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    • Posts-1
    theTripPacker •  August 08 , 2014

    Giving alms, a slice of Chiang Khan’s culture

    When talking about “Sai Baht Kao Nieow - giving sticky rice as alms”, most Thais and foreigners will think of the Laotian custom of Luang Prabang. But in reality, a similar tradition is also done within the district of Chiang Khan, near the shore. Monks are lined up on the road waiting to collect alms.

    This custom of giving only sticky rice as alms in this area is a tradition that has passed on for a hundred years.

    Giving alms begins early in the morning. Chiang Khan locals say that giving alms is the first activity of the day before anything else. Training and understanding of how to give alms must first be learned before visitors or tourists can take part.

    1. Remove your shoes/sandals. Since the monks travel bare feet, wearing shoes is considered as being above a monk.

    2. Sticky rice to be offered has to be cooked separately from rice eaten at home. It has to be made that day, and hot. As you give the monk sticky rice, use your right hand to grab a portion of sticky rice without having to roll it into a ball. Traditionally, only sticky rice is given, however bread or bananas are acceptable.

    3. Never give money, ever.

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    theTripPacker •  August 08, 2014
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    theTripPacker •  August 08 , 2014

    Once the monks have made their rounds, they head back to the temple. Many tourists believe that that is the end of the ceremony, however, the locals will follow the monks back to the temple to offer other foods to accompany the sticky rice. They call this “Jun Hun” or “Pah Kaow - Traveling food”.

    Giving alms, walking to the temple, and then giving more food is what makes Chiang Khan different from anywhere else. Do you have what it takes to be a Chiang Khan local?

    • Posts-4
    theTripPacker •  August 08, 2014

    Editor's Comment

    • Strong point:
    • Only sticky rice is offered to the monks. On occasion, a bread bun or banana can be given instead. Money is never offered, ever.
    • Weak point:
    • Visitors unaware of local customs tend to follow their own, thus resulting in giving monks entire meals or money.
    • Conclusion:
    • Visitors who would like to participate in giving alms early in morning should first seek information and advise beforehand about the rituals and customs of the Chiang Khan people.
    Score
    • Posts-5
    theTripPacker •  August 08 , 2014

    General Info

    Address : Chai Khong Rd. and Sri Chiang Khan Rd., Chiang Khan sub-district, Chiang Khan district, Loei

    GPS : N17 53 45.40, E101 39 21.76

    Best time : 06.00-07.30 Hrs.

    Highlight : Every morning, monks will make rounds in the village early morning before returning to the temple. The townsfolk all wake up to give alms before going on with their daily

    Activities : Giving alms/ Sightseeing

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    theTripPacker •  August 08 , 2014

    How to get there

    The monks will walk to Chai Khong Rd. and Sri Chiang Khan Rd.

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    theTripPacker •  August 08, 2014
    • Posts-8
    theTripPacker •  August 08, 2014