The festival is dedicated to the spirits of rivers, forests and earth with alms offered to express gratitude for their patronage and protection. Colourful ceremonies are performed before beautifully decorated boats carrying candles, joss-sticks and flowers are flown on Sam Prasop river. The participants wear traditional costumes. The festivities are held in Ban Wang Ka Mon community on the grounds of Wat Wang Wiwekaram.
Sangkhlaburi is an idyllic village on the shore of Khao Laem Reservoir formed by Vajiralongkorn Dam. Besides being a convenient gateway to the Three Pagodas Pass, a famous pass between Thailand and Myanmar, Sangkhlaburi offers a fascinating insight into the daily life of the Mons and is often dubbed 'Thai Burma'. The most popular local attractions include the sunken temple, Wat Sam Prasop, the remnants of the old town flooded after the reservoir was created; the picturesque Wat Wang Wiwekaram on the Mon side; and the scenic Mons bridge, one of the longest bamboo bridges in the world.
To get to Sangkhlaburi, take a local bus from Kanchanaburi bus station. The trip takes between 5 and 6 hours but the scenery along the way does compensate the trouble.
Sangkhlaburi to Hold Mon Floating Boat Festival in September
News in Asia
This year, the annual three-day Mon floating boat festival in Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi province, will be held from September, 23 to 25.