Giving alms, a slice of Chiang Khan’s culture
When talking about “Sai Baht Kao Nieow - giving sticky rice as alms”, most Thais and foreigners will think of the Laotian custom of Luang Prabang. But in reality, a similar tradition is also done within the district of Chiang Khan, near the shore. Monks are lined up on the road waiting to collect alms.
This custom of giving only sticky rice as alms in this area is a tradition that has passed on for a hundred years.
Giving alms begins early in the morning. Chiang Khan locals say that giving alms is the first activity of the day before anything else. Training and understanding of how to give alms must first be learned before visitors or tourists can take part.
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Remove your shoes/sandals. Since the monks travel bare feet, wearing shoes is considered as being above a monk.
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Sticky rice to be offered has to be cooked separately from rice eaten at home. It has to be made that day, and hot. As you give the monk sticky rice, use your right hand to grab a portion of sticky rice without having to roll it into a ball. Traditionally, only sticky rice is given, however bread or bananas are acceptable.
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Never give money, ever.
