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The Phimai Festival 2026 will take place from November 11 to 15, 2026, at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This is Isan, northeastern Thailand, and this is where the park’s Khmer sanctuary stands. The festival program includes light, color and sound shows, a night market, and traditional long-boat races. In Thai the name is เทศกาลเที่ยวพิมาย, transliterated as “Thiao Phimai.” If you are traveling in Isan, you can combine the festival with a visit to the ancient sanctuary. Information is current as of November 2026.
What This Festival Is
The festival is held with the participation of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization. The festival press conference was held on November 6, 2026, right at Phimai Historical Park. The deputy head of the provincial administrative organization took part in it.
When and Where
November 11–15, 2026 — the festival dates according to the official website of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization. The venue is Phimai Historical Park in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
The start time of the light and sound shows for 2026 is not given in the official materials. The park’s regular opening hours, according to the Fine Arts Department, are daily from 7:30 to 18:00. The park’s rules during the festival are not described in the sources.
More details about the festival can be read on the website of the provincial administrative organization.
Program: Shows, Market and Races
The program includes light, color and sound shows under the concept “อารยธรรมวิจิตร วิมายะปุระนฤมิตร สถิตเลิศล้ำ พสุธาพิมาย” at Phimai Historical Park.
The night market “เดิน เดิ่น เมืองพิมาย” operates on Chomsudaset Street (ถนนจอมสุดาเสด็จ). There are more than 200 vendor stalls here, where you can browse, sample and buy. The market is open for five evenings, starting at 5 p.m.
Traditional long-boat races for the royal cup will be held on the Chakrat River (ลำน้ำจักราช). The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
The program may have changed after the November 6 press conference, so it is best to check the schedule with the organizer. If you are planning a route through Isan, take a look at the Isan event listings and the calendar of events and holidays in Thailand 2026.
Participation Terms
The admission fee for the festival itself is not given in the official materials. The regular entrance fee to the historical park, according to the Fine Arts Department, is 200 baht for foreigners and 20 baht for Thai citizens. These figures apply to visiting the park and do not confirm the entry conditions for the festival.
Before you travel, it helps to plan a route on a map to Phimai: the park is in Phimai District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When does the Phimai Festival 2026 take place?
The festival runs from November 11 to 15, 2026. The dates are listed on the official website of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization. The day-by-day schedule is not given in the official materials, so it is best to check it with the organizer.
Where does the Phimai Festival 2026 take place?
The light and sound shows take place at Phimai Historical Park in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The night market operates on Chomsudaset Street, and the boat races will be held on the Chakrat River. For planning purposes, it helps to allow time for both the park and the market.
What can you see at the Phimai Festival 2026?
The program includes light, color and sound shows in the park, a night market with more than 200 stalls, and traditional long-boat races. The market runs for five evenings, starting at 5 p.m. It is best to check the exact schedule for each day with the organizer, as the program may have changed after the press conference.
Conclusion
The Phimai Festival 2026, running from November 11 to 15, combines light and sound shows at the historical park, a night market and boat races, which makes it a good reason to visit Isan. If you are planning a weekend trip, choose the period from November 14 to 15 and check the schedule in advance. Enjoy your trip!