The Loi Krathong Festival, Thailand Nationwide

The Loi Krathong Festival is the most romantic festival in Thailand, especially in modern times. Almost without exception, young lovers will go out in pairs to spend the evening together, floating krathong (vessels with flowers, lit candles and joss sticks) and saying silent prayers. The festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand with different unique characteristics of festivities. Enjoy the festivities at any site convenient to you!

Bangkok : The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival

21-24 November 2007

Venue: Rama VIII Bridge and citywide along the Chao Phraya River

Experience the simulated “Chong Priang Lod Chud Loi Khom” ceremony, the royal ritual to make the offering of light to the three deities of Brahmanism; namely, Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu (Narayana) or collectively called “Devamurti”. Take part in many other activities such as traditional games and launching krathong, various contests and competitions like krathong competition and Rattanakosin style attire contest.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 # 3489

Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511

For event information, please call 1672

Ayutthaya : Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival

23-25 November 2007

Venue: Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre

Highlights: Nang Noppamat pageant, Nang Nopphamat processions, Thai food fair, vocational product sales, floating market, firework and floating lanterns and long boat races.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Office: Region 6

Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7

Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre

Tel: +66 (0) 3536 6252-3

Sukhothai : Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

21-25 November 2007

Venue: Sukhothai Historical Park

In this festival, you will watch the Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lanterns at the historical site, a krathong launching and firework displays over all waterways and a krathong competition. Enjoy highlight festivities of candle lighting and the light and sound presentation with cultural dances and other interesting activities.

For information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 3

Tel: +66 (0) 5525 2742-3

Chiang Mai : Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival

22-25 November 2007

Venue: Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide

Come and experience another form of Loi Krathong festival, in Lanna Thai style. This festival creates a mesmerising sight, with a unique ritual of launching Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is believed by locals to rid them of their troubles. Enjoy different festivities, including the Tho Phae contest, boat race in the Ping River, small and giant krathong contests, and beauty contests.

The impressive ancient Lanna tradition will be celebrated throughout the city. Visitors are invited to join special activities such as Loi Sa Pao, a merit making dedicated to the dead; Phang Prathip, lighting small lanterns in an equal number of your age to live long and prosperous life; Lantern floating to release all sickness and bad fortune; and Tan Khom, lighting an octagonal lantern before bringing it to a temple where the monks will give a sermon all day and night.

This year, locals and tourists can bring their lanterns and hang them on the trees prepared by Chiang Mai Municipality to bless His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 80th Birthday Anniversary.

For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 1

Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, +66 (0) 5324 8607

PR Division Chiang Mai Municipality

Tel: +66 (0) 5325 9094, +66 (0) 5325 9097

See also :

The Festival of Light

Things To Do in Chiangmai

Bangkok Travel

Find The Best Price on Hotels

The Grand Rehearsals of the Royal Kathin Procession 2007

26 and 29 October 2007

Venue: Along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

The Grand Rehearsals of the Royal Kathin Procession to present the monastic robes to the monks are scheduled to be held on 26 and 29 October 2007. The magnificent fleet of 52 barges with altogether 2,082 oarsmen is set to sail down the Chao Phraya River, starting from Wasukri Royal Landing Place at 15.30 hrs, passing the Royal Navy Convention Hall around 16.00 hrs, and ending at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) at 17.00 hrs.

This is a rare opportunity for Bangkokians and visitors from the provinces and foreign countries to view the most splendid waterborne pageantry similar to the Extravagant Royal Barge Procession performed on 12 June 2006.

People can view the Barge Procession en route along both sides of the River. On this occasion, the Royal Navy Convention Hall also provides seating areas to view this spectacular event. Tickets are available as follows:

- 30,000 Baht per table (10 seats) with set menu Location: the 3rd floor, Chumphonkhetudomsak Building

- 3,000 Baht per seat with set menu Location: the 2nd floor, Chumphonkhetudomsak Building

- 1,200 Baht per seat with snack box Location: on a grandstand in front of Chumphonkhetudomsak Building

** Please note that on the Royal Ceremony of the Kathin Procession these areas are not open to public **

For more details and reservations, please contact

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel. +66 (0) 2652 8319 to 20

+66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2115 to 9