Phi Ta Khon Festival

I've spent quite a few days in Isan due to information(accidentally) about big mask festival which happens annually every year between March and July. So, being so close and waiting couple of extra days around was an easy decision. For the festival by it self I had a great company of Koi together with her kids. 

We drove there by car, really not on motorbike :D and spent 2 amazing days there.

As we arrived some kids were performing.

Some devils as well :D

Hello :) Scary?

At the evening we were invited by Koi's friend to his family house, and on the way I captured the sunset :)

That's Thailand :)

North Isan typical kitchen. Cooking and preparing meals on the floor :)

Generations together :)

Some local food......

Poor quality pic, but you should have an idea what it is.......(I have tried it.....)

More strange food.........

On the way back to hotel, we jump in again to party going on in the center of the town. Some typical dancing and admiring local beauty :D

Ufff........

Happiness :D

3 really ugly guys together :D

The next morning the main attraction has begun. It was the parade with many, many mask guys and other attractions. Let's get back a bit in time to understand why it is happening. Origin of the festival has as always few stories, but let me give you one of them. The idea has came from old times and believes, where those ugly creatures were presented as goods or demons. For people not to get scared by them, monks started to dress them selfs in the way how they imagine the demons, so people would get used to the way how they look and won't be so afraid of them.
Many of them walks around with wooden sticks which looks like(yes, they do !) a part of male body, which women don't have, commonly called phallus.
So another story is that for women not to be afraid of seeing the part of body(Thai women are a bit shy, or at least they were.....), the ghosts walked along with them and "hunt" women to touch them and stab them as well, so in reality they won't be shy :)
Off course, there are more stories about origin and I don't know which one is the truth, but I like this one :D

Some of the ghosts are pretty modern :D

Some are small :)

Families as well :)
What you need to know, is that there are thousands of people around during this festival and so, so, so many guys with good cameras running around to take thousands of pictures.

Really colourful festival :D

Some of the "attributes" are really big :D

And looks pretty real :D

The parade has came to some real Thai celebrities :D

King have to BE !

Some serious guys.....

Let's draw a mustache :D

And less serious guys......

And a bit chill out guys........

And too chill out guys........

After a long day at festival, driving around as well we stopped in famous Thai destination Chiang Khan. Mekong in front, comfortable sits, cold wine, good company...... Perfect evening !

Our hotel :) Fancy :D

On the way back we have visited a Pre-historical park, where some ancient people were living.

Under the rocks off course some buddhas were placed after.

Our LOVELY GUIDE !!!!! Pink Panther :D

Over the years with help from nature, rock formations were created.

Amazing festival were I was accompanied by Koi made this experience super special. Having you Koi around gave me great confidence, information and fun. Thank you :)
I fully recommend this festival to everyone. Just check before when exactly it happens, as the town is basically dead on normal days and there is not much to do there. Great experience :)