The Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum, nestled within the serene surroundings of Wat Phon Chai Temple in Thailand, is a captivating destination that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dan Sai district. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history and vibrant traditions of the Phi Ta Khon festival, renowned for its colorful masks and lively celebrations. This museum serves as a gateway to understanding the local folklore and artistic expression, making it an essential stop for culture enthusiasts.
The Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum, located at Wat Phon Chai Temple in the heart of Thailand, is a hidden gem that celebrates one of Southeast Asia’s most unique and lively cultural traditions—the Phi Ta Khon festival. Known colloquially as the “Ghost Festival,” Phi Ta Khon is a vibrant celebration held annually in Dan Sai, showcasing the area’s rich folklore, traditional music, dance, and art.
Visitors to the museum can embark on an enlightening journey through the history and significance of the Phi Ta Khon festival. The exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of the origins of this extraordinary event, which blends local Buddhist beliefs, animist traditions, and the celebration of life. Detailed displays and artifacts, including beautifully crafted masks and costumes, bring the narratives to life, illustrating the intricate rituals and practices that are part of this festive occasion.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum promotes community engagement by hosting workshops and cultural events that enable visitors to further connect with the local customs. This interactive aspect enriches the experience, allowing guests to appreciate the artistry behind the festival firsthand.
As you explore the museum, you’ll discover how the Phi Ta Khon festival not only serves as a time for celebration but also reflects the community’s resilience and identity. This event fosters a deep sense of togetherness among the residents of Dan Sai, emphasizing the importance of tradition in contemporary society.
The Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a testament to the vibrancy of Thai culture and the significance of preserving local traditions. Whether you are a local resident or an international traveler, this museum provides a remarkable opportunity to engage with Thailand’s cultural landscape and celebrate the spirit of the Phi Ta Khon festival.
For anyone looking to delve into the rich tapestry of Thai traditions, the Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum at Wat Phon Chai Temple is an unmissable destination that promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural heritage of this enchanting region.
พิพิธภัณฑ์ผีตาโขนด่านซ้าย (ด่านซ้าย, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Wat Phon Chai Temple, Thailand
A fine place to spend half an hour, I imagine it would be much more lively during the festival. The masks are great and can be bought in the town quite cheaply.
We were passing, found it easy enough. It’s in a Wat. Parking is good. No charge that we could see just a donation box. It’s more of a display than a musuem, of some of the phi ta khon costumes and masks which you can try on (kids will love it). I tried on a mask; made from wood, heavy, uncomfortable, i could wear only for minutes and I’m now full of admiration for those that wear them during the annual festival. Definitely worth 30 minutes of your time.
Phi Ta Khon, or the Ghost Festival, is an annual event in Dan Sai, a small village in Loei Province in the north of Thailand. It is held between March and July on dates chosen to be the most propitious.The origins of this unique festival are lost in time but it is attracting increasing numbers of Thai and overseas visitors each year, so if you want to go make sure you book a hotel early because the village is packed.Phi Ta Khon is part of the larger three day festival called Bun Luang, which is a Buddhist merit making festival.It starts with villagers evoking the spirit of the local River Mun to bring them good fortune in the coming year.This is followed by a big street procession of people dressed in traditional ghost masks and costumes, and some who try their hand at more creative masks. Many of the ghosts carry large red-painted wooden phalluses, with which they mockingly threaten the young girls in the crowd, much to the delight of the older women and men.All in all it is a wonderful folk festival and it would be a shame for you to miss it if you are in Thailand at the time. You can check out the dates of Phi Ta Khon by Googling it each year. This year (2015) the festival is from 26-28 June.As an aside, the masks are traditionally made to a set pattern, using a palm tree frond as the face and a wicker basket rice steamer as the hat, then painted. They have become collectors items but the locals are awake to their value, and a good one will not cost you at least Baht 3,000.
The temple and museum are about the Phi Ta Khon festival that takes place in Dan Sai. Most of the information is in Thai. There are the outfits for the celebration and masks which are quite impressive. All in all – 30 min max.
Museum is set in grounds of Wat Phon Chai, enter through large white gate from main road. No one there when we visited so we just wandered around by ourselves. Lots of beautifully decorated masks on display and lots of photos of Phi Ta Khon festival and a good description of the festival itself in both Thai and English, explaining what the festival is about and the format of festivities. Very hot when we visited so didn’t spend much time in temple grounds.
A fairly decent museum that displays many extravagant ghost masks. Free to enter and worth a visit if you are in Dansai. You can try some of the masks on.
As withost things in dan sai the museum is in walking distance to better understand the importance of this festival a visit here is essential. The structure of the masks is amazing and I will not add details come and see and enjoy true thai hospitalityKnow as the land of smiles try giving one and you will be rewarded
Located inside a temple in Dansai town, this museum not only exhibits numerous masks, but also, unfortunately only in Thai, explains the tradition of the festival and the making of the masks.