We tested Loi Krathong & Candle Festival
Each year for five days around Loi Krathong, Sukhothai Historical Park stays open after the normal closing time and welcme visitors with free admission for performances; parties, ceremonies, illumination of monuments, stalls of all kinds of products or food and drinks (you have to feed the thousands of people who come for the occasion) and of course the famous relaese of krathongs, small more or less sophisticated rafts on the park’s ponds? And the night finishes with a illuminated boat procession on the pond Tra Khuan (where Wat Sa Si is) punctuated by fireworks.
The main temples are beautifully lit and gradually more and more krathongs vendors settle on the lawns. First prize 10 baht, last price, I do not know, but I’ve seen one at 150 baht. Made of bamboo, banana leaves, they are decorated with flowers and incense sticks and candles. You can taste typical thai food for 30-50 baht and discover a multitude of Thai dishes, especially in the small village settled by the TAT near Wat Sa Si.
At 19:30 starts the lights and sounds show in front of Wat Mahathat . Ticket price 500 THB to be seated facing the stage and 200 THB for places on the side. Then people are starting to buy their small rafts and kneel on the ponds banks, make a prayer before putting their krathongs on the water and push them with the hand while at the main chedi, a traditional show takes place beforethe big boat procession and show at 10 pm on Tra Khuan pond and at Wat Sa Si. It all ends with a small fireworks at 11 pm. And logically, at this point, you should be happy with your evening. I was !
To attend Sukhothai Loi Krathong & Candle Festival you will have to wait until next year now even if there are several times a year minis lights and sounds shows at the Historical Park (see dates here) . Note that to get to the park, you can take the bus between New Sukhothai and Old Sukhothai for 30 baht and that there are still exceptionally operating when you leave. So you can come back without hiring one of the motorcycle drivers who offer to drive you for 200 THB. But if you are a group, it may be interesting anyway (the price is divided) .
