Loy Krathong, known as the Floating Lantern Festival, enchants people with its mesmerising celebration across Thailand’s waterways. This festival, often likened to Thai Valentine’s Day, embodies hope and renewal. Here’s how you can dive into this magical experience.
Craft Your Krathongs
Building your own krathongs adds a personal touch to the ceremony, symbolising shedding negative energies of the past year. Traditional materials like banana leaves and flowers are used, with a central candle and incense offered to Buddha and the water goddess. Consider a private class for a deeper dive into the festival’s significance.
Release and Wish
Seek a quieter spot to release your krathongs with your beloved. In Chiang Mai, secluded riverside restaurants along the Ping River offer intimate settings for a memorable experience. Releasing the krathong signifies letting go of negativity while making wishes for the future. If your krathongs drift together, it’s seen as a sign of lasting togetherness.
Yi Peng’s Sky Lanterns
Yi Peng, celebrated alongside Loy Krathong, dazzles with the release of sky lanterns (khom loi). To witness this breathtaking spectacle, consider tickets for a mass lantern release event, like the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, promising a mesmerising display under the full moon.
Chao Praya River Cruise
Amidst Bangkok’s hustle, a nighttime cruise along the Chao Praya River offers a serene escape. Revel in the beauty of the floating krathongs from the boat while enjoying a romantic dinner. Then, set your krathongs afloat in the tranquil river.
Reflect and Meditate
Loy Krathong resonates with Buddhist customs involving candle lighting, lantern releases, and meditation. Many mass lantern releases include meditative practices before the lantern release, believed to amplify the power of one’s wishes and aspirations.
Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and mystical allure of Loy Krathong, where ancient traditions and romantic fervor converge to create an unforgettable celebration. If you wish to take part in the festival, make sure to opt for a wholesome stay at Pathumwan Princess Hotel, where you can indulge in the modern comforts of a Bangkok city suite.
