Getting laid all over: Where to float your krathong tonight

By a turn of the moon it’s time to celebrate Loy Krathong tonight. A romantic occasion to send your hopes and prayers floating to the river goddess is complicated by 6 million other Bangkokians doing the same.

With that in mind, here’s some of the places to seek out – or avoid if you want things more private.

1. Rama VIII Bridge – Asiatique

Experience the culture of the riverside communities at the River Festival 2014 by cruising along the Rama VIII Bridge and enjoying the scenery of the well-known temples at night. The journey ends at Asiatique, where Thai folk musical and theatrical performances are held.

Free shuttle boats will operate on both sides of the river, available along two routes: a round-trip shuttle service between Yod Phiman Market in Pak Klong Talad and Asiatique; and a circle service on the Yod Phiman Market – Wat Pho – Wat Arun – Wat Kalaya – Wat Prayoon route.

2. Nagaraphirom Park

If you’re into things that glow in the dark, here’s the place to go. The annual Delightful Colors of the River event is held tonight at Nagaraphirom Park on the Chao Phraya river. Enjoy the light decorations and watch the illuminated boat procession on the river with a range of cultural performances on shore, from music, Muay Thai to puppet shows! Featurd artists include Khun In on Thai xylophone and Koh Mr. Saxman. Rak Kaeo of Thailand’s Got Talent Season 4 will also appear.

3. Public parks

Though you won’t see your krathong float off toward the horizon, bodies of water in the cities parks are pleasant, green spaces to enjoy the festival. Try Chatuchak Park at BTS Mochit, Benjakitti Park by MRT Sirikit Convention Centre, Lumpini Park at MRT Lumpini, or Benjasiri Park at BTS Phrom Phong. Those and many more are open until midnight tonight.

4. Chulalongkorn University

Located downtown, the campus is always packed with festival goers and festivities including live bands and performances. For a loy krathong with a college-kid vibe, check it out.

5. Kasetsart University

For those in the northern Bangkok, Kasetsart University hosts an annual carnival-style loy krathong fest where you can shop, eat, visit a haunted house in one event.The highlight remains the student “Noppamas” pageant contest and the dunk tank dudes from the Faculty of Engineering.

Photo: John Shedrick

Related:

Float all night for Loy Krathong: 28 parks open til midnight