Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival (or "Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsies") is a very nice festival in various Andaman island locations held during the night of the full moon in the sixth and eleventh months of the lunar calendar.
On this night, the local sea gypsies will gather together with those from neighbouring islands on their favourite beaches (see below). From there they gently yet purposefully float some of their boats out into the sea whilst dancing and singing in their traditional style. According to their custom, the act will result in an increase of prosperity and happiness to the participants.
The folk dancing is also a traditional southern dance called the "Rong Ngeng". The music comes from types of violin, drum and Chinese gong that have found their way to Lanta Island over the generations as travellers and merchants have brought their cultural expressions with them.
You can imagine how wonderful this experience can be, particularly if the night sky is clear and filled with stars and the atmosphere ambient with the sounds and aromas of this special little festival. We think it's worth checking out…