Thailand’s famous ‘festival of lights’ will take place on 8 November, with spectacular celebrations scheduled nationwide. Loi Krathong takes place in the 12th month of the Thai calendar, when residents and travellers gather at rivers, lakes and beaches to give thanks to the goddess of water.
These offerings usually take the form of floating lanterns decorated with elaborate flower arrangements and candles. With thousands of lanterns let loose, the result is a beautiful constellation of flickering lights – and a major highlight in the festival calendar.
In the north of the country, celebrations go up a gear with the Yi Peng Festival, which includes hundreds of fire lanterns being released into the sky. Combined with floating lanterns below, the effect is a truly magical spectacle that’s not to be missed.
Tourism officials have rolled out a warm welcome for all travellers in the Kingdom since Thailand officially reopened and scrapped all Covid-era controls last month. Loi Krathong will therefore be a timely opportunity to celebrate one of the most famous festivals in the calendar, but also the end of pandemic-era restrictions.
A recent statement from The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed the event will go ahead as planned: “TAT is pleased to invite tourists to experience the beauty, charm, and culture of the 2022 Loi Krathong festival celebrations that will take place throughout Thailand in early November.”
Celebrations will be going on nationwide, with special events planned in most places. In Bangkok, an event called The Delightful Colours of The River: Bangkok Loi Krathong Festival 2022 will take place from 6-8 November at the Santi Chai Prakan Public Park.
Elsewhere in the capital, the ‘Wan Phen Yen Jai’ Bangkok River Festival 2022 will run from 5-8 November at 10 landmarks along the Chao Phraya River, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworawihan, Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan, Asiatique The Riverfront, and SOOKSIAM at ICONSIAM.
Other major celebrations will be served up in places such as Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Songkhla, Surat Thani and Ranong. Wherever travellers are in Thailand in early November, they’re sure to have an illuminating experience.
