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Travel Pakse Champasak: Annual Boat Racing Festival at Don Khong, Champasak Province
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Annual Boat Racing Festival at Don Khong, Champasak Province http://www.hotsia.com > Travel Pakse Champasak > Annual Boat Racing Festival at Don Khong, Champasak Province The long boat racing tradition is not only in Thailand; Laos also has this major event. The festival I visited is held at Don Khong every year in early December. This year it took place on December 5, which coincides with our Father's Day. Early December in Laos, on December 2 every year, is Laos National Day.
This is actually a celebration of two events back to back. There are two types of long boat races: large boats with 30 rowers and smaller boats with 8 rowers. The races alternate lanes for fairness. Each major village or district sends boats to compete. In previous years, the provincial military boat was the favorite and consistently won. But this year, a dark horse boat owned by the daughter of the elder from Laem Hua Khong won. The people of Don Khong celebrated enthusiastically with traditional Lao circle dancing.
The competing boats come from various places, built both in Laos and Thailand. I spoke with a Lao supporter who said the provincial military boat was probably built in Thailand. Wow, that means Thai boats are impressive, which makes me proud. The Lao boat racing event lasts only one day without prolonging, probably because there aren't many boats competing. The temple fair associated with the boat race starts 3-4 nights before. I stayed at Klang Khong Guesthouse for 200 baht per night, right next to the event, enjoying the sound of circle dancing every night.
mr.hotsia recommends hotels at Don Khong nearby. Take a stroll at the Don Khong temple fair, the annual boat racing event. Annual Boat Racing Festival at Don Khong 14°7'1.487"N, 105°51'20.357"E View the location on the globe. This photo shows boats lined up one day before the race at Don Khong, Champasak Province 14°7'1.452"N, 105°51'20.333"E Today is the boat gathering day with a ceremony to pay respect to the boat spirit mother 14°7'3.366"N, 105°51'22.781"E All competing boats must assemble here.
14°7'3.557"N, 105°51'21.359"E Racing fiercely along the Mekong River 14°7'1.806"N, 105°51'19.782"E This is part of the atmosphere cheering for the boat race 14°7'1.032"N, 105°51'19.991"E Everywhere sells colorful drinks like this, Thailand has them too. The mango seen here is called Cambodian mango. During the morning boat race 14°7'3.39"N, 105°51'22.914"E 14°7'1.631"N, 105°51'19.991"E Walking around the boat race event today, it’s very crowded 14°7'1.062"N, 105°51'20.021"E The race is now underway.
Travel Don Khong, Li Phi, Khone Phapheng, Siphandon, and Pakse recommended. Motorcycle tour around Don Khong for the traditional long boat race festival.
