We ventured out from our country cottage for a change of pace in the evening to a popular festival in Nakhon Phanom. We went late afternoon to allow for dinner by the Mekong, at a favorite restaurant – always good food – before going walk-about at the festival. I enjoy the wonderful views to the mountains in Laos from this place. Not far from the restaurant we saw the first hint of the festival, with a large bamboo boat structure moored on the river bank, that would later be fully lite up and floating down the river.

The Lai Reua Fai festival (translates to – Illuminated Boat Procession) in Nakhon Phanom is open daily this year from September 27 to October 8, 2025, coinciding with the end of Buddhist Lent and featuring a spectacular display of illuminated boats (fire boats) on the Mekong River. The event apparently honors the Buddha and the mythical Naga serpents, with elaborate boats constructed from bamboo and decorated with flowers, candles, and incense.  The festival was bright & colorful so offered lots of photographic opportunities.

We decided to go mid-week to avoid the large crowds that attend for the opening, weekends and last day of the festival. Luckily we managed to park our vehicle a few blocks away from the river near the main street and festival center, allowing for short walk to the sights and sounds of the festival.

The Naga Monument

This video is of the the elaborate brass statue of the seven headed Naga, a mythical river serpent, coiling up and spraying water with its heads facing northeast. The area around the statue is perfect for taking in the picturesque vies along the Mekong River and hills of Thakhek town, across the river in Laos.

Following are some of the festival sights and sounds we experienced during our visit. It was well worth checking out for a local cultural experience:

  • The main aspect & highlight of the festival is a grand procession of intricately decorated illuminated boats floating on the Mekong River. There are some 12 boats that have been constructed by the 12 districts in Nakhon Phanom that are displayed on the river each evening. The boats intricate depictions are well illuminated with lanterns & candles. The boats are then floated along by the Mekong river current in front of the main part of town for visitors to admire.
A video of one of the illuminated boats passing by – others are seen in following pictures
  • Cultural performances and traditional folk dances. There was a stage set up by the river and hosted a variety of activity. Here was one Vietnamese dance we saw when walking by.
  • A vibrant atmosphere as locals celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent.  On the main street there was a number of colorful, lighted floats on display. People were taking advantage of these to get pictures.

All along the waterfront there were market stalls selling food, cloths and all kinds of items for the festival visitors. We wondered about to check out what was on offer with only some small food purchases. As it was a Wednesday evening the visitors were fewer making navigating the stalls and festival very pleasant. This was a worthwhile evening out and we really enjoyed taking seeing all the colorful displays.

Let me leave you with images of the river tourist boats in Nakhon Phanom with views to Laos.