Two end-of-Lent festivals in the upper northeast fall in the same week this year: the Wax Castle Procession and long boat races in Sakon Nakhon from 20 to 26 October 2026, and the Boun Suang Heua boat races on the Mekong in Mukdahan from 23 to 26 October. Both lead up to Ok Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, on 26 October. This briefing, from a Thailand DMC for travel agents, sets out the dates, how the two fit together and what to check before you sell them.
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The two festivals and their dates
Sakon Nakhon: Wax Castle Procession and long boat racing, 20 to 26 October. The festival is centred on Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan, the town's principal temple. Communities build castles of wax as offerings for the end of Lent and parade them through town to the temple, where they are displayed for worship. The same festival includes a long boat race for a royal trophy. Local belief ties the offerings to the Buddha's return from the Tavatimsa heaven at the end of the rains retreat.
Mukdahan: Boun Suang Heua, 23 to 26 October. Boun Suang Heua is the long boat racing festival of the Mekong communities. In Mukdahan it is held on the river embankment by the Indochina Market pier, alongside the town's own end-of-Lent events, with Laos on the opposite bank.
Both sets of dates come from the Tourism Authority of Thailand's October events calendar, published on 29 September. Neither festival had published a day-by-day programme when this was written. In past years the Sakon Nakhon wax castle parade has been held on the eve of Ok Phansa, which this year would be 25 October; treat that as likely, not confirmed, until the 2026 schedule is out.
How the two fit together
Sakon Nakhon and Mukdahan are both in the upper northeast, with Nakhon Phanom between them on the Mekong. A short Isan programme in the last week of October can take in both: the wax castles in Sakon Nakhon early in the week, then the boat races in Mukdahan from 23 October. Our Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom guides cover each province.
Getting there. Sakon Nakhon has a domestic airport. Mukdahan does not, so clients usually arrive by road from the airports at Nakhon Phanom or Ubon Ratchathani. Check current flight schedules for the week before you build the routing, and allow for the road transfers between the three provinces. A Thailand DMC can quote those road legs as one transfer plan rather than three separate bookings. OurThailand DMC transport team can run the whole circuit by road.
Ok Phansa night. On 26 October itself, clients have to choose. The Naga fireballs draw their crowd to Nong Khai that night, and the Nakhon Phanom illuminated boat procession is also held around Ok Phansa. Our Naga fireballs briefing covers Nong Khai, and our guide to Signature Thailand Events in Isan covers Nakhon Phanom. Decide which night matters most to the client and build the week back from it.
What to check before you sell it
- The river. The Mekong ran high in early September, when authorities warned of possible overflow in Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai and Bueng Kan. Races on the river depend on its level. Reconfirm in mid-October that the Mukdahan races are going ahead on the embankment as listed.
- The programme. Wait for the 2026 schedules before you promise a client the wax castle parade or a race final on a particular day.
- Rooms. Both are provincial towns with a limited choice of hotels, and festival weeks fill them first. Hold rooms early for any group.
These are local festivals, not staged shows, and that is how to sell them: to clients who want to see the northeast celebrate for itself. Ask your Thailand DMC for a guide who speaks the client's language, because a wax castle without an explanation is just an ornament. For the full range of ground services in Isan, see our Thailand DMC services.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival in 2026?
TAT lists the Wax Castle Procession and long boat racing from 20 to 26 October 2026 at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan in Sakon Nakhon.
When are the Mukdahan boat races?
Boun Suang Heua is listed from 23 to 26 October 2026 on the Mekong River embankment by the Indochina Market pier in Mukdahan.
Can clients see these and the Naga fireballs?
In the same week, yes, but not on the same night. The Naga fireballs are seen in Nong Khai on Ok Phansa, 26 October. Plan Sakon Nakhon and Mukdahan for the days before.
How do clients reach Sakon Nakhon and Mukdahan?
Sakon Nakhon has a domestic airport. Mukdahan has none, so clients usually travel by road from Nakhon Phanom or Ubon Ratchathani airports. Check flight schedules for the dates before you build the routing.
