Thailand: Young Buddhist novice monks at the Shan (Tai Yai) temple of Wat Pa Pao, Chiang Mai

Wat Pa Pao is a Shan (Tai Yai) Buddhist temple that serves as a centre for Chiang Mai's Shan community. It was built in the late 19th century.

Once a year, Wat Pa Pao plays host to the luk kaeo, or 'crystal sons' – young Shan boys about to be ordained into the Buddhist monkhood. Many of these novices travel to Chiang Mai from surrounding Shan communities at Mae Cham, Mae Rim, Chiang Dao and Fang. This annual Shan ceremony is called Poy Sang Long.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia

Theme:

LAN NA KINGDOM