Wax Castle Festival 26-30 October 2012

The best time to visit ANYWHERE, Thailand is when locals are throwing a party  Some of the better known Thai parties are Songkran and Loi Kratong. Consider regional events with local culture. In Sakon Nakhon it's the annual  Royal Longboat Race  and Wax Castle Festival Held each year at the end of the Buddhist lent, when the rainy season comes to an end. The dates vary slightly each year according to the lunar calendar.  Generally the four days before and the full moon day in October, Arrive early:  A few days before the festival gets under way. Many of the nearby villages and towns have their own preliminary boat races with entertainment ... plenty to see, do and experience. A visit to the local temples where artisans are preparing for the wax castle contest,  is well worth your time. Make hotel reservations early, especially if you want a room close to the action. Reservations may be tricky. Only a handful of local hotels accept online reservations. hotels2thailand    tripadvisor   agoda  My own local hotel listing has not been updated since 2009  Furnished apartments are a cost saving option to hotels. Numerous events and activities for four days.  It's important: as soon as you arrive ask for a schedule of events The map shows the parade routes and locations of special events. Unfortunately the guide may not be in your language. The guide is distributed usually a week before the action begins. I list a translation on this blog within a day or two after receiving my copy. Local expat establishments are also a great source of information I've had the good fortune to sit in the VIP viewing stands and used the oprotunity to videotape most of the 2007 parade 2011 Wax Castle Parade photos: 112 2011 Wax Castle Construction photos: 12 2008 Wax Castle Parade photos: 273 2007 Wax Castle Parade photos: 101 2006Wax Castle Display  photos: 12 2005 Waxcastle Construction photos: 15 2004 WAX CASTLE  dinner photos: 54 2003 Waxcastle Sound & Light show photos: 69