Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will introduce the Ubon Candlelight Parade to an international audience through a “Thailand Unique Experience Tour” and a welcome reception themed “From Experience to Inspiration.” The event will bring together 40 media representatives, opinion leaders, and tourism partners from 17 countries in Europe and the Americas to experience the 125th annual Candlelight Parade and explore the broader cultural appeal of Northeast Thailand.
Today, following the highly anticipated morning parade, guests proceeded to the Santa Lagoon Hotel in Ubon for a reception. This reception further solidified the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) designation of the Ubon Candlelight Parade alongside the Nakhon Phanom Light Boat Parade and the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Starlight Parade as three of Thailand's most iconic events. The reception, themed “Healing is New Luxury – Thailand's Iconic Events: A Journey Beyond Expectations,” showcased Ubon's textile weaving, candle art, cuisine, community spirit, and unique Mekong-influenced lifestyle to an international audience in a modern format.
The Ubon Candle Parade originates from the Buddhist Buddhist Buddhist Lent tradition of candle offerings, blending devout faith, exquisite wax art, and the participation of the entire province. The 2026 Candle Parade will be held from July 25th to 31st in Thung Si Mueang, showcasing 47 exquisite candle works encompassing traditional, molded, and sculpted types. A grand parade will also be held on July 29th and 30th, including over 37 dance performances. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will enhance the visitor experience through light installations, sound and light shows, the brightly lit Nong Mamuang landmark, and workshops on candle carving, wax flower making, and gold leaf decoration.
Mr. Nithit Sipura, Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated, “This meticulously planned tour and reception aims to allow international media and tourism partners to experience firsthand the Ubon Candlelight Procession and its rich associated experiences. By elevating this vibrant cultural heritage to a signature Thai event, the TAT is committed to enhancing tourism value through meaningful travel, rather than pursuing quantity, while simultaneously creating greater well-being for local artisans, businesses, and communities. Embracing the philosophy of ‘Healing is the New Luxury,’ Ubon will guide visitors on a journey through faith, crafts, cuisine, and community life, spanning the entire Isan region.”
To align with this theme, the reception opened with a modern Isan welcome performance, featuring dancers, singers, and musicians playing traditional instruments. During the Q&A session, continuous music played, incorporating Isan stringed instruments (phin), bamboo harmonicas (khaen, considered a symbol of Isan), bamboo wind instruments (wot), traditional Isan percussion instruments (pong lang), and traditional drums and bass guitar. The phin is particularly important in Ubon Ratchathani province. This double-stringed instrument, developed from the Thongsai Thapthanon and passed down through generations by Akhom Thapthanon, has a unique timbre that is closely linked to the province's candlelight procession, embodying a musical heritage passed down through generations.
Beyond cultural activities, the reception highlighted the festival's appeal to long-distance travelers, showcasing the unique charm of Ubon Ratchathani's traditions, crafts, and communities within the broader context of the Isan region. During the event, Mr. Nithee Seeprae provided exclusive updates on the latest Thai tourism information. Following this, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, a Ubon Ratchathani native and Chief Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered a compelling keynote speech entitled "From the Mekong to the World: Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Ubon Ratchathani and the Mekong River."
The event vividly showcased the unique characteristics of Ubon Ratchathani through four experiential stations. The Eysan region's signature cocktail station showcased locally brewed spirits and local ingredients; the food display area featured Vietnamese-style pork sausage (moo yor), roast pork (nam nueng, served with fresh vegetables, rice paper, and dipping sauce), and Vietnamese baguettes (banh mi). Participants also engaged in a wax paper collage workshop inspired by candlelight processions, and a stained glass bookmark-making workshop reflecting local religious architecture.
This enriching excursion allowed participants to connect with the candle-making community, experience local daily life, and explore surrounding attractions. The itinerary included watching candle masters create candles live, visiting a beautiful candle exhibition in Thung Si Mueang, touring Sam Phan Bok and Pha Taem National Parks, and exploring Tohsang Cotton Village, Ban Pa-Ao Brassware Village, and the Ban Khampun weaving center.
These experiences highlighted the broad appeal of the Eysan region in terms of food, textiles, and performing arts. Local cuisine includes som tam (green papaya salad), larb (spicy minced meat salad with herbs, lime, and toasted rice), and Vietnamese-influenced dishes. Michelin-recommended restaurants can also be found in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Khon Kaen provinces. Visitors can explore textile heritage at the Kampon Textile Museum, while Molam—an Isan traditional art form that blends singing, music, dance, and storytelling—reflects the region's creativity and cultural character.
In addition to the three iconic Thai events, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is committed to making Thailand a year-round destination for festivals and major international events. Upcoming highlights include the 2026 Udon Thani International Horticultural Exposition and the nationwide Loy Krathong festival, the 2026 Bangkok Chao Phraya Festival, the Pattaya Tomorrow World Music Festival, and the "Amazing Thailand" countdown event.
