As large majority of people in Thailand practice Buddhism, this is evident especially during the significant days of Buddhist calendar such as Makha Bhucha, Visakah Bucha, and Asarnha Bucha.

On these holy days, Buddhists all over the country will participate in ceremonies including: making merit by going to temples, offering food to monks and novices, listening to Dhamma preaching, doing meditation, and ending the day with Candle Light Processions (locally known as Wien Tien) in the evening.

Typical Wien Tien ceremonies will start after finishing Dhamma preaching. With flowers, lit joss sticks, and candle between their palms, people will follow a senior monk, who serves as religious leader. The will walk a long, clockwise procession around main pagoda three times.

On the other hand, the Wien Tien Klang Nam ceremony of Kwan Phayao is something different – it breaks the from the tradition of the Wang Tien ceremony which usually held on the land. Phayao has claimed its Wien Tien Klang Nam ceremony as the world’s one and only Candle Light Procession held on water!

Wien Tien Klang Nam ceremony is only be held three times a year on Makha Bhucha Day, Visakah Bucha Day, and Asarnha Bucha Day, in the middle of Kwan Phayao; where the 500-year-old Wat Tilok-Aram lays at the bottom of Lake Phayao!

Toward dusk, a orange beams cross the clouds, people board a long-tailed boat with space for 20 and take a 20 minute ride to pay respect to a Buddha image of Luang Phor Sila Kwan Phayao. It is located on a small island in the middle of Kwan Phayao.

Once arriving at the island where the Buddha statue is housed, everyone on the boat will light their incense sticks and candles, while chanting a prayer together with the monks. The boat will also go around the island for three times similar to the practice held on land. Then, it the boar will dock at the island’s quay so that people can place their offerings near the Buddha image, before making the return trip.

This memorable tradition draws a great number of visitors to experience Wien Tien Klang Nam ceremony. In 2010, Wien Tien Klang Nam ceremony will be held on:
Makha Bucha Day – February 28
Visakha Bucha Day – May 28
Asarnha Bucha Day – July 26

Getting to Kwan Phayao:
From Pratu Chai intersection that leads to Phayao city, take Pratu Chai road and then follow Phaholyotin road. Turn left once you reach Kasikorn Thai Bank (“K-Bank” – the green one) and keep going until Tha Kwan road. Then drive along the side of Lake Phayao until you find a boat pier. Once there, you can catch a long-tailed boat to Wat Tilok-Aram, the underwater temple of Phayao.

Tips for Traveling around Kwan Phayao:
- The boat ride costs 20 THB per person, and takes 20 minutes. Or pay 40 THB and you can also try a paddle boat which you can ride on your own. It’s like riding a bicycle.
- Try strolling around Kwan Phayao, then you can observe traditional fishing methods from local fishermen, whom still use dugouts and simple fishing gear. You will be surprised to see the abundance of fresh water fish in the lake.
- A walk around Kwan Phayao also offers a chance to find Suthaphakti Mansion, a splendid structure built of golden teak. It was built during the reign of King Rama V.

By Suttira Kaewthep