Venue: Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang Temple, Phichit
Date: 4 - 5 September 2010

In September, when the rivers and waterways are in full spate, boat-racing festivals are held in several provinces of Thailand. The Pichit, Phitsanulok and Narathiwat festivals are best known, but other notable provinces include Nan, Angthong, Pathum Thani, Surat Thani and Ayutthaya.

Long-boat racing is a traditional event for the Thais who are used to living by the rivers. Although not restricted to any particular region, boat racing can be traced back to Ayutthaya, some 600 years ago. At that time, boat races were held to keep the young men physically and mentally fit in preparation for invasions by rival states. Today, boat racing is considered a national sport.

Usually, boats are hewn from a single large tree trunk. Each can accommodate as many as 60 oarsmen sitting in a double row. Oarsmen in the same team usually dress in the same brightly colored attire. The boats, built along the same lines as the original battle vessels, are brightly festooned with flower garlands and ribbons.

Boat races are colorful and exciting spectacles that attract thousands of cheering spectators. The impromptu narration of the professional announcers makes the event even more boisterous and plenty of fun.

Highlight

• Traditional long-boat races
  A total of 40 traditional long boats will be participating in this year's traditional long-boat races divided into four categories.
• Traditional long-boat races with 41-55 paddlers.
• Traditional long-boat races with 31-40 paddlers.
• Traditional long-boat races with fewer than 30 paddlers.
• Traditional long-boat races in the 'Kor Song' category.

OTOP Fair, Shopping Caravans and Red Cross 'Merit-making Stalls'

Visitors will be presented with opportunities to shop for a great variety of local products from the 'One Tambon One Product' promotional campaign highlighting the best products from each of the sub-districts (tambon in Thai) of Phichit province especially horticultural produce including pomelo, guava, tamarind sweets, and other organically-grown fruits and vegetables from the surrounding plantations as well as local handicrafts.

Contact information:
Phichit Annual Boat Race
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Uthai Thani Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5651 2916
Fax: +66 (0) 5651 4982

	Check our featured festivals & events index across Thailand and discover great ideas for your next trip

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