Colorful boats and intricately carved Naga serpent heads race on the river—the Nan River Boat Race kicks off on the 20th!

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The 2014 Royal Cup Nan River Boat Race will be grandly held from September 20–21 and October 24–26. Nan Province, located in Thailand’s northern highlands, will once again showcase its generations-old, captivating “Lanna traditions” to travelers from around the world.



▲ The Royal Cup Nan River Boat Race takes place from September 20–21 and October 24–26, featuring vibrant boats competing in lively races along the river. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that the unique Lanna traditions of Thailand have always been a source of pride for locals, and visitors can experience this annual grand traditional festival firsthand. Colorful boats made from tree trunks and exquisitely carved Naga serpent heads racing along the river will create some of the most beautiful scenes. It is understood that the Royal Cup Nan River Boat Race originally began as a local community ceremony of offering robes to monks, symbolizing the end of the Buddhist Lent. Today, the event has become an important annual fixture in both Nan Province and Thailand, attracting thousands of local and international tourists each year.

This year’s Royal Cup Nan River Boat Race will be held in two phases: the opening races take place from September 20–21, while the finals will be held from October 24–26 on the Nan River. During this period, Nan Province will also host other boat race festivals, including races in Tha Wang Pha District from September 6–14, races in Wiang Sa District on September 27 and October 7–8, a race at Silamongkhon Temple in Tha Wang Pha District on October 9, and the Nan Province Youth Cup Boat Race on October 19.