Festivals and fireballs

NongKhai contains a 320km stretch of the Mekong River and is both a major tourist destination and the launching point for journeys into Laos and on to China. An attraction not to be missed is the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River linking Thailand with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

There is a rocket competition to worship holy angels and pray for rain. Skywalk Wat Pha Tak Suea is a clifftop viewpoint from where the scenery of the west Mekong River that borders the two countries can be admired, The Naga Fireball festival is a unique and fascinating festival celebrated in Thailand. The “Fireball” phenomenon occurs most often on Wan Awk Pansa, the full moon night of the 11th month of the lunar year that signifies the end of the Buddhist rain retreat. In this festival people gather along a 250km stretch of the Mekong River to witness glowing red ‘fireballs’ shoot up into the sky. The number of fireballs sighted can range from hundreds to thousands.

International runners are welcomed at Udonthani International Airport which lies about 90km from the race start in front of Ban Sun Klang School Dan Si Suk Photak.. The race is 90% flat with a joyful route through national settings and is favourable for runners to set new personal best times.

Runners pass through eight villages and many rice paddies, cassava, sugarcane and pineapple fields. Boundless varieties of fruit trees line the race route. Photak district could be called the land of all fruits. The weather in December averages 9–15ºC.

Limited to 3000 runners the Photak marathon offers distances of 42.195km, 21km, 10km and 5km. International runners in the Marathon or half marathon receive finisher trophies, medals and an event finisher shirt. Marathon and Half Marathon top-10 winners in age group categories (6 male, 5 female) are awarded trophies with the top five receiving cash prizes. Every participant in the 42.195km, 21km, 10km and 5km run will receive an event shirt, finisher shirt, medal, timing chip and sponsors’ products. Fancy dress runners get special awards and all runners over 65 years of age will be given special trophies. Every participant is invited to a free dinner on 24 December 2022 from 17:00–21:00.

Photak Marathon invites you to come and visit Thailand. In 2019 more than 45 million people from around the world toured Thailand – it is famous for being the principal tourist destination in Southeast Asia. This tropical fun-loving and friendly country really does have something for everyone of every age and every budget. From golden sandy beaches to lush steamy jungles, bustling busy cities to traditional villages, five-star a la carte menus to roadside noodle stalls, historic Buddhist temples to 21st century skyscrapers Thailand never fails to delight, amaze and captivate all who visit. Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles, friendship, and care for all humanity.