Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok 2019
Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok 2019
Loy Krathong is one of the most important festivals in Thailand. The festival is aimed to thank the Goddess of Water for the abundance of water throughout the year, done by releasing beautiful krathongs, or small rafts decorated with flowers, incense sticks and candles onto the water. This belief is influenced by the worship of Hindu Goddess Ganga or Phra Mae Khongkha in Thai.
This year, Loy Krathong falls on Monday, 11 November. If you happen to be in Bangkok, you should not miss a chance to experience the Loy Krathong celebrations in one of the many historical and cultural landmarks.
Loy Krathong is best celebrated by the Chao Phraya river and there is never a shortage of places to enjoy this spectacular festival. Elephant Go Go has put together a list of the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong this year.
1. Sooksiam at Icon Siam
This latest shopping center with its prime location facing the Chao Phraya river takes inspiration from the Krathong with spiky peak. To some, the building is a symbolic worship of the Chao Phraya river, an important river for Thais.
This year’s Loy Krathong at Icon Siam is held under the concept “ICONSIAM CHAO PHRAYA RIVER OF GLORY”. There is an exhibition of 15 krathongs from 15 different embassies, the Nopphamat queen parade and other events that will take you back to the bygone days of Loy Krathong traditions. The highlights include Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in traditional Thai costumes and the extravagant light and sound show, guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable night by the river.
ICONSIAM CHAO PHRAYA RIVER OF GLORY will be held on 11 November 2019 and the exhibition lasts from 8 to 24 November.
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Blue route, ICONSIAM stop
2. Tha Maharaj
Tha Maharaj, located on Maharaj road, which is a historical road constructed in the same period as the Grand Palace. Maharaj road was once an important commercial street, frequented by the upper class of Bangkok. Tha Maharaj has been converted into a riverside community mall and it is known for putting a great show for Loy Krathong festival.
This year, Tha Maharaj will hold its 5th River Festival under the theme “River Consonance”. Activities include Krathong buffet, Night Retro Swing Dance, Carnival and Live Music with the best night views of Chao Phraya river.
The River Festival at Tha Maharaj will be held from 9 – 11 November 2019, from 15.00 – 22.30.
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, get off at Sanam Luang stop and head towards Maharaj road
3. Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Ratchawaramahaviharn (Wat Pho)
Auspiciousness at Night time
Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Ratchawaramahaviharn or Wat Pho was the royal temple of King Rama I. It was constructed during the Ayutthaya period. Wat Pho was rewarded with the UNESCO memory of the world award and it is one of the most important temples in Thailand.
Activities at Wat Pho aim towards merit making, which include paying respect to the reclining Buddha, replica of Buddha’s footprint lighting ceremony, and candle light floating. You can also enjoy Wat Pho community market and Thai traditional dance and contemporary music performances under the sacred Bodhi trees.
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, Wat Pho stop
4. Wat Arun Ratchawaram Ratchawaramahaviharn (Wat Arun)
For a Happy and Prosperous Life
Wat Arun Ratchawararam, locally known as Wat Chaeng or Wat Arun, is an Ayutthaya period temple. The temple was restored and renamed as Wat Arun Ratchawararam or Temple of Dawn during King Rama IV.
Loy Krathong activities at Wat Arun includes krathong floating in front of the main Pagoda, candlelight procession, Thai music and dance performances, and traditional cultural performances.
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Blue Route, Wat Arun stop
5. Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawiharn (Wat Rakhang)
For the Fame and Glorious Life
Wat Rakhang is a royal temple, built in Ayutthaya period. The temple is an exemplary work of art and houses an old tripitaka hall with beautiful and precious Thai murals and carvings inside.
The activities planned at Wat Rakhang focus on merit making and showcasing the beauty of the temple. You can participate in the worshipping of Wat Rakhang stupa and Luang Por Rub-Fah (the main Buddha image of the temple), as well as visiting the famous Red House. There is also a riverside community market and Thai-styled outdoor cinema.
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Blue Route, Wat Rakang stop
