When is the Yasothon Rocket Festival?

Bun Bang Fai is traditionally held over the second weekend of May, marking the start of the rainy season. Massive home-made rockets are paraded, then launched in competition outside the town.

Is Yasothon worth visiting outside the festival?

Yasothon is quiet outside May but rewarding for travellers interested in Isaan rural life, old Lao-style temples and organic rice country. Don't expect major tourist infrastructure — it's a slow, local experience.

What is Ban Si Than known for?

Ban Si Than is a village renowned for its handmade triangular kapok cushions ('mon khwan'), a traditional Isaan household item. Visitors can watch them being stitched and buy directly from the makers.

Yasothon Province Guide — Rocket Festival, Rural Isaan & Old Stupas

About Yasothon Province

Yasothon is a small, rural Isaan province best known as the spiritual home of Bun Bang Fai, the spectacular rocket festival that asks the heavens for rain at the start of the wet season. Beyond the rockets, the province offers historic Lao-Isaan temples, organic jasmine rice fields and a slow pace of life that hasn't been reshaped by mass tourism. It's a worthwhile stop for travellers interested in living Isaan traditions rather than headline sights.

Top Highlights

Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) held each May in Mueang Yasothon
Phra That Kong Khao Noi, a small Ayutthaya-era stupa with a poignant local legend
Phra That Anon, an old chedi believed to enshrine relics of the disciple Ananda
Ban Si Than 'pillow village', famous for hand-stitched triangular cushions

Getting There

Yasothon has no airport or train station. Most visitors come by bus from Bangkok's Mo Chit in around 8–9 hours, or fly into Ubon Ratchathani or Roi Et and continue by road in 1.5–2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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James Chen

Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand

James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.

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About Yasothon Province

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