Let the Races Begin!

Words by Jason Rolan

Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

Monsoon rains have flooded the rivers during the three-month season of Buddhist Lent, causing mythical river serpents known as Nagas to swim up into the irrigated rice paddies. To entice the playful guardian Nagas back into the rivers before the waters recede, the Lao organize longboat races with nearby villages competing. Racers compete for bragging rights and prizes as large audiences gather on the shore to cheer them on.

The tournament is staged on the Khan River in Luang Prabang halfway through Buddhist Lent (this year it is on September 2nd) with onlookers crowding both banks. Miss New Year and Lao dignitaries watch the races from a magnificent pavilion at the finish line and award prizes to the winning teams.

Xieng Thong Village’s boat is lowered down the steps to the Mekong before moving to the Khan River.

Monks and village elders bless the boat before the race

Rowers must paddle together in unison

Novices watch the boat races at Wat Siphoutthabat