Poy Sang Long

Poy Sang Long is the Shan, or Tai Yai, form of novice ordination, held mainly in Mae Hong Son in late March or early April. Boys of around seven to fourteen are shaved, bathed and then dressed as princes - elaborate costume, headdresses, jewellery, face makeup - in reference to Prince Siddhartha before he renounced his position, and for two or three days they are treated accordingly: carried on the shoulders of male relatives so their feet do not touch the ground, shaded by parasols, paraded through the town with music, and fed by hand. On the final day the costume comes off, they put on robes and are ordained as novices, remaining in the monastery for a period. It is a family religious occasion rather than a performance for visitors, involving considerable expense for the households concerned, and the parades happen on the streets where anyone can watch.

What you actually see

• The prince costume - boys dressed and made up as Siddhartha before renunciation.
• The carrying - relatives bearing the boys so their feet do not touch the ground.
• The processions - music and parasols through the town over two or three days.
• The ordination - costume exchanged for robes on the final day.

When to go

Late March or early April; exact dates change each year and vary between temples - check locally. Mae Hong Son is the main centre. Two to three days for the full sequence.

Honest expectations

A family religious occasion, not a show - photographing children closely without permission is intrusive and increasingly resented. It is very hot in March and April, and this is also the burning season when air quality in Mae Hong Son is among the worst in the world.

Nearby

Wat Chong Klang and the lake temples are the main venues; Mae Sariang holds its own.