Travel bugs often getaway to Thailand to soak in pristine beaches, savour lip smacking thai food and unwind in a therapeutic message- right? Wrong! We’ve discovered another reason why you must plan a trip to Thailand this November. If the thought of a thousands of paper lanterns lifting up into the night sky fascinates you, then Thailand’s Festival of Lights is the perfect spot for you this winter. Here’s the low-down on two of Thailand’s most legendary festivals, Yi Peng and Loi Krathong.
What’s It?
This November, Thailand will wear a festive look, celebrating two big events of the year. The Thai festival of lights and the Lantern festival are the two biggest events in northern Thailand. This year, the festivals will take place from 11-13 November, promising an enchanting experience for travelers.
The Thai Festival of Lights
Loy Krathong- the Thai Festival of lights is celebrated nationwide. The festival takes place on the first full moon day of November, marking the end of the rainy season. Krathong- a type of small floating basket made from banana tree trunks is let afloat in the river. Thai people make their own Krathong with banana leaves, flowers, and candles. This is then let afloat in the river, as an offering to the goddess of the water. The festival is celebrated in Bangkok and Old Sukhothai.
Where To Celebrate Krathong
Here’ a list of the best places in the country to enjoy this fest:
Bangkok
- Asiatique (Riverside)
- Wat Saket (Riverside/Old City)
- Phra Athit Pier (Riverside/Old City)
- Maharaj Lifestyle Mall (Riverside/Old City)
- Lumpini Park (Silom)
- Benjasiri Park (Sukhumvit)
- Benjakiti Park (Sukhumvit)
- Chatuchak Park
Chiang Mai
- Nawarat Bridge
- Thanon Charoen Mueang Bridge
- Loi Kroh Bridge
- Tha Phae Gate
Sukhothai
- Sukhothai Historical Park
- Yom River in New Sukothai
The Lantern Festival
Yi Peng- The Lantern Festival is celebrated in northern Thailand. During this time thousands of lanterns released into the sky. The biggest celebration takes place in Chiang Mai – the ancient capital of the former Lanna Kingdom. The sky lanterns or ‘khom loi’ are made of rice paper, and are stretched over a bamboo frame. This symbolises a new beginning in the releaser’s life. During the festival, travellers can also witness spectacular fireworks and traditional meditation ceremonies from Buddhist monks. Yi Peng is a ticketed festival and tickets to the mass release sites must be bought in advance.
Best Places To View The Yi Peng Festival
There are many free lantern releases you can register for throughout the city. However, the Wat Lok Moli, Wat Suan Dok, Tha Phae Gate and Nawarat Bridge on the Ping River are the best bet if you want to click that once-in-a-lifetime photo.
First Published: October 24, 2019 12:12 PM