NAKHON RATCHASIMA – The annual Phimai Festival opened on Wednesday evening (11 November) with a spectacular light and sound show celebrating the ancient civilisation of Vimayapura, alongside traditional performances, local food markets and cultural activities.
The five-day festival, running from 11 to 15 November at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province, aims to promote cultural tourism, support local businesses and generate income for surrounding communities.
Wikit Kitwirat, deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, presided over the opening ceremony, which featured a performance by 700 local women dressed in traditional Thai attire. They performed a ceremonial dance in tribute to King Jayavarman VII, who is credited by the organisers with building the Phimai stone sanctuary.
One of the festival’s main attractions is an elaborate light and sound production depicting the history and splendour of the ancient city of Vimayapura, staged against the backdrop of the historic Phimai sanctuary.
Beyond the historical performances, visitors can explore the “Doen Doen Mueang Phimai” market, featuring more than 200 stalls offering traditional local dishes, regional specialities, contemporary food and locally made products. Community enterprises are also showcasing their products, while exhibitions highlight Phimai’s history and cultural heritage.
A series of traditional competitions and cultural activities is taking place outside the Phimai District Office, including jasmine rice cooking in clay pots, traditional rice pounding and winnowing, folk dancing and local cooking contests featuring Phimai-style stir-fried noodles and Korat-style papaya salad.
Other attractions include dance competitions and a Korat cat contest, celebrating one of the province’s distinctive local breeds.
Another major highlight will be the traditional longboat racing competition for royal trophies, scheduled for 14–15 November on the Chakkarat River in Phimai district.
Organised by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation and Phimai district authorities, the festival seeks to preserve local traditions while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for local communities.
The Phimai Festival continues until Sunday (15 November), offering five days and nights of historical performances, cultural activities, shopping and local cuisine.