Buriram Boat Races

The annual boat race in Buriram, a large province in northern Thailand, is held in Satuk, 35km north of the provincial capital on the Mun river. The race days feature parades, markets, food stalls and even elephant swimming races.

Boat racing is an old tradition in Thailand, dating at least from the mid-Ayutthaya period. They were originally held to keep military boat crews in training; later on they became more associated with royal ceremonies and Buddhist festivals. These days, the local boat races are held to mark religious holidays and to strengthen the bonds of community - as well as to provide an excuse for festivities.

These races are also held very near the Phanom Rung Historical Park. Best known for the magnificent walled enclosure known as the Prasat Hin Pranom Rung, this is the high point of the many Khmer-influenced monuments in the region.