Witnessing a Monk Ordination Ceremony in Huay Yang
We had the privilege of experiencing something truly special here in Huay Yang—a monk ordination ceremony at Wat Samut temple. At first, we didn’t realize what was happening. We had come to explore the temple and take some pictures of the colorful temple, but it quickly became clear something extraordinary was taking place.
the colourful Wat Samut temple
A kind local woman, who spoke English, explained that 16 men were being ordained as monks. She took us under her wing, guiding us through the ceremony and sharing details about the tradition. It turned out we were one of the few foreigners there, which made the experience even more unique and personal.
What is monk ordination?
In Thailand, becoming a monk, even temporarily, is a significant part of life for many men. This tradition, called “Buat Phra”, is seen as an act of gratitude to one’s parents and an opportunity to gain merit for them and oneself.
The process begins with blessings from family and community. The men shave their heads as a symbol of letting go of worldly attachments and wear white robes to represent purity. Later, they transition to the iconic saffron robes worn by monks. Many men are ordained for just a few weeks or months, while others choose to commit to monkhood for life.
The novice monks dressed in white robes
Our Experience
The ceremony was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It was a mix of joy and reverence, with moments of celebration and deep spirituality. At the front of the “monk train,” loud drums filled the air while locals danced energetically, leading the procession. The men walked behind, dressed in white robes and carrying lotus flowers, candles, and incense.
the procession
We felt incredibly welcomed by everyone around us. Locals offered us free food and big smiles, making us feel part of their community, even if just for a moment. One particularly heartwarming moment was when we spotted the owner of Jane Laundry, a service we’ve been using for years. Her son was one of the men being ordained, and her smile when she saw us in the crowd said it all—pride, happiness, and perhaps a touch of surprise to see familiar faces.
Jane with her son
It was humbling to witness the love and support the families and community poured into this event.
A Cultural Lesson
This experience was a powerful reminder of how deeply rooted traditions like this are in Thai culture. Monk ordination ceremonies are not just about the individuals—they’re about family and community coming together to celebrate and support each other.
For us, being part of such an event was a privilege. It wasn’t planned or part of any tour—just a chance encounter that reminded us why we love traveling off the beaten path. These moments, where strangers become welcoming hosts, are what make travel truly meaningful.
What We Learned
Watching this ceremony gave us a glimpse into Thai values: respect, gratitude, and mindfulness. Seeing the soon-to-be monks bow deeply in prayer and witnessing the joy of the locals made us reflect on the importance of connection and gratitude in everyday life.
As guests, we were mindful to approach the event with respect—first we were a bit afraid we weren’t dressed for the occasion, with our shorts and t-shirts, but the Thai were super welcoming and we didn’t feel ‘out of place’. We were just following the locals’ lead. It felt important to honor the significance of the occasion while taking in the beauty of it all.
At least we were wearing orange matching the vibrant Thai colors ☀️
A Tip for Fellow Travelers
If you’re visiting Thailand, keep an open mind and an open heart. Events like this aren’t usually advertised, but if you visit local temples, you might stumble upon something magical. Don’t hesitate to ask locals about what’s happening—they’re often happy to share their culture with you.
3 times around the temple in procession
It’s s moments like these that remind us why we love traveling—not just to see new places but to connect with people and traditions in a way that stays with us long after we’ve left.
Have you ever stumbled upon an unexpected cultural event while traveling? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories!
