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Ubon Ratchathani - or Ubon, as it
is commonly known - is the Thai province that stands at the
borders of both Laos and Cambodia. This convergence has become
known as the Emerald Triangle, because of the thousands of
hectares of unspoiled monsoon rainforest in the area. The
area is also likely to host the first truly international
golf course, as there are plans to build 18-holes at the very
intersection of the three countries.
 One
of the many highlights of Ubon is the grand candle festival
that takes place in the city of Ubon Ratchathani in late July.
Local craftsmen promenade through the streets of the city
with gigantic, intricately carved candles of every description,
some the size of cars, some shaped as animals, people and
images from Thai mythology. These painstakingly created sculptures
are later burned in Buddha's honour. The candle festival,
Ngan Hae Thian, lasts for five days and includes concerts,
beauty contests and parades.
A short distance to the east of the city, along the Moon River,
can be found another wax recreation. The village of Ban Kwan
Sai is one of the few places where craftsmen still use the
so-called "lost wax" method to mould brass- and bronze-ware.
The villages main industry produces gongs and other musical
instruments for classical Thai music.
At the confluence of the Moon and Mekhong rivers, at Chong
Chiam, the different coloured waters meet and produce remarkable
effects. Locally this is known as the "Two-Coloured River
or Mae Nam Song Si.
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