Deemed one of the most breathtaking festivals in Thailand, Loi Krathong is not to be missed. Just about any body of water will do, and in Bangkok especially locations along the Chao Phraya River are strung up with dazzling lights and serve as centers for festivity. Wherever you happen to be though, a celebration likely will be thriving. Whether you're seeking redemption, a taste of culture, or merely a blast of partying Thai-style, Loy Krathong is something to be enjoyed by everyone.
Although it has become customary to put some money (five or ten baht coin) in the 'krathong' for good merits (and, supposedly, wealth in your next life), this may not be such a great idea. The minute your little krathong drifts out of reach, you're most likely to see somebody swimming swiftly towards it, fish out your next-life wealth and dive back into the darkness he came from - all of this happening right in front of your eyes! Possibly the best way to celebrate this unique festival is to just take a moment to recall your past misdeeds, promise yourself not to do it again, and release your guilt and good intensions with the banana-leaf boat...
Loi Krathong is a great excuse for Thai people to party it up, similar to the Thai New Year (Songkran). The celebrations in Bangkok are no less exciting and spectacular than other places in Thailand. Everywhere in the city, there are lights, sights, sounds, and not forgetting smells as well. Great food stalls and carts all come out to keep hungry party-goers in good spirits. It's truly a festival that keeps all your senses alert!
Where to celebrate Loi Krathong in Bangkok
A good place to celebrate is, of course, the Riverside and Chao Phraya River, which is spectacular to behold with millions of floating, twinkling 'krathongs'. Floating lanterns ('khom loy') add further sparkle to the dazzling celebrations. Many riverside hotels usually hold Loi Krathong-related festivities, while 'wats' (temples) along the river stay open for late night merit-making. Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River (from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge) and Santichaiprakarn Park (Pra Arthit Road) are possibly the most happening places in Bangkok during the festival.
Watch out for an extravaganza of fireworks, the traditional 'Miss Nopamas' beauty pageant and a lively 'ngan wat' (temple fair). For a younger crowd, hop on the underground (MRT) to Samyan station, and walk up to Chulalongkorn University. Though there's no river around, the university's pond makes up for the lack of it. The atmosphere is truly Bangkok, with each faculty presenting their interpretation of the festival with a float in a colourful procession. Lumpini Park is another recommended place to head to - the lake in the center of the park being the main star of attractions.
Loi Krathong is also an excuse for locals to stay up a little later than usual. Many places usually host 'toh roong' (roughly means 'hitting the break of dawn) events. If you want to experience something different, head to Dream World and Siam Park, the only time of the year you can ride a roller-coaster and have fun and frolic at the water park until late at night.
A special celebration for Loy Krathong 2007
To celebrate the customs of the ancient capital and to commemorate the oncoming auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary (December 5), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined hands with Educational Institution and Thai Boat Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge. Enjoy 'The Delightful Color of Streams Water Tour Festival' all through the month of November with a beautifully illuminated float procession. Historical sites, including Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) and the Phra Sumen Fortress, as well as five-star hotels and restaurants along the river will also be decorated with magnificent lights.
Visitors to Bangkok can also experience the amazing atmosphere of the Loi Krathong Festival in authentic Rattanakosin style at the picturesque Thassana Phirom Yard (located in front of Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall on Arun Amarin Road), where you'll be entertained by unique cultural performances from all over the country in an ancient market atmosphere. A floating orchestra, dazzling fireworks, a Thai Costume contest, a krathong-making contest, Thai food stalls and a range of local products and handicraft for sale are some of the activities being planned. For more information, contact the TAT Call Centre on 1672, or have a look at TAT's special Loi Krathong website.
Celebrating at Riverside Hotels
What: Dining by moonlight during Loi Krathong
When: November, 2007
Where: Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Contact: +66 (0)2 476 0022 ext 1416
|
Enjoy a magnificent dining experience during the Loi Krathong Festival at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa's international eateries. Riverside Terrace Restaurant is holding an 'International Feast of Regional Thai Cuisine' with a 'Sabad Chai Drum' parade together with 'Fon Leb', the astonishing Northern dance, followed by Hemmarat, Khon and Srichaisigha dances. Indulge in a wide range of the largest buffet specialties, including Cold Cuts, Seafood, a BBQ station, Middle Eastern Affair, Mongolian Corner, Thai Noodle House, Teppan Corner, Korean Station, Chinese Station, Indian & Malay Station and much more. This top notch all-you-can eat is 2,999 baht net per person. Alternatively, treat yourself with a classy ambiance under romantic moonlight on Manohra Dining Cruises where you can enjoy a special 'Loi Krathong Set Menu' featuring nine Thai specialty delicacies like Mieng Kam (Thai vine leaf filled with dried coconut and dried shrimp) and Phuket Lobster Phad Nam Prik Paow (Deep-fried Phuket Lobster with dry chili sauce). A memorable evening cruising on Chao Phraya River with special set menu is priced at 6,999 baht per person.
