This is an annual festival held in front of the Sao Hai District Office on the last weekend of September.

Traditional inhabitants are not the only ones to have a close relationship to the Pasak river. Since the Ayutthaya period several Kings have considered the waters sacred. During the Rama IV period the king made a river journey to pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s Footprint at Wat Phra Phuttha Bat, he was so taken with the still, cool, and deep river when he took a bath at Tha Rat, Sao Hai district that he incorporated water into the Buddhist ceremony at Wat Phra Phuttha Bat.

He later introduced water into the royal coronation and other sacred royal ceremonies, water from 5 rivers was used in the ceremonies and this was the inception of “Bencha Sutthi Kongkha” (Five Sacred Rivers).

Long Boat Races on the Pasak river in Saraburi have taken place for a long time and are considered one of the most popular events in Thailand. Long boats from various provinces are invited to take part in 4 categories, boats with 55 paddlers, 30 paddlers, 12 paddlers, and 10 paddlers. All compete for grand prizes and to preserve the local tradition.

Customs & Festivals