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Thailand is a country that is doused with colourful traditions and a rich heritage, and perhaps the most unique of all her traditions, is the Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival, a bi-annual event that occurs during the middle of the 6th and 11th lunar months. If you wish to witness this remarkable celebration then you are going to have to travel to Phuket Thailand, which is the only the only place the festivities occur.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and therefore it comes as no surprise that it has a variety of accommodation options for you to choose from, ranging from budget bed and breakfasts, to the highly sought after Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. The island of Phuket has an economy that has come to revolve around tourism, which is no surprise since many of Thailand’s most historical attractions are located here, making it an ideal setting for the Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival.

The festival is traditionally referred to as ‘Loi Ruea Cho Le Festival’, and the boats in question aren’t exactly life-size versions. The festival involves people from the surrounding villages of Rawai, Sapam, Ko Si-Re and Laem La gathering together to release small decorated boats into the sea. While this takes place, the place is also lit up with singing and dancing of the traditional style known as the ‘Rong Ngeng’. The music for this dance consists of percussion and violins couples with the use of a unique Gong that made its way to Thailand from China. This entire practice takes place since the islanders consider its practice enables them to ward off evil spirits and attract times of prosperity.

The colourful boats couples with the beautiful Phuket scenery, the lively dance routines and all the other accompaniments to the festival make it a truly unique experience that should not be missed.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

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