The World Famous Trader Vic's restaurant is also offering an interactive dining experience at 2,999 baht. The extensive menu consists of a six-course set menu featuring Pacific oyster natural with cauliflower blancmange and osietra caviar, Pave of tuna carpaccio wrapped with nori, 'tom yum' scented tomato water with Thai basil and galangal, among others. Asian cuisine like Chinese and Japanese can also be had at Benihana and Rice Mill restaurants. Every guest will receive a complimentary Loi Krathong Chocolate, a krathong floating candle to release from Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa's pier, including a chance to win many prizes.
What: Make a Wish by the River
When: November 24, 2007
Where: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Contact: +66 (0)2 266 9214
|
Celebrate Loi Krathong in Sukhothai theme at the Royal Orchid Sheraton's 'Make a Wish by the River'. Kick-start the wonderful evening with delicious Italian cuisine and seafood dishes served on the hotel's terrace. The lavish buffet features a generous and appetizing selection such as Alaska king crabs, imported fresh oyster, delicious home-made pastas and a variety of rice dishes, many of which are prepared at live cooking stations which includes an expansive grill where imported steaks and seafood are prepared to order. Alternatively, guests can enjoy viewing the river with a Thai set dinner at Thara Thong, prepared especially by award-winning chefs - at 3,500 baht per person. In addition, enjoy the entertainment of the evening's festivities such as magic shows, traditional Thai dancing, a Miss Noppamas Beauty Contest with fantastic prizes and an impressive fireworks display. Every guest will be provided with a complimentary 'krathong', specially decorated with fresh flowers, candles and incense.
What: Loi Krathong at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
When: November 24, 2007
Where: Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
Contact: +66 (0)2 236 7777
|
To celebrate the Festival of Light, Shangri-La Hotel, one of the city's finest five-star hotels on the majestic River of Kings, will be offering exclusive promotions at all of its restaurants. With its charming ambience, Riverfront Poolside is the perfect tropical setting to enjoy great entertainment by Jonas and Christie, the western couple famous for their ability to flawlessly sing Thai folk songs , a Miss Noppamas Contest and the Krathong Contest, together with a fabulous buffet dinner featuring international and Thai delicacies. For a truly memorable experience, cruise along the Chao Phraya River in the magical Horizon to witness the spectacular views along the river as well as sample delicious buffet dinner. Alternatively, watch all the actions from NEXT2 Café & Terrace, or choose to dine at the riverside Thai pavilion, Salathip, for a delightful contemporary Thai dinner. Conclude the night at the Lobby Lounge, where great music and cocktails are served.
Loi Krathong at The Peninsula Bangkok
When: November 24, 2007
Where: The Peninsula Bangkok
Contact: +66 (0)2 861 2888
|
The Peninsula Bangkok combines the traditions of this age-old festival with an evening filled with classical Thai entertainment, fireworks and superb dining. Not to be missed is the performance by award-winning traditional Thai puppet show Hun Lakorn Lek from the famous Joe Louis Theatre. Enjoy great dining under the full moon at the hotel's many eateries. Recommended for couples, The Pool offers a seven-course dinner, complete with welcome champagne, for 14,000 per couple. Buffet lovers will love The Peninsula Lawn and Terrace, where, at 4,800 per person, an extensive buffet selection and live entertainment can be enjoyed. Set in lush tropical surroundings, Thiptara is an elegant teak pavilion serving a variety of delicious Thai dishes. For something totally different, guests are welcome to dine at Jesters, an award-winning restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine. Note that all prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and applicable government tax.
Celebrating at other hotels
What: Full Moon, Full Heart Loy Krathong Festival at Swissotel Nai Lert Park
When: November 24, 2007
Where: Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel, Wireless Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 253 0123 ext 8056
Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel invites you to celebrate Loy Krathong Festival right in the heart of the city. Held at the hotel's pool area, the event features a variety of spectacular shows such as Thai traditional dances, 'Noppamas' procession and creative 'krathong' (banana leaf boat) competition. Enjoy a delectable Thai food buffet in the moonlit garden surrounded by gorgeous lanterns and exotic flowers. The meal is priced at 1,950 baht for adults and 975 for children under 12 years old. Don't forget to make a wish before floating your 'krathong' - provided free for each guest - after the meal.
What: Glittering Loy Krathong at Millennium Hilton Bangkok
When: November 24, 2007
Where: Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Contact: +66 (0)2 442 2000
|
Celebrate one of Thailand's most dazzling festivals at Millennium Hilton Bangkok with the best exclusive river view point and the most spectacular fireworks. The hotel's chic restaurants and bars offer the best Loy Krathong promotions which perfectly blend the traditional ceremony, romance and fun. Flow Restaurant features the 'Grand Buffet', a host of mouth-watering international delicacies, live action cooking stations with classical Thai dance as well as a chance to win luxury prizes. Highly recommended for couples, The Beach is an excellent place to wow and woo your Loy Krathong date. Enjoy 'Hilton Authentic' Thai set menu served right by Bangkok's "sexiest pool". For an unbeatable bird's eye view of the event, wine and dine at ThreeSixty, a trendy restaurant offering a stunning 360-degree panorama over Chao Phraya, along with great food and live jazz music. The price is 2,000 baht per person (21:00 to 01:00), inclusive of one standard drink and a variety of canapés throughout the evening. To complete the experience, every paying guest will also be given a 'krathong' (banana-leaf boat) to float. |
