The festival in Chiang Mai will be held from November 7th to 9th. Releasingakrathongsymbolically releases all of the misfortunes youhave endured over theyear. On the night of 9 November, giant illuminated krathongs are paraded with candidates for the upcoming beauty contest perched on top. . just one specialist throughout. John Gray's Hong by Starlight with Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating. In addition to the previous schedule featuring the mesmerising Loy Krathong parade, there are some other very beautiful places and more quiet places where to go and witness this enchanting festival. This is a great opportunity to enjoy classical Thai drama and have fun watching performers in their traditional costumes and make-up. Said to be the place of origin for Loy Krathong, festivities in Sukhothai will be held from October 29th to November 8th. You are recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you intend to stay in Old Sukhothai near Historical Park. It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. They picked great hotels and tours. Krabi town is a small southern Thailand town located inthe Krabi province. Your email address will not be published. It is the fastest option, yet also the most expensive. If the flight wasn't so long I would visit Southeast Asia more often. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. Nov 2022. Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. November Beobachtet von: Thailand, Laos (als Boun That Luang), Nordmalaysia, Shan in Myanmar (als Tazaungdaing-Fest), Sri Lanka (als Il Poya) The word 'loi' means to float. A krathong is a small boat made of banana leaves and covered with flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Sukhothai usually starts its celebrations several days before the actual day of the festival, so that, after attending Loy Krathong in Sukhothai, you have a chance to go to Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Festival, another famous Thailand lantern festival with flying lanterns on November 27th and 28th. Brian and Michelle. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. The name translate to "float a basket", and comes from the tradition of making Krathong decorated baskets, which float on a river.Loy Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the . Because of this, Loy Krathong eventually developed into a lovers' holiday where partners could meet and spend time with one other. You will see people from all the different districts of Sukhothai Province in their traditional attire, dancers, musicians, historical figures, the contestants of the beauty contest, lanterns, and krathongs. Sukhothai was established in the year 1238 and for a long time was a wealthy and thriving region. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. This day is full of parades, processions, festival activities, a Light and Sound Show, and a large firework show. Cheerful, poppy Thai music suffusing the expansive temple yard, the music at odds with the swelling solemn energy in the crowd as thousands of amber lanterns were held in firm grips. She had a great attitude that made exploring the city fun and exciting, as well as an abundance of knowledge and experience. Date of Loy Krathong 2023. Looking for things to do in Bangkok, one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world. Locals believe that releasing a lantern allows you to let go of your worries and make a wish. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel. Note that we may earn a commission when you buy tickets or tours through recommended links on this website. Thailand Weather in July: Temperatures, Best Places to Visit, Thailand Weather in August: Temperature and Best Places to Go, Thailand Weather in September: Temperature, Best Places to Visit. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated by the Thai people on the full moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. Cambodia, 2 Weeks in Vietnam and This holiday is celebrated all over the country, and each place has its own way of doing it. The most convenient way is to book a private tour with a private transfer. Is it safe to release lanterns during Loy Krathong? Here,locals and guests gather for Loy Krathong festivitiesaround noonalongside the 200-meter-long canal inside of Warin Cave. It starts around 6 pm. We got early bird ticket and Bella was assisting us through whatsapp. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. Loy Krathong 2023 will be celebrated on the night of Tuesday, November 28th. The annual festival is celebrated with many rituals at the Buddhist temples in the region. Dating back to the Lanna Kingdom (literally, Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields), the festival represents the transition from the dark and rainy monsoon season to the sunnier days of the cool season. 3 Weeks in Were very grateful to have met her and feel like we have found a friend in Gemma! Actually, each Loy Krathongs event in Chiang Mai is unique and unforgettable. In 2023, it will be on November 28th In 2023, it will be on November 28th The Thai Light Festival is the biggest celebration of the year after the Thai New Year festival. 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Our driver in Chiang Mai was also great and very accommodating to our changes in schedules. Opt for the Krathong made of the banana trunk or bread, rather than styrofoam, as they are biodegradable and thus, more eco-friendly. This year, Loy Krathong will be held at Wat Phayom and Nikhom Nakhon Luang Manufacturer. I recommend Asia Highlights to everyone and look forward to using them again on any other trips to Asia in the future. Gemma was incredibly generous with her time and even walked us to security at the airport to make sure we could carry all of our luggage. Loy Krathong Festival 2023 drops on the full moon of the 12th of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November. The Asia Highlights team deserves more stars than the maximum allowed because of continually going above and beyond all expectations. As the full moon lights up the night sky of November, throughout the city of Chiang Mai, hundreds of floats drift down the rivers and lanterns are seen everywhere. For Loy Kratong, connecting with nature and showing respect for it is important. Gemma was sincerely interested in making every minute of our trip count. Your tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Loy Krathong or Loi Krathong (), known as