Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is a rare festival on Ko Lanta of sea gypsies. The festival is held annually, on the full moon day in the sixth and the eleventh months of the lunar calendar. The sea gypsies on Ko Lanta and from neighboring areas will gather at the beach near Ban Sala Dan to float boats in the sea in order to bring good luck. The Rong Ngeng, a typical southern dance as well as traditional music, will be performed around the boats.

This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies or "Chao Le" who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. The festival is celebrated to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

Another event more significant to Koh Lanta is the Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival. Held during the full moon on the 6th and 11th of the lunar calendar, the Sea Gypsies (Chao Le) of Lanta celebrate with songs and dance as they float ceremonial boats into the sea as a mark of respect to the ocean.

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Contact Information

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival
Kata Beach, Near Ban Sala Dan, Muang
81000 Krabi, ST

Tel. +6675612740

http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/l