dusk, on October 21, watch the extraordinary and exciting natural phenomenon of Naga Fireball, from along the banks of the Mekong River. Phon Phisak, Sri Chiang Mai, Pak Khad, Rattana Wapi, and Bung Kan districts are the best viewing spots for this rare unexplained phenomenon

October 22
Merit making rites, known as Tak Baat Thewo Rohana

October 23
The finals of the Long Boat races

from: http://www.ash-hotel.com

[bigwavedave]

apparently the dates are all wrong here!!!! Read in Thai this all happens arount 11 - 15 October... please clarify as the full moon is 14 Oct..

[rickfarang]

One message implicit in this is: Unless you are going to go and watch for fireballs, or enjoy some of the celebrations, October 17 through 23rd are good days to avoid going anywhere near the Mekong in Nong Khai province. Especially in the evenings.

[Aardvark]

Could you expand on that a little Rick? Do you mean because of the large crowds ?

[rickfarang]

Yes. All of the hotels and other accommodations will be fully booked, the restaurants will be doing their best business of the year, and even parking in some areas will be crowded. But then again, if you like crowds, this is the best time for you to visit the Mekong in that area.

[Roy]

I am just about to be dragged kicking and screaming to witness the Naga Fireballs again

Struck out last year despite sitting there for 8 hours but strangely enough when the family went again the next day, I point blank refused, they saw loads!

I shall report back if I manage to see the elusive Sea Serpent doing his thing.

[beer monkey]

Nong Khai crowded as citizens gather to watch Naga Fireballs

The atmosphere in Nong Khai province is lively today which marks the end of the Buddhist Lent. Citizens and tourists have begun to crowd the province since yesterday in anticipation to see the annual Naga Fireball phenomenon.

Many travelers have taken residence in the Mueang district's hotels but must travel to Phon Phisai district and individual Amphoe Rattanawapi district where they can view the Mekong River. All hotel rooms in the province have been booked with the province providing free tents for tourists to use near its City Hall and the territory protection voluntary unit.

Locals believe that the phenomenon is the mythical serpent individual Naga's homage to Lord Buddha at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The occurrence resembles spheres of light and fire flying out of the Mekong River towards the sky. The event attracts much attention every year.

Maybe they knew you was coming Roy.