Shan boys dressed as princes, carried so their feet never touch the ground
Related guide: Poy Sang Long 2027
After the head-shaving, Shan boys are made up, crowned with flowers and dressed as princes, recalling Prince Siddhartha before he left his palace. For these days their feet must not touch the ground, so male relatives carry them on their shoulders, or they sometimes ride a horse. The name carries the same idea: long comes from alaung, meaning king, sang is a novice and poy a grand event.
At Wat Chong Kham in Mae Hong Son town, about 30 boys aged 7 to 14 were due to be ordained in 2026, in a ceremony organised by the municipality, the temple and the Nong Chong Kham community. It opened with head-shaving on the first day.
In 2026 the second day was for receiving the sang long, with a procession to pay respects to local spirits and the town's elders. The third day, Hae Kho Lu, saw families carry offerings along the town's roads, followed by a spirit-calling ceremony.
Temples in Mueang Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam and Pai districts hold their own ordinations between March and May, each on its own dates. At Wat Chong Kham, on the last day, the boys are ordained in the temple hall, trading their princely clothes for novices' robes.
The full guide to this festival
Poy Sang Long 2027: expected 31 March–5 April, Mae Hong Son's novice ordination parade
Full guide: dates, getting there and what you can book →
Tickets and transport you can book
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Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son
Private transfer Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai–Mae Hong Son
A private car on the mountain roads between Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, for getting to Poy Sang Long in Mae Hong Son. Sedans seat up to 3, vans up to 9.
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