Thailand’s Most Romantic Night: Loy Krathong Festival Lights Up the Chao Phraya River with Lanterns

The Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand is held on the night of the 12th full moon of the lunar calendar, usually in November. This year’s “2013 Loy Krathong Festival” will take place on November 17. The main purpose of the Loy Krathong ceremony is to understand that rivers are a vital source of abundance for all living things, while also expressing gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha.

 

The Thai name for the festival, “Loy Krathong,” comes from “Loi,” meaning to float or drift—either on water or in the sky—and “Krathong,” referring to the lantern itself. These lanterns, shaped like small boats made from folded banana leaves and decorated with flowers, candles, incense, and traditional coins, are set afloat on the river to carry away bad luck and bring good fortune. Additionally, Loy Krathong is also popular among local young couples as a Valentine’s-like occasion, as they can spend the entire night together under the romantic glow of candlelight and moonlight.

The Loy Krathong Festival will be celebrated in places such as Sukhothai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Tak. Among them, Sukhothai—generally considered the birthplace of the lantern-floating tradition in this 700-year-old ancient city—is home to one of Thailand’s largest Loy Krathong celebrations in its historical park. The event features light and sound shows that recreate the glorious history of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Every visitor can join in this romantic festival and enjoy the prosperity of the former Sukhothai Kingdom.

 

In Bangkok, along both sides of the Chao Phraya River that runs through the “City of Angels,” people of all ages hold lanterns in their hands. As continuous romantic fireworks light up the sky and colorful illuminated boat parades decorate the river, everyone gathers to celebrate together. Visitors can head to Asiatique shopping mall and nearby areas such as Krung Thep Bridge and Krung Thon Bridge by the Chao Phraya River to admire the beautiful sight of the lanterns. They can also enjoy a romantic dinner by the river while taking in the spectacular fireworks and the shimmering candlelight of the lanterns in the water, all under the glow of the full moon—a truly unforgettable experience.

 

In November’s cool season, visitors to Chiang Mai, an important tourist city in northern Thailand, will find the whole area covered in a romantic sea of lights. People gather along the Ping River to release lanterns, but what makes it even more special is the breathtaking and unforgettable sight of thousands of sky lanterns floating through the sky. People in northern Thailand believe that releasing sky lanterns is a way to pray for blessings and accumulate merit for the sacred pagodas in the heavens.