FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Come float your krathong

Come float your krathong

Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrated nationwide in Thailand and this year it falls tomorrow, November 3. In celebration of this beautiful full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month, the travel website Booking.com reveals six destinations along with accommodation in each to experience the festival and pay respect to the water spirits.

Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the destinations which grandly celebrates the festival. Aside from releasing krathongs, as the floats as called, you can explore a Temple Fair at the Golden Mount Temple (also known as Wat Saket). It is believed to be the origin of the temple fair in Thailand. This local fair boasts an incredible array of food stalls, entertaining traditional games and marvellous performances like Thai dancing. Alternatively, you can watch the fireworks from popular attractions near the Chao Phraya River like Asiatique The Riverfront, Rama VIII Bridge, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and more.

Where to stay: Riva Surya on Phra Arthit Road, offers stylish air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. The property is in a walking distance to Khao San Road and the Bangkok National Museum. Guests can also enjoy the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River from the restaurant on site while tucking into authentic Thai, Asian and European dishes.

 

Chiang Mai

Located in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai was originally the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The Loy Krathong celebration here is known as “Yee Peng”, meaning the full moon of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar. During the festival, locals decorate their houses and temples with beautifully illuminated lanterns, and light small baked-clay candles to worship the “Three Gems” of Buddhism, namely, the Buddha, his teachings, and the Buddhist clergy. The highlight is the launch of floating lanterns into the night sky.

Where to stay: The Empress Hotel enjoys a quiet location in Chiang Mai, yet is a convenient 10-minute walk from the Night Bazaar. It has an outdoor pool, massage parlour, and two restaurants. Furnished in a modern Asian style, rooms feature a seating area by a floor-to-ceiling window.

 

Phayao

A small province located in the North of the country, Phayao is a quiet yet attractive town. Travellers can release krathongs onto the water at Kwan Phayao, a vast wetland, send lanterns into the sky, watch the lantern parade competition, and enjoy traditional dancing and music performances.

Where to stay: Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, the Cozy Nest Boutique Rooms lives up to its name. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free use of bicycles is available at this bed and breakfast and the area is popular for cycling.

 

Sukhothai

Sukhothai was once the capital of Thailand and ancient ruins still remain around the city. It’s also the best place to enjoy an authentic Loy Krathong experience. Every year, the main venue of the celebration is the Sukhothai Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the ancient temple ruins are combined with colourful lights and an old-style market that will take you back to the former capital’s heyday. At night you can watch a theatrical light show telling the story of this charming Heritage city and the history of Loy Krathong festival.

Where to stay: Legendha Sukhothai Hotel is located on the bank of Mae Rampan Canal, just 10 minutes’ walk to Sukhothai Historic Park. It offers spacious rooms with traditional Thai furnishings and teak wood furniture. The Legendha Hotel is ideally located for exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and natural surroundings.

 

Tak

Bordered on the west by Myanmar, Tak is a province in Northern Thailand. Its Loy Krathong festival is known as Loy Krathong Sai, literally meaning “floating Krathongs in line” and offers a unique opportunity to admire thousands of Krathongs sailing down the Ping River in a candlelit chain, making the whole river sparkle with light. What's unique about the krathongs made here is that, instead of using banana trunks as the main material, coconut shells are used, often decorates them with flowers. Both riverbanks bustle with a crowd, some dancing and some playing music.

Where to stay: Featuring free Wi-Fi, a barbecue and a sun terrace, Sleep Nest Hotel offers accommodation in Mae Sot. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Bike hire is available at this property and the area is popular for cycling and hiking.

 

Koh Pha-ngan

Located in the South of Thailand, the island of Koh Pha-ngan has become a world-famous destination for the Full Moon Party. Take this opportunity to explore new places to float krathongs and hit the party till dawn in the same trip. In Koh Pha-ngan, you can experience both releasing krathongs onto the sea and floating the sky lanterns into the sky, before heading to the beach for the party.

Where to stay: A short walk from Leela Beach, Cocohut Beach Resort offers rooms with private balconies and cable TV. It features an outdoor pool and free transfers from Haad Rin Pier and is just 5-minutes drive from Haad Rin Beach, where the famous Full Moon Parties take place monthly.

 

 

 

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