A range of decorative Krathong's used in the Loi Krathong ceremonies.
A range of decorative Krathong's used in the Loi Krathong ceremonies.

Loy Krathong is Thailand’s biggest annual event and one that every Thai looks forward to participating in. The festival is held annually on the night of the full moon in November to worship the goddess of water.

Krathong is a buoyant bowl made of banana trunk and decorated with beautiful flowers, a candle and three sticks of incense. Each person has one Krathong and floats it into the river at night. The event is generally accompanied with with flying lanterns and fireworks.

Here is a list of some of the popular tourist destination where the authentic traditions of Loy Krathong are preserved:

Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
Date: 7-12 November 2008
Venue: Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai

Centuries ago Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand and Loi Krathong is believed to have originate during this period. The event will take place in the area of the old city so rest assured that you will have a truly impressive Loi Krathong experience.

Events taking place include: Worshipping ceremonies to “Phra Mae Ya” and King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, traditional Thai musical performances, the Nang Nopphamas Beauty Contest, a “Khao Khwan Wan Len Fai” ceremony, as well as a light-and-sound presentation at Wat Mahatat

For further information contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phitsanulok
Tel: +66 (0)55 252 742-3, +66 (0)55 259 907
Website: www.tourismthailand.org

Sukhothai Provincial Public Relations Office
Tel: +66 (0)55 612 286
Website: www.loikrathong.net

Bangkok Loi Kathong Ceremony
Date: 8-12 November 2008
Venue: Santi Chai Prakarn, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

View the illuminated boat procession as well as illuminated buildings and historical sites on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.

For further information contact:
Events Planning Division,
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)2 250 5500 Ext: 3466-7
Website: www.loikrathong.net, www.tourismthailand.org

Tak’s Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Date: 8-12 November 2008
Venue: Tak

Loi Krathong Sai cannot be found elsewhere. It is an event unique to Tak. Residents create thousands of Krathong and float them in line on the Ping River which gives a very stunning sight at night. This festival involves Royal lamps, and a light-and-sound spectacular on the water.

Other attractions include a beauty pageant and a bazaar of local handicrafts.

For further information contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Tak,
Tel: 66 (0)55 514 341-3
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
E-mail: tattak@tat.or.th

Tak Municipal Office,
Tel: 66 (0)55 518 888
Website: www.loikrathong.net , www.krathongsaitak.net

Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival
Date: 11-13 November 2008
Venue: Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Relive the glorious past of Ayutthaya with the traditional procession of beauty queens from all four regions as well as experience the relaxing surroundings of a floating market demonstration.

For more information contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
Tel: +66 (0)35 246 076-7
Website: www.tourismthailand.org

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre
Tel: +66 (0)35 366 090-2
Website: www.loikrathong.net

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
Date: 11-13 November 2008
Venue: Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai

The most interesting highlight of the event is when thousands of flying lanterns are launched simultaneously creating an astoundingly delightful night sight. Join the festival to take part in filling the sky with the astonishing light of lanterns.

For more information contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 (0)53 248 604, (0)53  241 466
Website: www.tourismthailand.org, www.tatchiangmai.org
E-mail: tatchiangmai@tat.or.th

Chiang Mai Municipality Office
Tel: +66 (0)53 252 578
Website: www.loikrathong.net




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