One of Thailand's most popular festivals, Loy Krathong, is being held nationwide. This year, the Full Moon of the 12th lunar month falls today. Here are some of the celebrating venues.
- Bangkok: Besides the "River Festival 2018" at nine major landmarks -- Tha Tian (Wat Pho), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Prayoon, Wat Kanlaya, Yodpiman River Walk, Tha Maharaj, Asiatique The Riverfront, Lhong 1919 and Iconsiam -- along the Chao Phraya River being held until Nov 24, Wat Thong Klong Bang Ramat, a temple in Taling Chan district, hosts the festivities today starting at 6pm.
Revellers can pay respect to Phra Phutthasrinophas, the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, and Luang Phor Dam, a Buddha statue in the prayer hall, before floating their krathong and enjoying local food. You can paddle boats on the Bang Ramat Canal to see old houses and a Chinese shrine on the banks and visit a local museum and watch boat races during the day. At night, you can enjoy muay Thai boxing and water boxing contests and movies outdoor.
- Lop Buri: Today starting at 6pm, the "Loy Krathong Retro To The Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsongkhram Tenure" fair takes place at Sri Suriyothai (Sa Kaeo) Roundabout in Muang district under the theme of "Wearing Hats And Period Costumes And Floating Krathong". There will be parades of gigantic krathong, beauty contests for women and girls, boxing contests, ram wong dances, entertainment and the sale of local goods.
Also today, people can float their krathong on the pond of Erawan military camp in Muang district in the retro atmosphere. They can learn how to make krathong from natural materials, watch a light and sound show and a dancing fountain, join ram wong and ballroom dances, watch a luk thung concert and cultural performances, and enjoy shopping. All proceeds will be donated to Wat Phrabat Namphu which helps HIV-infected people.
- Sing Buri: Today and tomorrow, the celebrations will take place at Ban Rachan in Khai Bang Rachan district with people floating krathong and seeing the traditional way of life, parades, a light and sound show, entertainment and a boat race.
- Chai Nat: Today starting from 5pm, people can float their krathong onto the Chao Phraya River in front of Hin Riang Dyke and the provincial hall under the theme of organic krathong and family bonding. Visit www.tat7.com.
- Phrae: Today is the final day of the "Worshipping Phrathat Huay Or" fair at Wat Sri Don Kham in Muang district. People can float their krathong and watch performances and exhibitions related to the history of Long town and the temple and chok handwoven fabrics.
Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Contact Centre 1672.
Email [email protected] if you have any news to share.
