Welcome aboard, fellow wanderers and festivity enthusiasts! Today, we are getting our compass to the enchanting “Land of Smiles,” the country that has captured the hearts of travellers from around the world. Thailand has beautiful beaches and a rich culture, offering diverse experiences for all types of tourists. Loy Krathong Festival, also known as the “Festival of Lights is one of the most enchanting and serene experiences in Thailand.
Thailand’s grandest celebration unfolds on the full moon night of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar. This year, mark your calendars for the 28th of November, when the country will come alive with the glow of lanterns and the shimmering reflections on the water. Rise in this festivity mood with IndiGo’s seamless flight to Thailand so you can gear up for the festival in the best way possible.
6 Things You Must know about the Thai lantern festival, Loi Krathong
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Chiang Mai is the best place to celebrate
While Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand and neighbouring countries, Chiang Mai stands out as the prime destination since it hosts another festival called Yi peng (Thailand Sky Lantern Festival) at the same time. The place becomes breathtaking with floating baskets on the river Loy Krathong and flying lanterns in the sky for Yi Peng.
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It symbolises new beginnings and good luck
The festival is a combination of Hindu and Buddhist customs, and it is celebrated by paying respect and thanking the Goddess of Water. As you release your lantern or krathong into the river, it symbolises letting go of negativity and embracing a new beginning.
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Making of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong also means ‘floating baskets’ are generally handmade. It is a type of Thai decoration built with banana leaves and stems. People use rectangular pieces of folded banana leaves at the edge of the Krathongs. Also, people place decorative offerings like incense sticks, flowers and candles along with their items.
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The first Krathong
It is believed that in the 13th and 14th centuries in Sukhothai, Thailand, a beautiful lady named Nang Noppamas, who was the king’s companion, had crafted the very first Krathong. She crafted the gorgeous floating creation to impress King Ramkhamhaeng. The king was so blown away by Nang Noppams and her beautiful floating Krathong that he decided to turn this into a yearly tradition.
Fast forward to today, and Noppamas is still the star of the show at Loy Krathong celebrations. They host Krathong beauty pageants all across Thailand, keeping the spirit of this ancient love story alive and shining.
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The festival lasts for 3-5 days
The mass release of Krathong happens on 28th November, but in other places, it goes on for several days, like 3 days in Bangkok and 5 days in Sukhothai.
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Loy Krathong in Bangkok and Phuket
If you do not have enough time to fly to Chiang Mai or Sukhothai but still want to experience the festival, then taking a flight to Bangkok can be a great choice for you. This festival happens on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok. The best way of celebrating this festival here will be by taking a dinner cruise or releasing Krathong from a boat.
If you want to enjoy this experience with a smaller crowd while relaxing on the beach, Phuket can be a great choice.
Things to Do During Loy Krathong Festival
- Participate in the tradition by crafting your own Krathong using banana leaves, candles and flowers. Many local workshops and markets offer materials to visitors to create their personalised offerings.
- If you are visiting Chiang Mai for the Loy Krathong, the Giant Parade is something you should not miss. The parade starts when the sun is setting. It features a procession of musicians, performers and dancers. Immerse yourself in the processions that weave through towns and cities with traditional dance, Thai music, and beautifully adorned floats that contribute to the festive atmosphere. The best locations to get a view of the Parade are Thapae Road, Pae Gate, Nawarat Bridge and along the river banks.
- Indulge your taste buds in the diverse and delectable offerings of Tha cuisine available at the festival. Street food stalls and local vendors serve seafood snacks, exotic fruits, som thai yai (spicy papaya salad), pad thai kung, Tom yam Kung, larb moo, khao man gai and more to enhance your cultural experience.
Conclusion
So, fellow adventurers, buckle up and get ready for a journey that transcends mere travel. It’s a sojourn into the heart of Thai serenity and festivity. IndiGo is your passport to pure bliss. Loy Krathong awaits, and IndiGo is your trusty steed to transport you to a world where lights dance, water sparkles, and joy reigns supreme. You can snag a cheap flight ticket to Thailand or Bangkok by unlocking IndiGo’s 10% discount on all base fares. Book that ticket, craft that krathong, and let’s dive into the luminous embrace of Loy Krathong, where serenity meets motion, and joy takes flight!
Are you also planning to visit Thailand for this unique experience? Share in the comment section what you are expecting to do there.