Ubon Ratchathani’s Candle Festival Shines Bright
Every year, the northeastern Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani comes alive with its enchanting Candle Festival. Held on 20 and 21 July, this vibrant event celebrates the region’s rich culture and artistic heritage with a stunning display of light, colour, and intricate wax artistry.
The Candle Festival marks the start of the three-month Buddhist Lent, a time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal. Historically, before electricity, Thai people offered candles to light the darkness, allowing monks to study Buddhist teachings. Today, the festival’s wax sculptures and candles symbolize these offerings and the pursuit of merit. While candle festivals are held throughout Thailand, Ubon Ratchathani stands out with its extraordinary wax sculpture procession.
To truly experience the festival, visiting local temples is essential. These temples become the heart of the celebrations, adorned with detailed wax sculptures that showcase the skill and devotion of the local community.
Wat Thung Si Muang is a highlight of the festival. Known for its beautiful wooden library perched above a pond to protect ancient manuscripts, the temple becomes a lively hub of activity. The grounds are decorated with exquisite wax sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and the life of the Buddha. Traditional music and dance performances add to the vibrant atmosphere, making a visit to Wat Thung Si Muang a captivating experience.
Another must-see is Wat Phrathat Nong Bua, inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. During the festival, it displays elaborate wax sculptures known for their intricate details and deep themes. The peaceful setting allows visitors to admire these artistic masterpieces away from the main procession’s hustle and bustle.
Once the wax sculptures are complete, the candle floats are prepared for a parade through the city centre. This breathtaking procession features magnificent wax sculptures, crafted with precision by local artisans, depicting various Buddhist themes and mythical scenes. The parade is not just a display of artistic talent but also a profound expression of cultural and spiritual devotion.
Arts and Culture
Step Back in Time
As the famed Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani draws near, the quaint village of Baan Cheethuan, 28 kilometres northwest of the city, springs to life with an age-old tradition: the Pathom Somphot sermon. On 19th July, both locals and visitors will converge at Wat Sri Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom to experience this deeply cherished cultural event.
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As night falls, Ubon Ratchathani transforms into a vibrant cultural celebration. Evenings are filled with traditional Thai music and dance, where local artists in colourful costumes captivate audiences with graceful movements. Interactive showcases, including candle carving and local weaving demonstrations, provide a deeper appreciation for the festival’s intricate sculptures. Food stalls offer delicious local delicacies, creating a lively night market atmosphere.
Adding to the festival’s charm, the “VIJITR 5 @Ubon Ratchathani” light art exhibition brings colour and flair to the city. This event features a mesmerizing light and sound show, using Projection Mapping to illuminate historical landmarks. The exhibition beautifully highlights Ubon Ratchathani’s rich heritage and traditions, making it a must-see.
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival offers a magical and immersive experience. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking to enjoy a festive atmosphere, this event is not to be missed.
Getting There
The fastest way to reach Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok is by air. Several airlines offer daily flights from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP), with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
For those who enjoy scenic journeys, taking a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani is an excellent option. Multiple daily trains, including rapid, express, and sleeper trains, cover this route. The train journey lasts between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the train type.
Additionally, numerous coach companies operate routes from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Coaches depart from both the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) and the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), with travel times ranging from 10 to 12 hours.
