Loy Krathong 2014 : ask for the program !
Loy Krathong is my favorite festival in Thailand. This is an opportunity to make great pictures. If Chiang Mai is probably the most popular destination and one I warmly recommend at this time of the year, Loy Kratong is celebrated all around the country. Here is a quick overview of the main events.
In each province, Loi Krathong is accompanied by a plethora of festivities. Here’s a list of the most notable ones:
Yee Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
Probably the biggest release of lanterns into the sky in the country. It will be held at tanna Dhutanka Meditation Center, behind Mae Jo University. This year it should be held November 6 but check because the official site is not updated. (All informations to get there are here).
Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai (5-7 November 2014)
There are plenty of festivities including a parade near the Thapae Gate or fireworks but we suggest you to go to the candlelight ceremony at Wat Pan Tao. It is beautiful and incredibly photogenic. It does not begin before 7 pm but be there in advance if you want to make good pictures because there will be many many people !
Otherwise, people will release their krathongs in the moat surrounding the old town or on the edges of Ping River.
Sukhothai Loy Krathong & Candle Festival (2-6 November 2014)
With Chiang Mai, it is one of our favorite Loy Krathong events. Because then you can wander in the central part of Sukhothai Historical Park at night and see the illuminated temples and because of the shows (dance, scenography and fireworks on the pond) without forgetting the large market, live performances and delicious Thai food. Access to the park is free, only the light and sound show at Wat Mahathat is not free of charge. (Read more here).
Loy Krathong in Bangkok (4-6 November 2014)
It’s mostly on the banks of Chao Phraya that things happen. In Nakrapirom Park but also in city parks with a pond, a river or river access. Asiatique The Riverfront also offers festivities and fireworks. (More information Loy Krathong in Bangkok here).
Loy Krathong at Tak (2-6 November 2014)
Tak is not well known among tourists but it is of the most popular cities for celebrating Loy Krathong. Here krathongs are different, they are coconut linked to each other and forming a long bright ribbon on the Ping River.
Loy Krathong in Ayutthaya Historical Park (6 November 2014)
Ayuthaya Historical Park is also the venue of ceremonies and release of lanterns and rafts.
Loy Krathong in Amphawa (6-8 November 2014)
The festivities take place in the King Rama II Memorial Park.
Loy Krathong in Ratchaburi (6 November 2014)
Festivities take place at Rak Pracha Pattana Dam.
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, after the rainy season when the rivers are abundant. Often called the Festival of Lights for its release of lanterns, candlelight ceremonies in temples, this is the opportunity for Thais to deposit small rafts on the rivers of the country in honor of the goddess of water .
