We had the opportunity to attend the Lim Ko Niao Festival in Pattani, and a friend recommended going to Sai Buri because they have a unique "Garland Planting Ceremony" there, found only in Thailand.
This ceremony takes place just one day after the Lim Ko Niao procession in Pattani.
I stayed in Pattani city and recommend driving there around 9 am, arriving around 10 am. The drive takes about an hour and will get you to Wasukri Beach just before the procession arrives.
Once the procession reaches the beach, they head straight into the sea and swim, just like in the videos – something we'd never seen before! It was incredibly impressive. Then they plant the garland in the ground right on the beach. It's truly unique.
Even though we're from Pattani, we'd never heard of it before. I'm so glad to have seen it in person and I hope to witness this ceremony again if I have the chance.
Importantly, here, women are allowed to carry the garland, unlike other places. We even had the opportunity to carry one – it was our first time ever! And let me tell you, the garland was incredibly heavy!
Coming from Hat Yai.
Before heading back to Yala, stopped to have a little something to eat before going home.