World’s Only Wien Tien Ceremony on Water, Phayao Lake, Thailand

The Wien Tien or candlelight procession on water at Wat Tilok Aram takes place three times a year on the Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asanha Bucha Day. Here, the Wien Tien where Buddhist devotees hold lighted candles in hand and go around a temple’s main chapel three times is done on water, making it the only place in the world to have this ceremony. This is because Wat Tilok Aram was built in the water, in the island at the centre of Phayao Lake.

This year however, with the water level of Phayao Lake having dropped, the candlelight procession will take place on land at Wat Tilok Aram. Visitors wanting to see the event up close can book seats on boats that will transfer to the island at 18.00 Hrs. on 1 August from Wat Tilok Aram pier. This must be done beforehand online at https://forms.gle/oS553XvTohVMmdac7 and tickets must be collected from Wat Tilok Aram pier between 15.00-17.00 Hrs. on 1 August.