Krabi Festivals

Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsy

Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsy (Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival) On the full moon day of the 6th and 11th lunar months (around May and October).

This festival is a rare and old tradition of the sea gypsies on Ko Lanta. On the full moon day of the 6th and 11th lunar months the sea gypsies will gather at the beach near Ban Saladan to float boats in the sea in order to float away the misfortunes and bring good luck. During the ceremony, a typical southern rong-ngeng dance and music will be performed around the boats.

Opening the Andaman Sea (Krabi Boek Fa Andaman)

This festival is held annually to officially open the tourist season of the province. It features parades, cultural and musical performances, sea kayak competitions, boat races, sales of local products and other activities.

The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats

Takes place on Lanta Islands during full moon of the sixth and eleventh months in the lunar calendar. This is relgious rite performed by Sea Gypsies who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous Rong Geng round the boats to be set adrift.

Ceremonies feature singing and dancing; the reason for the fest is to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants, it is something hard to find elsewhere.