Local romance: 5 top places to celebrate Loy Krathong in Bangkok

Photo: Siwaporn Wongchaiyakul/ Coconuts Media
 

Did you know that Loy Krathong is all about getting it on under the moonlight?

Wednesday marks Loy Krathong – the Thai festival of love and gratitude. While floating your krathong to say “thanks” to the Goddess of water is a big part of it, a more popular belief is that it revolves around your relationship – that is, the one in your next life.

The legend says if a couple releases their krathong together, they will meet and fall in love again in the next life. With tantalizing fireworks, candles, and the full moon, Loy Krathong could be compared to Valentine’s Day – but with banana tree leaves and joss sticks instead of roses.

For singles who are not ready to commit to a date in your future life yet, take this opportunity to get rid of all the negativity in your life. An ancient belief says if you put scraps of your hair or nails in your Krathong, your troubles will float away into the river and you will be left with  happiness and good luck.

Or if you just wanna find an excuse to stroll around Bangkok on Wednesday night, here are the top places to go.

 

River Festival 2015

When: Nov. 21-25, 4pm – 10pm

If you want to experience a Loy Krathong night from a century ago – with the convenience of chain restaurants at Asiatique, the River Festival is the most sensible choice.

Five nights of Loy Krathong will be held at seven attractions along the Chao Phraya river with cultural performances and activities for an authentic experience. Some of the highlights are the outdoor Thai Alfresco cinema at Wat Arun and Wat Tha Maharaj, a demonstration of traditional Thai crafts at Wat Phra Chetuphon, and fireworks at Asiatique.

Shuttle boats are available from 4pm for visitors to tour all attractions. For the full schedule, check out this helpful brochure.
 

Kasetsart University

When: Nov. 25, 5:30pm

A carnival-style Loy Krathong with lots of eating, dancing and college babes, Kasetsart University is one of the most popular and fun places to spend Loy Krathong night – even for the not-so-fresh graduates.

There will be a hundred of food vendors with typical carnival activities such as a haunted house and a dunking booth. The highlights are, of course, the shirtless dunk tank boys, usually from the Faculty of Engineering. Meanwhile, female students will battle their wits and beauty on stage at the Noppamas Beauty Pageant.
 

Nagaraphirom Park

When: Nov. 23-25

Photo: Amazing Thai Tour

If you’re into glow-in-the-dark fun from fireworks to illuminated boats and lighting decor – this is the place for you.

Set on the historic Rattanakosin Island by the Chao Phraya river, this Loy Krathong event hosted by the Tourism Authority is a showcase of cultural extravaganza, from boat processions performances on shore including Khon, theatrical plays, and a Thai puppet show.
 

Dusit Zoo

When: Nov. 25, 6pm

Photo: Dusit Zoo

While you usually have to pay a THB100 entrance fee (there’s a dual price for foreigners, of course), Dusit Zoo will open for free for visitors to celebrate Loy Krathong after dark this year.

Get away from the typical Loy Krathong scene and spend the night watching animals and floating your krathong in the zoo’s large pond.
 

Public green spaces

When: Nov. 25

Photo: MThai

This year, 29 public parks with ponds in Bangkok will open for residents to float their krathong. While your krathong may not float away very far, on the upside it will be easy for state cleaners to pick it up, and it’s close to home.

Some of the parks include Lumpini, Chatuchak, Benjasiri, Santi Chai Prakan, Benjakiti, and Ramintra.



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