Lai Reua Fai Illuminated Boat Procession
(ประเพณีไหลเรือไฟ นครพนม)
Nakhon Phanom
Lai Reua Fai or Illuminated Boat Procession is Thai annual tradition, held in Nakhon Phanom Province it is a merrit making for the Buddha after the lent (full moon of 11th lunar month) this tradition is a very old tradition of Thailand, in the past many provinces held this tradition but now Nakhon Phanom is the only one province and draws visitors from everywhere. Originally, the boats were made of banana logs or bamboo about 8 to 10 meters long, people will put sweets, steamed-sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves inside the boat and then cut some hairs and nails put in the boat of their birthdate and wish for what they want so totally they are 7 original style boats launched in the evening berfore the modern boats, the outside of the boat was decorated with flowers, joss-sticks, candles and lamps.

The modern boats are bigger than the original one and show the lamp performance when launched in Mekong river there are a lot of fireworks during that time.

A lot of people will come watch this tradition you need to booking ahead.

More information call TAT Nakhon Phanom 0 4251 3490-1 or 1672
http://www.tourismthailand.org/nakhonphanom