Surprising Things You’d Only See in Thailand

During the Rap Bua Festival in Bang Phli, spectators do something visitors might never expect at a religious procession: they throw flowers at the guest of honor. A replica of the revered Luangpho To Buddha image travels along the canal aboard a beautifully decorated boat while crowds toss water lilies toward it.

The annual tradition takes place around the 11th lunar month and has been passed down within the Bang Phli community for generations. The flowers are offerings, and participants make wishes as they throw them toward the passing Buddha image. It may look wonderfully chaotic, but every flying flower carries a little devotion with it.