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Mysterious Thai fireballs

(20 Sep 2005)

Going back-packing? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Travellers on northern Thailand's backpacker trail have the opportunity to see one of the world's most striking natural phenomenon this October.

Each year during the mid October full moon the Nong Kai region fills with Buddhist pilgrims coming to witness the Naga Fireballs. As night falls on the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat hundreds of red, orange and pink fireballs flare up from the Mekong River before vanishing into the night sky.

Many local Buddhists believe that because the event coincides with such an important religious day the fireballs are produced by Naga, the mythical serpent, who is paying tribute to Buddha.

There is also a far less romantic scientific explanation involving decomposition, flammable gas and the moon's gravitational pull, however this too remains unconfirmed.

Whatever the cause though one of northern Thailand's most spectacular two-day festivals has grown up around the phenomenon and now includes light shows, musical performances, the King's Cup long-tailed boat race and a breathtaking illuminated boat contest.


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