Loy Krathong Festival, also known as the Thai Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in Thailand. The highlight of the festival comes when people gather around rivers, lakes, and canals to release floating lanterns to pay respect to the goddess of water.
It happens on the Full Moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar and the date changes each year for the western calendar. This year, in 2023, it will take place on Nov. 28th.
A girl is releasing a krathong onto the river.What Our Customers Said
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
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Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Where to Go for the Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok in 2023
1. Santichaiprakarn Park
In 2022, events organized by the government were held at Santichaiprakarn Park. There were 5 zones in the park to present Loy Krathong's traditions and culture, including
1. Krathong Zone
2. Thai way of demonstration activity zone
3. Loi Krathong Ceremony Zone and performance activities
4. Royal food demonstration zone
5. Krathong craft activity zone
2. Chao Phraya River
In Bangkok, the most popular place to celebrate Loy Krathong is the Chao Phraya River. The riverbanks between the Krung Thon and Krung Thep bridge are the most popular area.
Celebration activities usually take place in many places along the river, including Tha Maharaj Mall, Wat Rakhang, Wat Kalaya, Wat Prayoon, ICONSIAM, and Asiatique The River Front. There will be a free shuttle boat between all the venues. If you don't have time to explore all the places, you are recommended to go to tha Maharaj Mall and Asiatique.
The activities usually include krathongs releases, prayer processions, donation ceremonies, candlelight processions, blessings, Thai traditional dance, and a spectacular firework display.
If you want to participate in the activities in Bangkok, the best area to stay is around the Bangkok Old Town as you will be a short distance from the pier.
1) Tha Maharaj Mall
Tha Maharaj Mall next to the Chao Phraya River is one of the few shopping centers that is well-known for putting on a great show during Loy Krathong. During Loy Krathong, the shopping center is full of festive lights and in the open-air garden, you can watch people performing Siamese-era dances while dressed up in traditional Thai costumes.
There will be various styles of Krathongs available for purchase here and plenty of people floating their Krathong on the river from the riverside promenade.
2) Asiatique The River Front
Asiatique The River Front is considered the heart of the Bangkok River Festival as a large riverside shopping center. It was created as a replica of Thai arts and culture performances and various activities. Visitors will enjoy the Loi Krathong tradition with spectacular views along the Chao Phraya River. There will be plenty of shops and stalls selling various styles of Krathongs in Asiatique. You can buy one then head to the river to release it.
Asiatique3. Riverside Temples to Visit for Loy Krathong
1) Wat Pho
Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) is open for worshiping the reclining Buddha (the reclining Buddha) and lighting a replica of the Buddha's footprint. Attend the exhibition of King Vajiralongkorn on display by the temple. There are also Thai music performances and a fair from the community.
2) Wat Arun
Wat Arun is famous for its 79-meter-high magnificent spire. During Loy Kratong, you can see many unique activities in the temples such as prayer processions, donation ceremonies, candlelight processions, blessings, and Thai traditional dance.
Wat Arun4. Best Parks to Release Your Krathong in Bangkok
There are four main parks in Bangkok where travelers can join in the celebration of Loy Krathong. At each, you will find plenty of food, a large variety of Krathongs for sale, and a large lake on which to release them.
- Lumpini Park
- Benjasiri
- Benjakitti Park
- King Rama 9 Park
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5. Riverside Hotels for Loy Krathong
Riverside hotels such as Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Peninsula, and Shangri La Hotel Bangkok are popular. They often have Loy Krathong events combined with a special dinner.
1) Shangri-La Hotel
- Celebration activities: a vigorous, long-drum parade, classical Thai dances and the 'Miss Noppamas' beauty pageant, a firework display over the river.
- More information and reservations: call 02-236-7777 or email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com.
2) Loy Krathong Festival at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
- Celebration activities: an international buffet dinner, a krathong-making workshop, traditional Thai activities, and a firework display
- More information and reservations: call 02-659-9000, email mobkk-festive@mohg.com
3) Three Riverside Experiences at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
- Celebration activities: 'A moonlit celebration on Manohra Cruises' (live Khim music on the river), 'Embracing the ritual at Longtail by the River' (a culinary celebration), 'Loy Krathong celebration with a Polynesian twist at Trader Vic's' (BBQ dishes, seafood buffet)
- More information and reservations: call 02-476-0022 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.
4) Loy Krathong Celebration at The Peninsula Bangkok
- Celebration activities: a one-night accommodation in a deluxe room, Loy Krathong Dinner accompanied by the 'Miss Noppamas' beauty pageant, floating krathongs, and a firework display
- More information and reservations: call 02-020-2888, email diningpbk@peninsula.com, Line @peninsulabangkok.
5) Loy Krathong Sparkling Set Dinner at Sirimahannop
- Celebration activities: indulge in the three-course meal while watching the sunset and soaking up views of the river, release one eco-friendly krathong
- More information and reservations: call 02-059-5999 or email sirimahannop@marriott.com.
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