Attend Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession — Now a TAT Signature

On 22 July 2026 the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) designated the 125th Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession as a Signature Thailand Event. The festival will run from 25–31 July 2026 at Thung Si Mueang, with the main programme scheduled for 28–30 July 2026.

What's happening

TAT has elevated the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to a Signature Thailand Event to increase its international profile and strengthen support for local organisers. The declaration acknowledges the procession's long history as part of the Buddhist Lent candle offering tradition and aims to highlight both traditional craftsmanship and new participatory features added for wider audiences. Local authorities, temple communities, craftspeople, educational institutions and tourism partners will work together to promote the event and route more tourism benefits to the province.

What this means for travellers

If you want to attend, expect a bigger promotional push that could attract more international visitors to Ubon Ratchathani during the festival dates of 25–31 July 2026. That means you should book accommodation and key experiences early. The organisers plan to add contemporary presentation and interactive options, so visitors should find more opportunities to meet candle makers, join workshops and take part in guided festival activities. For practical viewing advice and the best sites to watch the procession, see Where to Witness the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2026. To combine the procession with local evening life and food, consult our Best Night Markets in Ubon Ratchathani Province. For broader context on Thailand’s festival calendar and how this event ranks among them, read A Guide to the 10 Most Popular Festivals in Thailand.

Plan around it

Here are hands-on tips to make the most of a trip to Ubon Ratchathani for the 125th Candle Procession:

• Book early. The event runs 25–31 July 2026 with the main programme on 28–30 July 2026. Secure hotels and any organised tours in advance to avoid sold-out rooms.
• Respect local customs. Dress modestly when visiting temples and during the procession. Follow guidance from local organisers at Thung Si Mueang and behave respectfully around rituals tied to Buddhist Lent.
• Expect workshops and demonstrations. Interactive elements are part of the revamped schedule, so look for hands-on candle-making sessions and craft demonstrations aimed at visitors.
• Plan your viewing spot. The procession takes place at Thung Si Mueang. Arrive early for the prime spots along the parade route and factor in time to explore displays and local exhibitions.
• Combine with other northern festivals if you can. If you plan a festival-focused trip across Thailand, consider pairing Ubon with events in Chiang Mai. For example, our guide to the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai: The Magical Lantern and the Where to See the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Chiang Mai explain logistics and timing for those traditions.
• Follow official updates. Check TAT announcements and local tourism offices for final schedules, safety notices and ticketing for special performances.

What this means for you is clearer choices and more activities around the Candle Procession, but also a need to plan sooner than you might for a smaller regional festival. With the event now a Signature Thailand Event, expect expanded programming, more visitor services and stronger promotion aimed at international travellers.

Source: TAT News