Tourist Information

Ubonratchathani Candle Festival

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, the most elaborate of the traditional parading of candles to wats (Thai: แห่เทียน hae thian), is held in Ubon Ratchathani, Isan, Thailand, around the days of Asanha Puja (which commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon) and Wan Kao Pansa (which marks the beginning of vassa).

At the start of the Lenten period, it is traditional in preparation for the rainy season for the devout to donate to items for the personal use of monks, and of candles to dispel gloom in their quarters and elsewhere within the wat. The latter is often the core event of many village celebrations, but is at its most elaborate in the Ubon Ratchathani version, which nowadays is a major event both for residents and for tourists: giant candles are paraded through the town, each representing a local temple, district or other institution. The more elaborate versions are accompanied by scenes of Hindu and Buddhist mythology sculpted in wood or plaster and coated with wax. Of course, these candles are never burned.
A girl dancing in the parade
A figure on one of the floats

The candles are carved a couple of days before the procession.

On Asanha Bucha day, the candles are taken to Thung Si Mueang, a park in the middle of the city, where they are decorated and then exhibited in the evening. On the same evening, there are small processions with lighted candles at several temples.

The procession takes place on the morning of Wan Kao Pansa. The candles are paraded through the city centre on floats, accompanied by representatives of the respective institutions. These are normally dancers or musicians in traditional dress.

In addition to the above, the festival is accompanied by the usual paraphernalia of feasting and games which attend any Thai festival.

Essential Thai

Greeting

• Hi/Hello    SawasdeeKrub(Male)      สวัสดีครับ

                    SawasdeeKha(Female)   สวัสดีค่ะ

• Good Bye      La-gorn                             ลาก่อน
• Good Night  Ra-Tree-Sa-Was           ราตรีสวัสดิ์

Useful Phrase

• See You Later  Laew-pob-kan-Mai    แล้วพบกันใหม่
• Thank you          Kob-khun                        ขอบคุณ
• Excuse Me         Kor-Tod                            ขอโทษ
• How much is this?    Tor-Rai                   เท่าไหร่

Emergency Numbers 

To reach and English-speaking operator, call the Tourist Police or in case of accident, an ambulance service from one of the many international hospital in Thailand.

Emergency Services                              Telephone

• Tourist Police                                             1155
• Police(General Emergency Call)                191
• Ambulance and Rescue                             1554
• Fire                                                               199
• National Disaster Warning Centre              1860
• Crime                                                          1195
• Medical Emergency Call                            1669