The traditional Candle Festival takes place during Asahna Bucha and Khao Phansa days, two important Buddhist events that celebrate respectively Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of Khao Pansa or Buddhist Lent which lasts for three months. The events are marked by ceremonies and processions in the form of large-scale, colourful parades of magnificent floats with huge, extravagant candlewax sculptures, Thai traditional dance and music.
For monks in Thailand this also means the start of a period of retreat and reflection during which they largely confine themselves to their temples to study and meditate. Many Thai young men are ordained as monks during this time.
The Korat Candle Festival usually takes place at the Tao Suranaree Monument in Nakhon Ratchasima – more commonly known as Korat – a major city in the Isaan region of Thailand. Magnificently-carved candle sculptures depict scenes from the life of Buddha, Thai royal projects, and historical landmarks in Korat.
Long before...
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest single continuous rail line, spanning about 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok across eight time zones, vast taiga forests, steppe, mountains, and 16 major rivers.
Construction began in 1891 under Tsar Alexander III, with Tsarevich Nicholas II laying the first stone in Vladivostok. The project aimed to unite the Russian Empire, boost trade with Asia, and develop Siberia’s resources.
Built in sections from both ends amid harsh terrain and permafrost, the full Russian route (avoiding earlier Manchurian shortcuts) was completed in 1916. It later supported Soviet industrialization, World War II logistics, and remains a key passenger and freight corridor operated by Russian Railways.
The premier service is the Rossiya train number 001/002, a comfortable firmeny train with renovated carriages featuring air conditioning, power outlets, USB ports, and showers in some cars. It offers first-class (two-berth), second-class kupe (four-berth), and...
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest single continuous rail line, spanning about 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok across eight time zones, vast taiga forests, steppe, mountains, and 16 major rivers.
Construction began in 1891 under Tsar Alexander III, with Tsarevich Nicholas II laying the first stone in Vladivostok. The project aimed to unite the Russian Empire, boost trade with Asia, and develop Siberia’s resources.
Built in sections from both ends amid harsh terrain and permafrost, the full Russian route (avoiding earlier Manchurian shortcuts) was completed in 1916. It later supported Soviet industrialization, World War II logistics, and remains a key passenger and freight corridor operated by Russian Railways.
The premier service is the Rossiya train number 001/002, a comfortable firmeny train with renovated carriages featuring air conditioning, power outlets, USB ports, and showers in some cars. It offers first-class (two-berth), second-class kupe (four-berth), and...
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest single continuous rail line, spanning about 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok across eight time zones, vast taiga forests, steppe, mountains, and 16 major rivers.
Construction began in 1891 under Tsar Alexander III, with Tsarevich Nicholas II laying the first stone in Vladivostok. The project aimed to unite the Russian Empire, boost trade with Asia, and develop Siberia’s resources.
Built in sections from both ends amid harsh terrain and permafrost, the full Russian route (avoiding earlier Manchurian shortcuts) was completed in 1916. It later supported Soviet industrialization, World War II logistics, and remains a key passenger and freight corridor operated by Russian Railways.
The premier service is the Rossiya train number 001/002, a comfortable firmeny train with renovated carriages featuring air conditioning, power outlets, USB ports, and showers in some cars. It offers first-class (two-berth), second-class kupe (four-berth), and...
