Wan Lai Koh Chang Merit Making Ceremony
Songkran, or Thai New Year, is one of the most important dates on the Thai calendar. Despite its contemporary reputation as a wild water festival, Songkran has deep spiritual roots. As such, spiritual preparations and activities remain a focus throughout the four-day festival. April 15th marks the start of the new year and is a day when locals often gather at their local temple to make offerings. Food, new robes and other gifts are all offered to monks for good luck in a process known as ‘making merit’.
Wan Lai Koh Chang Merit Making Ceremony
‘Wan Lai’ literally translates to ‘Flowing Day’ of the Songkran Festival. In Koh Chang, the sacred Wan Lai ceremony takes place on Klong Prao beach. The occasion marks the start of the second phase of Songkran celebrations on the island. Local people, including representatives from local businesses and organisations, gather on the sand to make offerings to monks. Visitors are welcomed to observe the ceremony, which offers a unique glimpse into Thai Buddhist traditions.
Hat Khlong Prao is one of Koh Chang’s most glorious beaches, thanks to its stunning mountain backdrop and jaw-dropping ocean views. Khlong Prao is home to three villages, each of which boasts plenty of shops if you fancy some retail therapy after the merit-making ceremony.
Other festivities on the island, such as the lively water-throwing Songkran has become renowned for, take place throughout the four-day celebration. If you head out, be prepared to zip your belongings (especially your phone!) up in waterproof bags so they don’t get damaged by any splashes.
Getting to Klong Prao Beach
Hat Klong Prao is on the central western coast of Koh Chang and is divided into three sections thanks to the estuary of the Klong Plu Waterfall and a channel in the south. Thanks to its peaceful vibes, it’s a popular stop-off for families, which means its easy to get to if you jump aboard a songtaew or hire a motorbike/car.
Songkran, or Thai New Year, is one of the most important dates on the Thai calendar. Despite its contemporary reputation as a wild water festival, Songkran has deep spiritual roots. As such, spiritual preparations and activities remain a focus throughout the four-day festival. April 15th marks the start of the new year and is a day when locals often gather at their local temple to make offerings. Food, new robes and other gifts are all offered to monks for good luck in a process known as ‘making merit’.
Wan Lai Koh Chang Merit Making Ceremony
‘Wan Lai’ literally translates to ‘Flowing Day’ of the Songkran Festival. In Koh Chang, the sacred Wan Lai ceremony takes place on Klong Prao beach. The occasion marks the start of the second phase of Songkran celebrations on the island. Local people, including representatives from local businesses and organisations, gather on the sand to make offerings to monks. Visitors are welcomed to observe the ceremony, which offers a unique glimpse into Thai Buddhist traditions.
Hat Khlong Prao is one of Koh Chang’s most glorious beaches, thanks to its stunning mountain backdrop and jaw-dropping ocean views. Khlong Prao is home to three villages, each of which boasts plenty of shops if you fancy some retail therapy after the merit-making ceremony.
Other festivities on the island, such as the lively water-throwing Songkran has become renowned for, take place throughout the four-day celebration. If you head out, be prepared to zip your belongings (especially your phone!) up in waterproof bags so they don’t get damaged by any splashes.
Getting to Klong Prao Beach
Hat Klong Prao is on the central western coast of Koh Chang and is divided into three sections thanks to the estuary of the Klong Plu Waterfall and a channel in the south. Thanks to its peaceful vibes, it’s a popular stop-off for families, which means its easy to get to if you jump aboard a songtaew or hire a motorbike/car.
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