Chanthaburi Set for Phluang Buddha Footprint Festival

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Chanthaburi province is preparing to open the annual Phluang Buddha Footprint Worship Festival for 2026, running from 19 January to 19 March, with comprehensive safety and transport measures in place along the entire route to the sacred site. Organisers say the event is expected to attract large numbers of pilgrims and visitors, providing an immediate boost to religious tourism and the local economy.

The festival centres on the revered Phluang Buddha Footprint at Khao Khitchakut National Park, a site that draws Buddhist devotees from across Thailand each year. According to Mr Yongyut Yomyim, a member of the Wat Phluang transport queue management committee, the event not only preserves Buddhist traditions but also plays a key role in stimulating Chanthaburi’s tourism and service sectors.

The official opening, a ceremonial ritual was held on 17 January 2026 at the Phluang Buddha Footprint site. The ceremony included traditional offerings and the formal closing and reopening of the forest and mountain areas to mark the start of the pilgrimage season. Luang Pu Nong, abbot of Wat Thung Ta In, presided over the religious rites, while Chanthaburi Governor Monsit Paisalthanawat also attended as the lay representative.

Organisers have invited Buddhists nationwide to travel to Chanthaburi to pay respects at the Phluang Buddha Footprint, describing the pilgrimage as a source of spiritual encouragement for daily life and work. To manage the anticipated crowds, the organising committee has coordinated closely with Khao Khitchakut National Park officials, police, local administrative authorities and related agencies.

These agencies have jointly established measures covering security, traffic management and an organised shuttle service for visitors travelling between Wat Phluang and the mountain. The system is intended to ensure orderly access to the site while maintaining safety throughout the pilgrimage period.

Ms Sineeporn Sawatichai, owner of Chaba Resort, Chantaburi, said Khao Khitchakut is regarded as a sacred place where visitors come annually to pray for success, often returning with faith in fulfilled wishes. She said the resort is ready to welcome guests, provide accommodation and assist with transport arrangements from the Wat Phluang parking area without requiring advance queue reservations. Additional services include 24-hour massage facilities for visitors after ascending and descending the mountain.

She noted that bookings and enquiries have increased steadily ahead of the opening, particularly regarding opening dates and travel routes. Visitors can use GPS systems or Google Maps to navigate easily to Khao Khitchakut National Park.

MGR online reported that travellers from Bangkok can reach Chanthaburi via Sukhumvit Road or the Bang Pakong–Chonburi–Chanthaburi route, with a journey time of around four hours, from Bangkok, before continuing to Wat Phluang. Shuttle transport to the mountain summit costs approximately 200 baht per person for a return trip, while national park entry fees are 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.

Key Takeaways

• The Phluang Buddha Footprint Worship Festival runs from 19 January to 19 March 2026 in Chanthaburi.

• A ceremonial opening ritual took place on 17 January 2026 with senior religious and provincial leaders.

• Transport, safety and accommodation services have been coordinated to manage large visitor numbers.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-18