Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin
No matter the era or place, there is always one day in the year that lovers look forward to the most. Aside from China’s Qixi Festival and the Western Valentine’s Day, on November 17 this year in Thailand, there will be the romantic Loy Krathong Festival. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the banks of the Chao Phraya and Ping Rivers, immersed in the magical night when countless glowing lanterns shimmer on the river under the full moon, releasing their own blessing lanterns into the water together to pray for an even better life.
Thailand will host its most romantic Loy Krathong Festival in November, attracting numerous couples to experience the enchanting night of glowing lanterns on the river. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The Thai Loy Krathong Festival takes place on the night of the 12th full moon of the lunar calendar, usually in November in the Gregorian calendar. This year’s “2013 Loy Krathong Festival” will begin on November 17. The main purpose of the Loy Krathong ceremony is to understand that rivers are vital sources of abundance for all things, while also expressing gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha.
Loy Krathong, in Thai, means “to float a krathong.” “Loi” means to float or drift, whether on water or in the sky, and “krathong” refers to the floating lantern. These lanterns, often made from folded banana leaves into small boat shapes, are adorned with flowers, lit candles, incense, and traditional coins, then set adrift on the river to carry away bad luck and bring good fortune. Additionally, Loy Krathong is a beloved Valentine’s Day for local young couples, as they can spend the entire night together under the romantic glow of candlelight and moonlight.
Release your lantern onto the river with your loved one, sending away bad luck and welcoming good fortune. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The Loy Krathong Festival will be held in Sukhothai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Tak, among other places. Sukhothai is generally considered the birthplace of the Loy Krathong tradition, being a historic city with 700 years of heritage. The Loy Krathong celebrations at the historical park in Sukhothai are among the largest festivals in Thailand. Paired with light and sound shows, the event recreates the glorious history of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Every visitor can join in this romantic festival and admire the prosperity of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom.
In Bangkok, along both banks of the Chao Phraya River that crosses the “City of Angels,” people of all ages hold lanterns in their hands. Amidst continuous romantic fireworks in the sky and colorful illuminated boat parades on the river, everyone gradually gathers to celebrate together. Travelers can head to Asiatique Shopping Mall and near the Krung Thep Bridge and Krung Thon Bridge by the Chao Phraya River to enjoy the beautiful sight of the lanterns. They can also dine romantically by the Chao Phraya River while admiring the dazzling fireworks and the glowing lanterns on the water, all under the light of the full moon — an unmissable highlight.
In the cool season of November, visitors to Chiang Mai, an important northern tourist city in Thailand, will find the whole area bathed in a romantic sea of lights. People gather by the Ping River to release lanterns, but what’s even more special here is the breathtaking and unforgettable sight of thousands of sky lanterns floating in 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 heaven.
Don’t think sky lanterns are a cultural activity unique to Taiwan — in November, you can witness the spectacular sight of lanterns flying in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The town of Tak, located by the Ping River, celebrates this wonderful moment in a unique and elegant way. Instead of using banana leaves, locals craft lanterns from coconut shells, filling them with wax and candle wicks, then stringing them together and floating them on the water — a local tradition known as Loy Krathong Sai. Participating in the Loy Krathong Festival is not just about celebration, but also represents the unity of the local community.
In Ayutthaya, activities take place at the Bang Sai Arts and Cultural Centre, where visitors can experience releasing lanterns, explore the nostalgic night market by the river, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, and enjoy cultural performances.
● Further Reading:
Bangkok Named World’s Best City for Tourism
http://goo.gl/mnJW7j