Ubon celebrates candle festival

Ubon Ratchathani hosts the famous Candle Festival 11 to 16 July, one of Thailand’s oldest festivals dating back more than 100 years.
It will attract thousands of domestic tourists to the northeast town and many tour companies have also arranged tours for foreign visitors mainly from Asia.
The festival which traditionally marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent shows the local people’s devotion to Buddhist traditions, while allowing them to showcase their renowned candle-carving skills.
The highlight of the events is the parade of beautifully-carved candles and floral floats, which takes place on the first day of the Buddhist lent known as Khao Phansa Day. For three months monks must reside in their temples for the rainy season, while lay people are expected to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
The procession also features a special Royal Candle presented by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as ornately carved beeswax candles and sculptures made by local people especially for the festival.
The stunning parades start from the front of Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram and heads along the road as far as Thung Sri Mueang. Taking part in the parade are dancers and musicians wearing traditional costume.
In addition, there is also an International Wax Sculpture Competition that attracts artists from all over the world to display their works of art.
Transport
Three airlines provide air services from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani: Nok Air (six flights daily), Thai Airways International (two flights daily) and AirAsia (two flights daily).
Bus services are also available at Mo Chit Bus Terminal but they need to improve their safety record before they can be wholeheartedly recommended.
The train service that takes around 10 hours is a better option. Book the upper and lower berths in the second class air-conditioned car. There is an efficient food and beverage service and after dinner, the attendants turn the seats into sleeping berths and tuck you in for a reasonable sleep. Watch your shoes and personal items. Stack them close by in easy reach. There are fewer accidents and less crime on the trains, but always be cautious and buy food and drinks only from railway catering staff.
Accommodation
There are 25 hotels with 120 to 150 rooms and 28 apartments with around 10 to 15 rooms. Try to book a hotel as near as possible to the museum and the TAT office, which are both close to the parade area. It saves on transport costs as the town does not have a very user-friendly bus service.
The best option is to hire a car at the airport and explore the attractions of the town and province including national parks located next to the Mekong River.
Tips based on TTR Weekly visits to the town. For official information contact TAT Call Centre 1672.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews