Naga FireballsOne of the world's most awesome phenomena is this natural event which coincides with the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. Hundreds, often thousands of balls of fire rise out of the water to a few hundred metres before disappearing. It is not yet known how exactly this occurs and though scientists may dispute, the locals believe it is the work of Naga, a serpent living in the Mekong River.
Venue: Mekong River, Nong Khai region
Date: October 2008, TBC
Yasothon Rocket FestivalThe skies around the town of Yasothon light
up on this night with fireworks and rockets tempting the clouds to spill their precious rain over the rice fields. Originating in pre-Buddhist times, it is a fertility rite held to celebrate and to encourage the coming of the rainy season, and parade ornaments and floats often sport phallic symbols and imagery. Although the humble origins lie in superstition, the festival is today a competition to see who has the biggest rocket. For more information phone the Yasothon Municipality on (0)45 711 397 or the Thailand Tourist Office on (0)2 694 1222.
Venue: Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon
Date: May 2008, TBC
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
