Mist, Faith, and the Great Alms Bowl: A New Legend on Kwan Phayao
If you’ve ever stood by the shores of Kwan Phayao at dawn, you might have seen something that looks like it was plucked straight from a centuries-old legend. A fleet of traditional rowing boats emerging through a thick blanket of morning mist, carrying a massive, golden alms bowl filled to the brim with sacred rice.
At first glance, you’d think it was a scene from the ancient Lanna Kingdom. But the truth is even more fascinating-this is a “new” tradition, a beautiful revival that proves culture is a living, breathing thing.
The Man Who Saw a “Spiritual Stage”
It all started back in 2007. Professor Vithi Phanichphant, a renowned expert in Lanna arts, arrived at what is now the University of Phayao. While most people saw Kwan Phayao as just a beautiful lake, Professor Vithi saw a stage for something much deeper.
He wanted to bring back "Tan Khao Mai"—the ancient practice of offering the first harvest of the year to the sacred. But he had a unique vision: instead of a typical land ceremony, why not use Phayao’s most iconic feature?
"We have the lake. We have the Great Buddha (Phra Chao Ton Luang). Why should we do what everyone else does?" he once said. "Let's take the procession to the water!"
And just like that, a new legacy was born.
The Vessel of Our Faith
What makes this so special isn’t just the location, but the "Bat Luang" (the Great Alms Bowl). Professor Vithi designed this oversized, beautifully crafted bowl specifically to carry our offerings across the water.
Imagine being there in the chill of January. The air is crisp, the lake is silent, and then you see it—the Bat Luang gliding through the fog from the old pier toward Wat Si Khom Kham. It’s so surreal and ethereal that it’s become an identity you truly can’t find anywhere else in Thailand.
Two Days of Heart and Soul
If you come to visit, you’ll realize this isn't just a ceremony—it’s a celebration of who we are. The first evening is all about the community. We gather at the King Ngam Mueang Monument for the stirring of the sacred milk rice (Khao Thip) and local markets. Then, the next morning is the highlight: the water procession. After the boats reach the shore, a grand land parade carries the new rice into the pavilion to be offered to Phra Chao Ton Luang in a ceremony that feels both solemn and incredibly moving.
2026: A Milestone for Phayao
This year’s celebration (January 17-18, 2026) was particularly close to our hearts as it marked the 16th Anniversary of the University of Phayao.
It was a proud moment for all of us. Ms. Aor-arpa Lohwiree, Governor of Phayao Province, joined us in the festivities, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University, spoke about how this isn't just a project—it’s the university’s mission to keep our local wisdom alive and turn it into something sustainable for the future.
The university even awarded Professor Vithi Phanichphant an Honorary Doctorate this year. It was our way of saying thank you to the man who gave us this beautiful gift.
A Legacy We Create Together
The story of the Tan Khao Mai Sai Bat Luang reminds me that "preserving" culture doesn't mean keeping it in a museum. It means taking the soul of the past and reimagining it for today.
When you see those boats gliding through the mist, you aren't just looking at a photo opportunity. You’re looking at the love, faith, and unity of the people of Phayao. It’s a story we are still writing together, and I hope it’s one that will be told for generations to come.