Chonburi Buffalo Racing 2024 in Thailand

In their own peculiar way, Thai people thank the hardworking animals by organizing the annual race. The traditional event has been on for more than 140 years, and it still is one of the most anticipated feasts both by tourists and locals. The celebrations also feature beauty contests, fashion shows, and plenty of food vendors.

Festival Preparations & Program

While buffalo racing is the peak of the festivities, buffalos and riders go through extensive preparations before the race. The animals are trained and cared for with a special diet and daily massages. Riders receive their own training since the race itself is grueling for the jockeys—they need to sit on the bare backs of the buffalos, without a saddle, and attempt to tame the animals. Falling down from the buffalo means being disqualified from the race.

The event begins at the Wat Yai Intharam monastery with a Buddhist religious ceremony, during which farmers make offerings to the monks and receive their blessings. After that, the buffalos are led to the race venue in the form of a parade. The animals and the carts, participating in the procession, are often adorned with flowers and wreaths.

Race Location

Traditionally held at the end of Buddhist Lent, the event usually falls on October, with date changing according to the lunar calendar. The race usually takes place at the ceremony fields in front of the Chonburi City Municipality Office, about 62 miles (100 km) from Bangkok.