Not officially confirmed: The data for this festival is less certain; check on the spot or with the organisers.
When and where
When: 13th-15th waxing day of the 6th and 11th lunar months (May and October); twice a year
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar: the Urak Lawoi of Rawai hold Loy Rua in the 6th and 11th months. No confirmed 2026-27 dates found.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival)
The Chao Leh, also called 'sea gypsies', are the original sea communities of the Andaman coast, such as the Urak Lawoi. Twice a year they hold a boat ceremony, Loy Rua, in which a small boat loaded with offerings and symbols of evil and illness is sent out to sea. It is a deep spiritual tradition with dance and music. It is a rare chance to see the original sea communities; visit with respect.
Getting there
Rawai is about 45 km from Phuket airport; taxi.
Highlights
- Boat ceremony A small boat with offerings goes to sea.
- Dance and music Rong ngeng dance and drums.
- Chao Leh culture Villages of the sea nomads.
Tips for Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival)
- Ask permission for photos and be respectful; this is a spiritual community event.
- Check dates locally.
Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Rawai Beach on Phuket, one of the Chao Leh villages celebrating.
Frequently asked questions about Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival)
When is Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival) in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: 13th-15th waxing day of the 6th and 11th lunar months (May and October); twice a year. Lunar: the Urak Lawoi of Rawai hold Loy Rua in the 6th and 11th months. No confirmed 2026-27 dates found.
Where is the best place to see Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival)?
Watch it best at Rawai Beach, Phuket. A small boat with offerings goes to sea. Rawai is about 45 km from Phuket airport; taxi. Rong ngeng dance and drums. Highlight: Chao Leh culture – Villages of the sea nomads. The Chao Leh, also called 'sea gypsies', are the original sea communities of the Andaman coast, such as the Urak Lawoi.
What should I bring or wear to Loy Rua (Chao Leh Boat Festival)?
Ask permission for photos and be respectful; this is a spiritual community event. Check dates locally. Highlight: Boat ceremony – A small boat with offerings goes to sea. Highlight: Dance and music – Rong ngeng dance and drums.
Festivals near Rawai Beach, Phuket
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival 13 km as the crow flies
- Phuket Old Town Festival 14 km as the crow flies
- Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival, Phuket) 14 km as the crow flies
- Phuket Heroines' Festival 25 km as the crow flies
- Trang Love Festival (Underwater Wedding) 145 km as the crow flies
Also in May / October
- Bangkok Pride
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)