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Many travelers, vacationers or retirees have the erroneous belief that if they come to Thailand they'll have to fork out thousands of dollars a month to experience an ideal Thai lifestyle. However, they'd be mistaken. In actual fact you can live a great Thai lifestyle for a lot less than that...

For starters, pretty much everything in Thailand will cost you a LOT less than a similar lifestyle in Europe or USA might cost. But don't just take my word for it. Let these examples (in US$) prove it to you:

o You can enjoy superb high speed Internet (broadband) for under $30 a month.

o You can rent a lovely, 2 story home with huge garden for around about $150 a month (depending where you live of course. Some areas more expensive, and some a lot less!)

o You can go out at night and tantalize your taste buds with a 3 or 4 course Thai dinner for about $15 (depending what you eat of course!)

o Alternatively you can 'eat in' and still eat really well (feel full to the brim after) for a mere $3 (and that's pushing it!)

o You can buy your own zippy little 115 cc Honda or Yamaha automatic motorbike (scooter) for about $1000 - or snap up a used bike for half that. (If you want to brave motorcycle taxis - it'll be anywhere from $1-$15 per trip).

o And as for general living costs, you'd stay right on top of things for about $6-10 a day...

Anyway, I'm sure you get the idea. As you can see, you can live a pretty comfortable Thai lifestyle for a lot less than $600 a month. Even more so if you budget your expenses carefully. Of course, you could just as easily fork out $6000 or $60,000 a month too, if you felt so inclined! So what are you waiting for?

When you visit Ubon Ratchathani, one of 76 provinces in Thailand and one of 17 provinces of Isaan, you will arrive in Ubon city. In Thai it is Amphur Muang, the provincial capital city district. It is usually just referred to as Ubon.

There are many places of interest for first time visitors and return visitors, as well.

Tung Sri Muang - The city park and traditional ceremonial grounds. It is easily identified by the giant candle in the center. It is the shrine to Ubon's Candle Festival and Buddhist Lent.

In northeast corner is a memorial from former POW's in Ubon to the local people who helped them survive. When the sun goes down the park becomes a place for socializing and exercising. Afterward, head to the southeast corner for some delicious Thai food from the night food market.

Ubon Ratchathani National Museum - At the south end of the park is the museum. Inside you will see some of the history of Ubon as well as artifacts and relics.

Had Ku Dua - Is a beach along the Mun River. Go lounge on a bamboo cover patio floating on the river. Enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner with friends or family.

Wat Sa Prasan Suk - When you enter this temple on the outskirts of town you will pass under the giant white elephant statue serving as a gate and also a guard to watch over the temple. Tour the structures and make your way to the boat shaped vihan in the rear floating on a man-made pond.

OTOP Center - A showcase for local artisans and merchants. This project was initiated to encourage entrepreneurship and alternative means to support themselves among the agricultural based country
residents.

Huai Wang Nong - A large city reservoir on the east side of town. Many locals go fishing there. Mainly in the evening there will be a wide selection of restaurants providing food, drinks, entertainment and a nice view.

Ubon Ratchathani Cultural Center - The cultural center is located on the Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University campus. In the lower level well organized displays tell the story of Ubon Ratchathani and Isaan.

When you visit Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand take time to visit these sights and others that are sprinkled around the city.

For a period of three months, Buddhist monks stay within their temple grounds and refrain from going out. This is the time of the Khao Pansa which is also known as Buddhist Lent. It starts from the eight lunar month (which falls on the month of July) and ends on the eleventh lunar month. For Buddhists, this is the time to renew themselves spiritually, do good deeds and surrender all vices that they may have. They observe this tradition every year and as years pass by, this simple tradition has evolved into a much-anticipated festival annually. This celebration is known as The Candle Festival.

The Candle Festival is celebrated in Ubon Ratchathani, a province in Thailand. It became very successful and that is why Pattaya, a tourist area found smack in beautiful coasts of Thailand, adapted the same festival. And instead of parading beeswax candles in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes just like in the Candle Festival, organizers decided it to be a competition among candles makers and designers.

The procession of this wondrous occasion officially marks the start of the Buddhist lent in Pattaya. And also, it serves as an added attraction among tourists. So on one good Friday afternoon, tourists and even locals have stood in awe when thirty-two magnificently decorated candles lined up in Soi 4 of Pattaya beach. This is the starting point of the candle procession. The candles made their way through the streets of Pattaya beach to the delight of the onlookers. But the competition really started as soon as the candles entered Walking Street where the judges were waiting and selecting which candle stood out among the rest. The beautifully decorated candles vie for the awards that would be given to the contenders of the different categories.

Festivals like this indicate that candles have gone a long way since they were first discovered around 5000 years ago. The early Egyptians used them to light their way through the roads especially when they were traveling at night. They were also used to give light to their homes and were also used as part of religious ceremonies. These candles have also evolved with regards to the materials used. The early Romans used papyrus and beeswax and it was later improved on by the Chinese who used plants and insects. At present, where electricity outweighs the use of candles especially in lighting, its uses have also evolved. All natural candles not just light homes but also bring relaxation and peace. They are a good partner of aromatherapy essential oils. Indeed, candles have surpassed time and even technology. They are sure to stay given the right innovations and designs to suit the ever-changing needs of people.