Thailand's Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand. Due to environmental concerns, many Thais have elected to celebrate the festival from the comfort of their own homes, releasing their krathong in a garden pond or any open container of water. More details can be found in our privacy policy. Top Cities To Visit For Loy Krathong, The Festival Of Light ASIA / THAILAND DCIM504GOPRO Kelly Iverson 9 February 2017 View Any city with a major waterway is going to have huge celebrations this year for the Thai festival, Loy Krathong, or the 'festival of light.' Thailand Weather in October: Still Rain? Visitors can expect many activities which includes fireworks. As the full moon begins to rise, thousands flock to the nearest beach or seashore to release their Krathong into the water. One can see many stalls selling food, beverages and readymade krathongs. Coinciding with Loy Krathong is Chiang Mais Yi Peng Festival, where thousands of khom loy, or sky lanterns, light up the night. Fireworks have also become common in the past few years. Loy Krathong is usually marked in November, during the full moon of the 12th month on the Thai lunar calendar. Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometers north or an hour away from Bangkok, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Makeshift steps are constructed in several rivers or water body areas to allow people to enter the water. History of Calendars (Egyptian, Solar, Lunar, Lunisolar, Gregorian Reform When & Where), Islam: Faith, Holidays, Practice & History. I highly recommend Asia Highlights. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. Thank you, Albee. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!! However, the festival drops this year on 27 and 28 November 2023. While you're typically able to find pre-made krathongsatstreet vendors all over the country during Loy Krathong, these floating lanternsmay contain pins, rubber, or plastic materials that are hazardous to the environment and marine life. It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. En gros, pour rsumer avant de rentrer dans le dtail, les trois meilleures options sont : Bangkok, a reste la capitale donc de nombreux spots possibles et animations organises travers la ville. So as mentioned before, here are some cities that you can visit: In the capital of Thailand, Loy Krathong is a celebration not to be missed. The main advantage that Krabi has during Loy Krathong over Chiang Mai and Bangkok is that the celebrations here are more relaxed. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. 12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience! The highlight of the festival comes when people gather around rivers, lakes, and canals to release floating lanterns to pay respect to the goddess of water. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. The date changes every year, but it usually occurs in October or November, according to the Western calendar. We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. Each year this temple organizes one of the most stunning celebrations, and it is a favorite place for photographers. There will be plenty of activities taking place, all around the city, mainly at the Three Kings Monument and at Tha Pae Gate. Surfing In Thailand - An Upcoming Surfing Paradise, 7 Best Places for Kitesurfing in Thailand - The Complete Guide, Elephants in Thailand - Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries In Thailand in 2023, Whale Sharks in Thailand - Best Diving Spots To See Whale Sharks, Ruins of Thailand: Stories of Ancient Glory, 34 Islands In Thailand - Experience The Best The Country Has To Offer, 6 Health Retreats in Thailand for a Truly Relaxing Holiday, Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Singapore for You and Your Pooch, (100% phone and email verified leads for holiday package). Click to know the interesting history and stories about Yee Peng Festival. Loy Krathong comes from Buddhist and Hindu practices, but in Thailand, it has become a neutral holiday that people of all faiths and backgrounds enjoy. I was ever so grateful to have a point of contact while in a foreign country for the first time, alone, that helped me through the Ins and outs of getting to and from my destination. Loy Krathong (Thai: , RTGS: Loi Krathong, pronounced [lj kr.t]) is a Thai festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and in nearby countries with significant South Western Tai cultures (Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi, Kelantan, Kedah, and Xishuangbanna).The name could be translated as "to float ritual vessel or lamp," and comes from the tradition of . Thousands of little candle lights and flowers drift down waterways on small floats called krathong. Originally a ritual to honor and seek forgiveness from the Goddess of Water, the festival is celebrated across the kingdom, illuminating the entire rivers with candlelit krathong. Sold Out . Thailand is hot and humid, so you should wear clothes that are light and airy. I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. After sunset, go to a river or canal in Thailand and float your krathong on the water while making a wish. Apr 2023, Peter Bongiovanni, Another favorite place to go is Phan Thao temple, located in the old city, next to Chedi Luang temple. The celebration in Chiang Mai is extra special because Loy Krathong is typically celebrated at the same time as the Yi Peng Festival. Here, you can see krathongs floating down rivers and thousands of lit lanterns rising up into the night sky at the same time. The Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern event that is all about connections. In only 10 days, enjoy Thailands Lantern Festival celebrations as well as plenty of beach relaxation and culture exploration: At Asia Highlights, we are committed to providing you a premium, quality private CAD will be the large Sky Lantern Mass Release venue in Chiang Mai. