Event· Koh Lipe· Thailand

Loy Rua Boat Festival (Urak Lawoi)

6° 29.4′ N · 99° 18.5′ E · approximate

Twice a year Lipe's Urak Lawoi sea-gypsy community launches small decorated spirit boats on the full moon to carry away bad luck — a living tradition of the people who first settled the island.

Phuket & Phang Nga BayKoh Lanta to Koh LipeKoh Samui & the Gulf of Thailand

Practical

Wikivoyage: two spiritual festivals (pla juk or loy rua) on the full moon in late May/early June and late October/early November. Position is approximate, placed at Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley), Lipe's sea-gypsy village beach. Wikipedia notes the island was first settled by the Malayic-speaking Urak Lawoi'. Be respectful: ask before photographing ceremonies.

Best for

Cultural highlight at the start of the season

Season

Full moons of late May/early June and late Oct/early Nov

Nearby