Naga Fireballs
Reddish-pink balls of light rise from the Mekong on the night Buddhist Lent ends. Many people stay in Udon Thani, drive up to the river in Nong Khai in the afternoon, then come back to the city to sleep.
- End of Lentfull moon of the 11th lunar month
- 1.5–2 hUdon to Phon Phisai (normal traffic)
- Car pricefor the dates you choose
Naga fireballs at a glance
- End of Lent
- Usually in October
- Lunar calendar
- Full moon, 11th month
- When people watch
- After dusk
- Popular spots
- Phon Phisai, Rattanawapi
- From Udon Thani city
- About 85–100 km
- Drive (normal traffic)
- About 1.5–2 h
In some years, sightings are also reported on the nights just before and after. The number of fireballs varies from year to year, and nobody can guarantee them. For the local festival programme, check announcements from Nong Khai province and the district.
Fireballs from the Mekong on the last night of Lent
Riverside communities wait for it every year, and people travel from all over Thailand to watch in Nong Khai.
What it is
- Reddish-pink balls of light rise from the surface of the Mekong and vanish into the air
- Seen at many points along the river, especially in Nong Khai province
- Their cause is still debated, and there is no scientific explanation that everyone accepts
The belief
- Local people believe the Naga, the serpent of the river, fires them in homage to the Buddha
- The night marks the end of Lent, when the Buddha is believed to have returned from the Tavatimsa heaven
- Many riverside temples hold merit-making events at the same time; dress modestly at temples
When it falls
- The end of Buddhist Lent falls on the full moon of the 11th lunar month, so the date changes every year. In 2026 it was Monday 26 October
- Sightings usually peak on that night, though some are reported on the nights around it
- In 2025, 287 fireballs were reported in total, most of them in Rattanawapi district
Where to watch: Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi
Two neighbouring districts on the Mekong in Nong Khai province, where the most fireballs have been reported in recent years.
Phon Phisai town riverside
- Lan Naka Boek Fa, on the riverbank in Chumphon subdistrict, is the main gathering point and festival area
- The busiest spot, with food stalls and toilets nearby, but parking fills up fast
Wat Thai, Phon Phisai
- A riverside temple in Chumphon subdistrict and another popular place to wait
- This is temple ground, so dress modestly and take your rubbish with you
Rattanawapi district
- Riverside villages such as Ban Tan Chum and Ban Tha Muang
- Further along the Mekong from Phon Phisai, so allow extra driving time
Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai
O Car Rent is a car rental company, not an event organiser. For the programme, parking areas and road closures on the night, follow announcements from Nong Khai province, the district and local officials.
Stay in Udon, drive up for the evening
Riverside rooms fill up fast at the end of Lent, so many visitors stay in Udon Thani and drive up to Nong Khai just for the evening.
- Pick up the car before the festival day. It's free at the airport or our office between 07:30 and 19:00. Car prices depend on your dates.
- Leave Udon in the afternoon. Roads into Phon Phisai are very busy on the night, and parking is much easier if you arrive before dusk.
- Park only where allowed. Use the official car parks or follow officials' directions. Don't park on the roadside or block an entrance.
- After dusk. Wait by the river. Bring water, mosquito repellent and a torch, and find a spot on the bank.
- Heading back. Take your time. A lot of cars leave at once. Drive carefully, then keep the car overnight and return it the next morning.
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Back late? Returning the car
- Pick-up or return 07:30–19:00 at the airport or our office at no extra cost
- Before 07:30 or after 19:00 costs ฿500 per handover. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to arrange a time
- Cheaper option: keep the car overnight and return it the next morning between 07:30 and 19:00
Where you can drive
- Nong Khai, Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi are within the permitted driving area, however long you rent
- Full-to-full fuel policy
- Rental cars may not be taken into Laos, including across the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
Or call +66 84 408 0443. WhatsApp +66 84 408 0443. Rental cars in Udon sell out fast around the end of Lent, so book early.
Be ready for a very busy night
Traffic and parking
- Tens of thousands of people come to watch, and roads in and out of the district are packed
- Set off early and fill the tank before you leave the city
- Follow the directions of local traffic officers
What to bring
- Drinking water, mosquito repellent, a torch and a mat or folding chair
- A power bank, as mobile signal can be slow in big crowds
- Modest clothes for visiting temples
Driving back safely
- Roads are dark and people walk along them, so drive slowly and use your lights
- If you feel sleepy, stop somewhere safe. There's no need to return the car that night
- Trouble on the road? See our emergency assistance steps
Pick a car for the Naga fireballs
All automatic, with CDW insurance included. Prices shown are the daily rate for a 2+ day rental starting tomorrow (1-day rentals usually cost more per day); longer rentals that run into a new season can cost more. Prices also change on long weekends and at festivals. Pick your dates in the form above to see an estimate.
- 1–2 people → Suzuki Celerio
- 3–4 people → Toyota Vios / Honda City
- 5–7 people → Mitsubishi Xpander / Toyota Fortuner
-
Isuzu D-Max Automatic
- 5 seats
- Cargo bed
- 2.5L diesel
Naga fireballs: common questions
When are the Naga fireballs?
Sightings usually peak on the night Buddhist Lent ends (the full moon of the 11th lunar month), a date that changes every year. In 2026 it was Monday 26 October. In some years sightings are also reported on the nights just before and after. For the local festival programme, check announcements from Nong Khai province and the district.
Where is the best place to watch?
Popular spots are in Phon Phisai district, such as Lan Naka Boek Fa on the town riverside and Wat Thai, and in Rattanawapi district, such as Ban Tan Chum and Ban Tha Muang. Both districts are in Nong Khai province. In 2025, 287 fireballs were reported in total, most of them in Rattanawapi.
How far is Phon Phisai from Udon Thani?
About 85–100 km depending on the route, roughly 1.5–2 hours in normal traffic. Traffic is very heavy on the night, so leave Udon in the afternoon to arrive before dusk. Rattanawapi is further along the Mekong, so allow extra time.
I'll be back late. When can I return the rental car?
Pick-up and return at the airport or our office are free between 07:30 and 19:00. Returning before 07:30 or after 19:00 costs ฿500 per handover. The cheaper option is to keep the car overnight and return it the next morning.
Can I drive the rental car over to the Lao side?
No. O Car Rent cars may not be taken into Laos, including across the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. The viewing spots in Nong Khai are fine to drive to, however long you rent.
Am I guaranteed to see fireballs?
No one can guarantee it. The number of fireballs and where they appear change from year to year. Go for the Mekong and the end-of-Lent festivities, and treat any fireballs you see as a bonus.
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End of Buddhist Lent per the Thai lunar calendar, 2025 figures from PPTV news, compiled by the O Car Rent team, last updated 5 Nov 2026