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. Cambodia, Important Tips About Krabi's Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong in Krabi Compared to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Bangkok is home to more elaborate celebrations, Chiang Maialso celebrates the local festival of Yi Peng, 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour, 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, 8-Day A Unique Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival Mini-Group Tour, 10-Day Island Hopping Tour around Eastern Thailand, Best South Asia Tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, 9-Day India Tiger Safari and Golden Triangle Tour, Is Loy Krathong Worth It? Aside from candlelit krathong, visitors can also find the night sky dotted with countless paper lanterns. What other activities can I expect during Loy Krathong? With environmental concerns at an all-time high, Thais are now rejecting the use of Styrofoam and other toxic materials in making krathong that could pollute marine ecosystems. There are several stages for live music, traditional Thai dance, Muay Thai, traditional Thai Puppet shows, fire shows (juggling, fire-eating), etc. Jolie LIEM 11/03/2023 Loy Krathong, or the Thai Lantern Festival, is one of the most important and anticipated festivals celebrated in Thailand every year. Loy Krathong festival is going to be very special this year: after two years of Covids restrictions we all missed watching the beautiful parade and joining together along Ping river. Sukhothai literally translates to "Dawn of Happiness" and was once its own independent kingdom as well as the formal capital city of Thailand. The Asia Highlights team deserves more stars than the maximum allowed because of continually going above and beyond all expectations. During Loy Krathong, people throw their krathongs into rivers, canals, and other bodies of water to get rid of bad energy and start over. You can also take a long-distance bus from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, which requires 5 to 7 hours. She offered her amazing ideas to other tours I wanted. The most famous location in Sukhothai takes place in Sukhothais Historical Park (the old city). King Ramkhamhaeng (), known to be a devoted Buddhist, proposed that his people pay tribute to Buddha and the Goddess of Water, known in Thai as Phra Mae Khongkha. You can see a traditional Thai party if you go to Wat Saket, which is also called the Golden Mount. Every year, this temple has a fair with food booths, carnival games, and amazing fireworks shows. In only 10 days, enjoy Thailands Lantern Festival celebrations as well as plenty of beach relaxation and culture exploration: Take advantage of the most competitive tour with an awesome sky-lantern-release experience and Chiang Mai highlights. Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's largest festivals and involves releasing floating lanterns called krathongs onto lakes and rivers to honor Buddha and the water goddess. - Thailand / Culture & Tradition - Where to celebrate Loy Krathong Festival in Phuket? From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. As the celebrations of Loy Krathong in Sukhothai last around a week, there are numerous events and activities you can attend while there. Years ago, Nang Noppamas was the noble companions of the King of Siam, who initiated the festival. This is a very important idea that is deeply rooted in Thai society. This picturesque festival is a time for people to gather around rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water to release lotus-shaped rafts onto the water. Chiang Mai is the place to go if you want to do something out of the ordinary. The body of water becomes illuminated with thousands of lights, indeed a sight to behold. Making a krathong with your partner and releasing it together can be an incredibly romantic and spiritually cleansing experience.Many Thai people believe thatthekrathong can act asa symbol of your future together and your desire to maintain a great relationship in the upcoming year. Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!! I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. Quality-crafted products and fabrics are put up for sale. In homage to the legend, Nang Noppamas is now the title bestowed upon the winner of the Loy Krathong beauty pageant. Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's largest festivals and involves releasing floating lanterns called krathongs onto lakes and rivers to honor Buddha and the water goddess. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. culture and interacting with local people. There are plenty of reasons why you should visit Sukhothai during Loy Krathong. Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our Loy Krathong festival is going to be very special this year: after two years of Covid's restrictions we all missed watching the beautiful parade and joining together along Ping river. How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2023/2024. In Chiang Mai, it's also celebrated concurrently with Yi Peng or Yee Peng Festival. Korea Trip, Japan-Thailand Your email address will not be published. Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. Nov 2022. There are several ways to get there. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services.. But many Thai people still think of Loy Krathong as a way to honor the goddess of water and ask for forgiveness for any bad things they may have done during the year. In the end, despite the fact that I changed my mind on location multiple times, I ended up booking a 17 day trip to Thailand for this upcoming November. It is also believed that as the krathong drifts away, it carries your sorrow and misfortune with it. Enjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip. Remember you can not do it all and see everything in 3 weeks. The name of festival comes from the Thai word "loy" meaning to float, while "krathong" is a small decorative basket or raft made from natural materials which is then floated on a river. Highlights of the celebration include: floating of traditional lanterns, fireworks, folk dancing, and a spectacular light and sound show. Save this event: Strawberry Festival 2024. Sukhothai is located approximately halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Asia Highlights is working well for me so far! So, the exact date of the festival changes every year. This year, this very romantic festival will take place from November 7-9th, 2022. The celebration, known in Chiang Mai as Yee Peng, literally means the full . If you want to get the most out of Loy Krathong, you shouldnt just watch the celebrations. The city of Tak lies about 425 kilometers north of Bangkok. Albee was readily available which brought me much comfort and feeling of safety. 98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+, Heather Stern Wilensky, On the night of the full moon, people will light the candle and the joss stick, say a prayer, and float their krathong down the river.