Thailand takes the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to a global audience

On 29 July 2026, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presented the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to an international audience through a Signature Thailand familiarisation trip and a welcome reception called "From Experience to Inspiration." The programme brought together 40 media representatives, influencers and travel trade partners from 17 countries across Europe and the Americas to see the procession's 125th edition and explore the wider appeal of Thailand's Northeast, known as Isan.

The Candle Procession runs from 25 to 31 July at Thung Si Mueang in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani. Rooted in the Buddhist Lent tradition of offering candles, it brings together faith, detailed wax artistry and participation from communities across the province. This year's edition features 47 elaborate candle pieces in traditional, moulded and carved categories. The main parades took place on 29 and 30 July with more than 37 dance processions, supported by lighting installations, light-and-sound performances and workshops in candle carving, wax-flower making and gold-leaf decoration.

TAT has positioned the event as one of three Signature Thailand Events, alongside the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon. The reception, held at Centara Ubon after the morning parade, showcased the province's woven textiles, candle artistry, cuisine and Mekong-influenced way of life. It opened with a contemporary Isan performance featuring the phin, khaen, wot and pong lang, instruments that carry the region's musical heritage.

"By elevating this living heritage as a Signature Thailand Event, TAT is advancing Value over Volume through meaningful travel while creating greater benefits for local artisans, businesses and communities," said Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. Ubon native Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chief Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister, gave a keynote titled "From the Mekong to the World" on the tourism potential of Ubon Ratchathani and the wider Mekong region.

For visitors, the appeal reaches well beyond the parade route. The trip connected participants with candle-making communities and regional attractions such as Sam Phan Bok, Pha Taem National Park, Tohsang Cotton Village, Ban Pa-Ao Brassware Village and the Ban Khampun Weaving Centre. Isan food is part of the draw too, from som tam and larb to Vietnamese-influenced dishes, with Michelin Guide-listed restaurants found in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen.

Many of these places sit some distance apart, across towns, villages and national parks that public transport reaches only in part. Travellers who want to move at their own pace, arriving at a weaving village in the morning and a river viewpoint by afternoon, often rely on a rented scooter or car to link the stops together.

This is where a service like Balm Rentals fits naturally alongside local providers and the wider effort to raise the quality of travel in Thailand. Balm gathers verified, legal rental partners into a single marketplace where the price, deposit and conditions are clear before payment, and where the app speaks the traveller's own language. For someone planning a few days around a festival in Isan, that clarity makes it easier to map a route with confidence and spend more time with the culture and less time sorting out logistics.

For 2026 the province has leaned into the experience with illuminated 'Nong Mamuang' landmarks and evening performances that keep Thung Si Mueang lively after dark. TAT also points to a full calendar ahead, including the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 and nationwide Loi Krathong celebrations, part of presenting Thailand as a year-round destination.