Thailand: Yasothon Bun Bangfai Festival

Yasothon in north-east Thailand’s Isan region is known as ‘the city of democracy, rockets, watermelon, Kwan pillows, Khit cloth, and jasmine rice’. In May, the city comes together to observe the Bun Bangfai or the Rocket Festival, which marks the beginning of the rainy season. This year, the festival will be held from May 14-15. Bangfai or rockets are fired in honour of the rain god, Phaya Thaen, so that there is enough rain during the crop planting season. Processions with decorated floats, contests, musical performances and partying are also part of the festival. Bangkok-Yasothon buses depart daily from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal.
Details: http://www.tourismthailand.org/.