Alcohol ban: On the five Buddhist holy days (Makha, Visakha, Asarnha Bucha, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) a 24-hour nationwide alcohol sales ban applied in 2026, with limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, designated tourist zones). Check the current rules. Rules can change per year and province; check the current rules. nationthailand.com: 40069132 ↗ angthong.prd.go.th: 388517 ↗
When and where
Next edition: 17–19 July 2027 (expected)
When: Around Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa (July)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: main programme 28-30 July (125th edition, 25-31 July). 2027 follows Asarnha Bucha on 18 July.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival celebrates the start of Buddhist Lent with monumental candles. Teams of artists carve giant wax sculptures of dragons, deities and legends, which roll through the city on floats. In the evening they glow in a light procession. The festival is over a century old and is considered one of the greatest displays of Thai candle art. There are dancers, music and craft workshops.
Getting there
Ubon Ratchathani is about 1 hour by plane from Bangkok or by night train/bus; the ground is in the city.
Highlights
- Carved candles Wax carved into giant sculptures on floats.
- Evening procession The candles light up in a night parade.
- Workshops Candle makers show how the sculptures are made.
Tips for Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
- Book hotels well ahead; Ubon is full.
- Reserve grandstand seats or come early along the route.
- It is rainy season: bring a poncho.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The map shows Thung Si Mueang, the main parade ground in Ubon Ratchathani.
Frequently asked questions about Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival
When is Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in 2026?
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival falls in 2026 on 28–30 July, at Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani. Rule: Around Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa (July). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Is there an alcohol ban during Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival?
Yes. The Buddhist holy day Asarnha Bucha falls on 29 July in 2026, inside the festival. There are limited exemptions (e.g. airports, licensed hotels, tourist zones); check the current rules. Highlight: Carved candles – Wax carved into giant sculptures on floats.
Where is the best place to see Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival?
Watch it best at Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani. Wax carved into giant sculptures on floats. Ubon Ratchathani is about 1 hour by plane from Bangkok or by night train/bus; the ground is in the city. The candles light up in a night parade. Highlight: Workshops – Candle makers show how the sculptures are made.
Festivals near Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent) 0 km as the crow flies
- Dok Lamduan Flower Festival (Si Sa Ket) 60 km as the crow flies
- Yasothon Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) 100 km as the crow flies
- Surin Elephant Round-up 150 km as the crow flies
- Phra That Phanom Worship Festival 190 km as the crow flies
Also in July
- Asarnha Bucha
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist Lent)
- Lamphun Longan Fair
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival, Dan Sai)