A major long boat racing event will take place on Khao Tao Reservoir on Nov 18 & 19.
The event is set to be quite a spectacle and will be broadcast live on national TV.
This year marks the 16th edition of the prestigious “Long Boat Racing for River Masters” competition, which is set to draw participants from all over Thailand.
The event promises to showcase an impressive array of long boats, ranging from traditional Lao vessels, ancient long boats, and the exquisite Naga Head long boats from Nan province, to the sturdy Iron long boats from Buriram and the distinct Kor Boats from Southern Thailand.
This competition, organized by Hua Hin Municipality, in collaboration with the Thai PBS television station and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
Organisers have now released the schedule for the two day event:
Long boat racing at Khao Tao Reservoir schedule
“Long Boat Racing for River Masters”
Dates: November 18–19
Venue: Khao Tao Reservoir
November 18:
8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
Parade for the presentation of the royal trophy at Khao Tao Village entrance.
(Trophy from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Majesty Queen Suthida, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn)
8:45 a.m. – The chairman of the ceremony will light gold ornaments in homage to the royal portrait. The royal trophy parade starts at Khao Tao Temple and proceeds to the reservoir’s edge, entering through the ceremonial marquee.
9:00 a.m.
Performance by Mr. Natthakrit Akanitthada, Sepha ASEAN, reciting Thai verse (Sepha).
Addresses by government officials.
Cultural performances by Ban Khao Tao Municipal School and Ban Takiab Municipal School.
Commencement of the long boat races in various categories: 55, 40, 32, and 30 rowers.
7:30 p.m. – Performance by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
8:00 p.m. – Performance by artist Tom Dundee.
November 19:
9:00 a.m. – Semi-finals and finals for all boat categories.
3:00 p.m. – Presentation of the royal trophy and other awards to competition winners.
4:00 p.m. – Closing ceremony of the 2023 Traditional Long Boat Race Project.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Thailand, make sure you check out the long boat racing on 17-19 November 2023 at Khao Tao Lake.
Expect colour, culture, fun, merit making and thrilling races!
