Poy Sang Long Festival: A Colorful Tradition of Northern Thailand

Rooted in Shan Buddhist tradition, the Poy Sang Long ordination festival symbolises Prince Siddhartha’s early life before renunciation. Historically practised in Myanmar and northern Thailand, the ritual highlights community merit-making and Shan cultural identity. Families proudly present their sons, believing the ordination brings blessings and a higher status for the whole family.

Poy Sang Long ordination festival means the Festival of the Crystal Sons. It is mainly concentrated on the ordination as a temporary one of Shan boys as novice monks. Families receive merit, communities restore their cultural sense, and children undergo a rite of passage in their transition from boyhood into monkhood. Innate costumes, courtly pageantry, and religious rituals in the temple portray the symbolism of innocence, purity, and renaissance.

The Poy Sang Long Festival dates vary but typically fall between March and mid-April. Each Shan temple or village chooses its own schedule, so multiple ceremonies take place across the northern provinces. Key locations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Pai, and Mae Hong Son, with Mae Hong Son being the heartland of Shan culture.

• Dressing & Blessings (Day One): Boys wear elaborate princely costumes, jewellery, and makeup, symbolising innocence and the divine child form of Siddhartha. Elders bless the boys, reinforcing the spiritual bond between the family and the Buddhist monastic community.
• Processions (Day Two): Boys are carried on elders’ shoulders in town processions with music and dance, symbolising the community’s support in the spiritual journey. Walking through the village also purifies the area and invites merit-making for everyone involved.
• Ordination Ceremony (Day Three): Includes hair shaving, purification rites, and formal ordination inside the temple. This signifies the transition from childhood to spiritual responsibility, connecting participants to the broader Buddhist cycle of learning, renunciation, and virtue.

These rituals are deeply symbolic, intertwining family pride, communal identity, and Buddhist spiritual practice.

Tip: Arrive early in the morning for the best light and access to key ceremonies.

This guide is ideal if you are:

• A first-time traveller wanting to see the Poy Sang Long festival respectfully.
• A photographer seeking authentic cultural moments without intruding on sacred rites.
• A parent or pilgrim preparing to attend with their own child or to make offerings.

• Princely Pageantry: Boys dressed as royal princes symbolise purity and innocence.
• Costumes and Jewellery: Elaborate outfits mark the transition between childhood and novicehood.
• Communal Participation: Families, monks, and entire villages join in blessings, rituals, and merit-making.

• Getting There: Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport or Mae Hong Son Airport. Alternatively, take the scenic Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son road (245 km).
• Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses, homestays, or hotels near the temples. Book early as festival dates fill quickly.
• Transport: Use taxis, songthaews, rental cars, or motorbikes. Always confirm prices beforehand.

Chiang Mai:

• Doi Suthep Temple: A sacred mountain temple with panoramic city views.
• Old City Temples: Explore Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
• Elephant Nature Park: Ethical elephant sanctuary visits.
• Local Markets: Night Bazaar and Warorot Market for Shan handicrafts.

Mae Hong Son:

• Pai Canyon: Scenic trekking and sunset viewpoints.
• Tham Lot Cave: Ancient cave system with riverboat tours.
• Shan Villages: Learn about local crafts, farming, and traditional cooking.
• Hot Springs: Relax in Pai’s natural hot springs after festival exploration.

• Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).
• Remove shoes before entering temples.
• Do not touch monks or novices (especially for women).
• Ask permission before photographing families or rituals.
• Stay behind the elders in processions and avoid blocking pathways.

• Arrive early for morning light and procession prep.
• Use zoom lenses for respectful distance shots.
• No flash inside temples.
• Always ask families before photographing children.

• Light, modest clothing (shawl/scarf for temples).
• Comfortable shoes for long walks.
• Sunscreen, hat, rain protection.
• Camera kit with spare batteries and memory cards.
• Small cash bills for donations and markets.
• Offline maps or a Thai SIM for navigation.

The Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son Poy Sang Long Festival is not just a lively procession, but a tradition that is alive, which connects spirituality, family pride, and the Shan identity. This ordination ceremony provides the viewer with an opportunity to feel Thai Buddhism in its most personal and natural form. No matter which large processions you go with in Chiang Mai, or which small-town ceremonies you attend in Mae Hong Son, by respecting and dressing and interacting with care, you will be leaving behind not only photos, but also the true cultural value. Make sure to check out Thailand Tour packages for more phenomenal festivals packed with cultural essence and history.