Travellers heading to Thailand this summer should not miss the spectacle of the Phi Ta Khon Festival in the Dan Sai district of Loei.

The event comes as part of the popular Bun Luang Festival and takes place between July 4th and 6th. Phi Ta Khon comprises one huge rainmaking ceremony, which consists of a number of costumed parades, processions and performances.

Locals dress up as so-called masked ghosts, albeit in a more colourful manner than more traditional white-sheeted spirits. In a tradition similar to Halloween, young children run around the area playing tricks on others.

The first day of the festival sees a massive masked parade take place, while the second day brings a spectacular display as the local people fire off a number of rockets. Contests focused on participants' costumes and dancing abilities also occur.

Meanwhile, the third day sees the event take on a more solemn, religious tone, with villagers congregating at the local Buddhist temple to hear a series of sermons.

Loei is located in the north-east region of Thailand, some 450km north of Bangkok.

For more information, check out the Tourism Thailand website.

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