Held annually, Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful Thai festivals, and it is a time to give thanks to the goddess of waters and to seek forgiveness for past misdeeds. It occurs at night during the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month (this year, November 28th).
Loi literally means “to float,” while Krathong refers to the lotus-shaped vessels containing candles, incense and flowers which participants float down rivers and on lakes and ponds everywhere.
The festival also includes beauty pageants, fireworks and contests making the Krathong from materials such as banana leaves, banana tree trunks, coconut barks or even paper. Each province has its own special features in celebrating this annual Festival of Lights, and here are some of the highlights:
The Delightful Color of Stream, Loi Krathong Festival, 24 – 28 November 2012
Where: Asiatique The Riverfront, Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge–Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok
Highlights: Opening ceremony on 24 November, 2012, plus cultural performances, light decorations and the float procession all along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. One of Loi Krathong’s best atmospheres.
For More Details: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Phra Nakhorn Si Ayutthaya, Loi Krathong Festival, 28 November 2012
Where: Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya
Highlights: Experience the old market atmosphere, riverside night market, and the magnificent ruins of this once glorious capital city; beauty pageants, Krathong contests, and cultural performances are the highlights of this festival, competing to win His Majesty the King’s Trophy.
For More Details: Bangsai Arts and Crafts Center of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand, TAT office of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, or Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Yee Peng Festival, 28 – 29 November 2012
Where: Tha Phae Gate (28–29 November), Amphur Mae Jo (24–30 November), Chiang Mai
Highlights: Enjoy local cultural performances and handicrafts, the Lanna style walking street, and opening ceremony “Yi Peng Festival 2012,” plus an amazing procession of hanging lanterns at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, beauty contests, and a light and sound presentation on the Ping River. There will also be a Krathong procession competition for His Majesty the King’s Trophy.
For More Details: TAT Chiang Mai Office, Tel. 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607, or Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Loi Krathong and Candle Festival, 26 – 28 November 2012
Where: Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Highlights: Activities of the “Dawn of happiness,” the hanging lantern procession, grand fireworks display, Miss Noppamas beauty contest, light and sound presentation, plus Sukhothai arts and culture performances and Krathong desire contest.
For More Details: TAT Sukhothai Office, Tel. 0 5561 6228-9, or Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Loi Krathong Sai Festival and Thousand Floating Candles, 24 – 29 November 2012
Where: Banks of the Ping River, Tak
Highlights: Amazing Krathong Sai (procession of floating coconut-shell Krathong), OTOP shopping (wares from the local entrepreneurship stimulus program), and the Krathong Sai
desire contest for His Majesty the King’s Trophy.
For More Details: TAT Tak Office, Tel. 0 5551 4341-3, or Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Loi Krathong Krab Klauy Mae Klong, 28 November 2012
Where: King Rama II Memorial Park, Wat Chonglom, Samut Songkhram
Highlights: Feast your eyes on the Krathong Karb Klauy, enjoy the local cultural performances, the Krathong desire contest, Noppamas beauty contest, and give Pha Pa (donations) to Buddhist monks along the river.
For More Details: TAT Samut Songkhram Office, Tel. 0 3475 2847-8, or Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
Loi Krathong Festival, 28 November 2012
Where: Suphanburi River (Tha Jeen River), Suphanburi
Highlights: Krathong desire contest, an amazing procession of hanging lanterns, fireworks display, and arts and culture performances from a variety of local artists.
For More Details: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Tel. 1672
More information about the event please visit
http://www.loikrathong.net/en/index.php
