Thailand Loi Krathong Festival

Asia Products LLC Thailand Travel Pages Header

Loi Krathong 2008 - "Floating Light Festival"

Loi Krathong (the floating festival of light) is a traditional Thai celebration in which the Thai people pay tribute to life sustaining effects of water by offering handmade floating lanterns to the rivers and lakes of Thailand. On the evening of Loi Krathong (which is held on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai calendar-normally in November) families will gather at the waters edge to make a wish and to float the Krathong on the surface of the water.

I was lucky enough to see the lanterns on the water in Lumpini City Park. The sight of the little lights twinkling on the water contrasting with the background lights from the city was truly breathtaking.

In the days proceeding Loi Krathong there are many festivals in the parks and temples throughout Bangkok.

By chance I caught one that offered a traditional Nang Yai shadow puppet show. The puppets were made from leather and operated by Thai Children. The show depicted scenes from the tale of Ramayana and was accompanied by traditional Thai music.