Bang Phli Mad Boat Race

Experience the atmosphere of the Bang Phli Mad Boat Race, a riverside lifestyle event in Samut Prakan.

When it comes to unique local traditions of Samut Prakan, one of the activities I, mr.hotsia, must recommend experiencing firsthand is the “Mad Boat Race” in Bang Phli district. This event is not just an ordinary boat race but a preservation of a rare type of dugout boat called “Mad Boat,” an ancient central Thai boat that is hard to find nowadays.

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to watch the Mad Boat Race during the Luang Pho To Lotus Throwing Festival at Bang Phli Yai, held annually 1-2 days before the lotus throwing day. The atmosphere was lively with villagers from various subdistricts in Bang Phli sending small Mad Boats to compete. The racing Mad Boats have a distinctive flat and wide bow, unlike the curved horse boats or the slim pig boats. The boats vary in size from small to large, suitable for fast and agile rowing.

Most of the Mad Boats used in the race are made from high-quality takian or teak wood, known for strength, durability, and light weight, allowing rowers to maneuver skillfully. The canal-side atmosphere on race day was filled with cheers and the sound of paddles hitting the water. While walking around, I noticed the rowers from Bang Phli Noi subdistrict attracted much attention. I, mr.hotsia, had to cheer for this team wholeheartedly after witnessing their dedication and rowing expertise up close.

In the past, Mad Boats were essential local transportation for villagers along Samrong Canal and its tributaries in Samut Prakan. I have seen these boats carrying unhusked rice, firewood, or stones in my home community in Bang Bo. Mad Boats were part of the farmers’ lifestyle during the flood season for transporting rice. However, as rice farming declined, Mad Boats were gradually replaced by engine-powered long-tail boats.

But in Bang Phli Yai, they refuse to let Mad Boats disappear. Hence, the Mad Boat Race was created as part of the Luang Pho To Lotus Throwing Festival to connect the past with the present and encourage younger generations to preserve these ancient boats as part of the canal community’s way of life. I, mr.hotsia, find this very encouraging because besides the exciting race, it offers a deep insight into local history and culture.

150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Market Near the Mad Boat Race Canal

If you come to watch the Mad Boat Race, don’t miss a stroll through the 150-year-old Bang Phli Yai Old Market, located not far from the race venue. This riverside market has a long history and is a perfect example of a traditional canal market that has preserved its charm completely, with old wooden shops selling goods and food as if stepping back in time. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking here because I see villagers still paddling boats to sell goods just like in the past.

Bang Phli Market offers a variety of local foods to try, such as traditional Thai desserts, tasty made-to-order dishes, and local produce like fresh vegetables, dried fish, and the famous Bang Bo salted fish from Samut Prakan. I often stop to buy Bang Bo salted fish because of its sweet, rich flavor and firm texture that you can’t find elsewhere.Bang Bo Salted FishI have written in detail about how each fish is raised in suitable brackish water, resulting in excellent meat quality.

Riverside Life at Samrong Canal with Mad Boats and Racing

Samrong Canal and its tributaries in Samut Prakan have been important waterways since ancient times. Locals used Mad Boats as their main transportation and for carrying goods. I, mr.hotsia, grew up with stories of Mad Boats and riverside life. In my home at Bang Bo, small Mad Boats are still used occasionally for fishing and carrying small loads, though they are less common than before.

The fun of the Mad Boat Race is seeing each team’s dedication to training seriously. The speed and teamwork turn the canal into an exciting racecourse. I once cheered for the team from Ban Rakat, my hometown, but that year they didn’t participate, so I cheered for the Bang Phli Noi team instead. I made new friends and enjoyed exchanging stories about Mad Boats with locals who cherish this tradition.

The Mad Boat Race is not just a sport but a way to preserve and pass on local wisdom handed down through generations. I, mr.hotsia, see it as a perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment. If you want to experience this excitement, I recommend visiting during the Luang Pho To Lotus Throwing Festival at Bang Phli Yai.

Travel and Connectivity

For those interested in visiting the Mad Boat Race and exploring the 150-year-old Bang Phli Old Market, travel is easy from Samut Prakan city or Bangkok via Thepharak Road, turning into Bang Phli Yai and Bang Phli Noi conveniently. Along the way, you will see riverside lifestyles and once-prosperous rice fields.

You can also stop by the Bang Phli Yai Old Market, a true hub of local culture. I, mr.hotsia, recommend strolling through the market atmosphere, tasting local foods, and buying souvenirs such asBang Bo Salted Fishor trying the desserts sold in the market here.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Watching the Mad Boat Race at Bang Phli was a very impressive experience for me, mr.hotsia, because I saw the preservation of local culture that has not disappeared. Hearing the paddles hit the boats and the cheers along the canal reminded me of the riverside community where I grew up. Mad Boats are not just ordinary dugout boats but represent the lifestyle and wisdom of central Thai people worthy of preservation.

If you enjoy in-depth travel and want to experience living local traditions, Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan is a destination not to miss. Try visiting the 150-year-old old market,Bang Phli Old Marketand don’t forget to schedule your visit to watch the Mad Boat Race at the Luang Pho To Lotus Throwing Festival. See with your own eyes how skilled rowers handle authentic Mad Boats, and you will surely fall in love with the riverside lifestyle and the joyful spirit of the locals here just like me, mr.hotsia.