Phi Ta Khon is well known and loved by the Thai people because of its fun and quirky elements, but despite a long-standing tradition in Northeastern Thailand, no one can say for certain when or where it started.
The legend has it that “Phi Ta Khon” came from the word “Phi Tam Khon” (ghosts following people), a scene when the generous Vessantara and his wife Madri are leaving the forest for the city. To bid farewell to the couple, forest angels, ghosts and animals disguise as humans and blend in with the villagers to see them off.