🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Phichit's long-boat racing takes place on the Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang, a royal temple in the middle of town. It's a race for the royal trophy of His Majesty the King, with a long, unbroken history — 2023 marked the 116th year of the tradition. It dates back to around 1907, late in the reign of King Rama V, sparked by the abbot of Wat Tha Luang at the time, and has become an annual event the people of Phichit look forward to.
The festival falls around early September, near the flood season and the Buddhist Lent period. That's when the Nan River is high enough for the big long boats to run well. In recent years it's been held over a Saturday–Sunday early in the month, for example 6–7 or 7–8 September. The dates can shift slightly year to year, so it's worth checking the latest schedule from the Phichit province or municipality page before you plan your trip.
Why this event is special
The Phichit course is one of the biggest long-boat racing venues in the central and lower-northern region, drawing dozens of boats from several provinces — big boats with nearly 50 rowers, mid-size and small boats, and even traditional antique boats. What makes it stand out is the setting in front of Wat Tha Luang, home to Luang Pho Phet, an old Chiang Saen–era Buddha image that's the spiritual heart of the town. So people who come get to watch the racing and pay their respects all in one place.
- Over a century of history — held continuously for a hundred-plus years; 2023 marked the 116th year of the tradition
- Royal trophy — a race for the royal trophy of His Majesty the King, a high honour in the long-boat racing world
- Many boat classes — from big boats to mid-size, small, local Phichit small boats, and antique boats
- Right in town — raced in front of Wat Tha Luang on the Nan River, an easy walk from the town centre
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The boat classes that compete
In recent years around 40 boats have taken part, split into several classes by crew size. The largest boats carry up to around 55 rowers — a real sight when they all push off together and the water sprays across the whole channel. The local Phichit small-boat class is the one the home crowd roots for hardest, since those are the hometown boats.
Big boats
Up to around 55 rowers, long hulls, paddles striking in unison with a thunderous beat — the highlight most people come to see.
Mid-size boats
Around 40 rowers, fast and tightly matched — the result can flip right at the end of the course.
Small boats
Nimble and quick off the line, with each stroke easy to follow — a good class for understanding the rules.
Antique boats
Old boats in traditional shapes, reflecting the river culture of the Nan basin — a different kind of pleasure to watch.
The atmosphere
This isn't just about watching boats. Both banks fill with cheering tents, there's a stage, and the opening ceremony is broadcast live on NBT in some years. There are boat processions, food and souvenir stalls, and local-product booths running the length of the bank. People in Phichit tend to wear shirts in their team's colours, and the moment a boat pushes off, the drumbeat and the cheering rise together along the bank — the most exciting part of the whole day.
Tip
If you want a good riverside spot near the finish line, get there mid-morning — the afternoon gets very crowded. Bring a hat, sunglasses and an umbrella, because the sun off the water is strong and most viewing areas are out in the open.
Viewing spots and getting there
The main spot is along the Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang, within Phichit town. It's easy to reach since it's right in the centre. Coming from out of town, you can take the train to Phichit station and catch a ride into town, or drive in and find parking around the temple.
- In front of Wat Tha Luang — the finish line and main stage; the most crowded, but the best atmosphere. Come early to claim a spot.
- Along both banks of the Nan — walk along to find a quieter angle with a clear view of the mid-course action.
- Somdet Phra Sri Nakarin Park (Bueng Si Fai) — not far away; a good place to rest or carry on sightseeing after the racing.
- Parking — it's very busy on the day, so park a little away from the temple and walk in; it's easier to get out when the event ends.
What to eat around the event
On the day, the riverside fills with food stalls — street food, sweets and Phichit souvenirs. If you want a proper meal, head into the nearby town centre, where you'll find old-school noodle shops, restaurants along the Nan, and local specialities like Tha Khoi pomelo, which you can pick up to take home.
Street food at the event
Grilled meatballs, grilled chicken, fried snacks and sweets — easy to find all along the riverside on race day.
Restaurants on the Nan
Sit down to river-fish dishes with a water view — a relaxed spot for a meal after the racing.
Tha Khoi pomelo
A Phichit speciality — juicy, sweet with a touch of sour. A good souvenir to take home.
Planning your trip so you don't miss it
- Check the dates first — the event runs around early September but dates can shift; check the latest schedule from the Phichit province or municipality page.
- Go early — to claim a good riverside spot and beat the mid-morning traffic.
- Pack for the sun — hat, umbrella, drinking water, since you'll be out in the open by the water all day.
- Book your stay ahead — lots of visitors come during the festival and town hotels fill up fast.
- Leave time for more sightseeing — pay respects to Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Luang, then carry on to Bueng Si Fai in the same day.
Good to know
In some years the event may be cancelled or adjusted depending on conditions — for example the water level or other necessary reasons. Before travelling a long way, confirm the event is definitely on that year so you don't waste the trip.
Plan a full Phichit trip around the boat-racing festival
See the Phichit travel guide →