Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: During the Loy Krathong Festival in November every year

Opening Hours: All day and night, depending on the scheduled activities each year

 

Floating Kathin Festival in Rayong is a long-standing tradition of the Prasae River community in Klaeng District, Rayong Province. It is considered a unique cultural heritage, the only one of its kind in Thailand. Unlike ordinary Kathin ceremonies that are held on land, this ritual is performed on boats floating in the middle of the Prasae River. The image of boats adorned with decorated Kathin trees (donation trees) shimmering on the water reflects the faith, unity, and deep connection between the people and the river.

 

The origin of this tradition is tied to the riverside way of life of the past. In earlier times, local villagers relied on boats for transportation and making a trip to the temple was not easy. To ensure that all households could participate in merit-making together, they adapted the Kathin ritual by bringing the donation trees onto boats and conducting the ceremony in the middle of the river. This practical adaptation eventually became a unique cultural practice, passed down through generations and evolving into a festival that attracts visitors from across the region every year.

 

The highlight of the event is the “Kathin tree,” crafted from local woods such as mangrove or Prong trees, which are strong and durable. Villagers decorate them with banknotes, offerings, and ornaments according to their faith. Each household places its Kathin tree near the pier or canal in front of their house. On the festival day, these trees are pulled together to the middle of the Prasae River, arranged in rows on boats or floating platforms. Monks are then invited to board boats to perform the religious ceremony in the middle of the river. The chanting of prayers, combined with the sound of water and evening breeze, creates a sacred and unforgettable atmosphere.

 

The ritual unfolds in several steps: preparation of the Kathin trees, arranging the boats, and bringing the offerings onto the river. Monks then perform the chanting and receive the offerings, while villagers on both riverbanks simultaneously respond with “Sadhu” (well-wishing). The ceremony ends with symbolic circling of boats on the river, signifying the spreading of merit to all beings.

 

Besides the religious aspects, the festival is also a community celebration full of joy and entertainment. During the daytime, the river is alive with long-tail boat races, sea boxing, underwater endurance competitions, fancy boat parades, and cheerleading contests. At night, the atmosphere transforms into a lively carnival with folk concerts, beauty pageants, and local stage performances. This combination of sacred rituals and festive celebrations gives the event its distinctive charm.

 

The festival is more than just a merit-making event; it is also a showcase of unity within the community. People of all ages contribute, whether in preparing the Kathin trees, decorating the boats, rehearsing performances, or welcoming visitors. This shared participation symbolizes solidarity and a collective cultural identity. Moreover, the event stimulates the local economy, as visitors flock to the area, generating income for restaurants, shops, and homestays. Local vendors offer traditional foods, Thai desserts, souvenirs, and handicrafts, making the atmosphere vibrant and supportive of community livelihoods.

 

Traveling to the Floating Kathin Festival is convenient. By car from Bangkok, take Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) toward Rayong Province, then continue to Klaeng District and follow signs to Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. For public transportation, minibuses and coaches are available from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Terminal to Klaeng District. From there, visitors can take local songthaews or taxis directly to the festival site, with clear signage and assistance provided by local authorities.

 

Visitors are encouraged to extend their trip to explore nearby attractions. Highlights include Pak Nam Prasae Community with its old wooden houses and tranquil riverside life, the Prasae Mangrove Conservation Center offering ecological trails through lush mangrove forests, Mae Phim Beach renowned for its beauty and relaxation, and HTMS Prasae Memorial, a decommissioned warship serving as a historical landmark. These nearby destinations provide a perfect complement to the festival, allowing travelers to experience both faith and natural beauty in one trip.

 

 

A: It is held annually during the Loy Krathong Festival in November, though the exact dates are announced each year by the Pak Nam Prasae Municipality.

 

A: Because the Prasae River community has long relied on waterways for transport and livelihood, the Kathin ritual was adapted to the river setting, making it a unique cultural tradition found only here.

 

A: Beyond the floating Kathin ritual, highlights include long-tail boat races, sea boxing, underwater endurance competitions, fancy boat parades, cheerleading contests, folk concerts, and a beauty pageant.

 

A: Yes, tourists can participate by making offerings or simply observe the ritual from the riverbanks, where areas are prepared for visitors.

 

A: By car, it takes about 3.5–4 hours from Bangkok via Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) to Klaeng District, then follow signs to Pak Nam Prasae. By public transport, minibuses and buses depart from Ekkamai to Klaeng, where visitors can transfer to local songthaews or taxis.

 

A: It serves as a focal point of faith and unity, strengthening community bonds while boosting the local economy through tourism and cultural exchange.