LUANG PRABANG BOAT FESTIVAL
Chloe Sinan
The Light Boat Festival, or Boun Lai Heua Fai, in Luang Prabang is one of the most mesmerizing events I’ve ever photographed. This revered ceremony seeks blessings and good fortune from the nagas (water spirits). Villagers craft and adorn boats, parading them through town before launching them onto the river at night. These boats, made from bamboo and banana trunks, are ornately decorated with candles and coins, then set aflame as sacred offerings to the spirits. The floating flowers upon the river not only ward off misfortune but also express gratitude to the water spirits. It’s a spectacle unique to Luang Prabang. Before I became a professional photographer in 2012, I was a passionate traveler. My journeys brought me to Southeast Asia, where I was captivated by the region’s rich cultures and the peaceful rhythms of Buddhist communities.
Now, I spend my winters in Southeast Asia, deeply drawn to the traditions and spirituality of Buddhism, which continue to inspire my work. At the Light Boat Festival, it’s not just the visual beauty that moves me, but the deep sense of connection — between people, their beliefs, and nature. I strive to capture the authenticity of these moments, using natural light to preserve the warmth and magic of the evening. Though Southeast Asia holds a special place in my heart, I work all over the world, always seeking to tell unique stories. Whether photographing grand ceremonies or intimate moments, my goal is to freeze the fleeting beauty and emotion in every frame. Chloe’s work continues on: www.photographybychloe.com.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 20.