Candle Festival ('Hae Thian')

This two-day festival which features a parade of floats containing beautifully carved, intricate wax sculptures, is one of Thailand's largest festivals and attracts over 200,000 visitors. It is held annually over the full moon of the eighth lunar month which is in the end of July or start of August. The festival celebrates the religious holiday of Asanha Bucha, the start of Buddhist lent ('Khao Phansa'), when young men join the monkhood and many more forsake alcohol for three lunar months. Ubon's city temples support large groups of artists - from international wax-carving champions to humble villagers. Together they carve intricate beeswax depictions of the Buddha, characters from Hindu/Buddhist legends, as well as a vast array of dragons, gods, devas, nagas, etc - each temple in serious competition to win the first prize. On the eve of the parade the floats are parked along the streets around Thung Si Muang Park, on the following day the floats head up a huge procession. The floats are accompanied by dancers and musicians in traditional costumes. Markets, carnival rides, games and craft sales keep the fun going well into the night. Although the festival only runs for two days, you can visit local temples during the six weeks prior to the festival to see the artists working on their floats. Getting here: Thung Si Muang Park is in the city and is bordered by Srinarong Road (south), Ratchabut Road (east), Phalorangrit Road (north) and Chayangkun Road (west).