Most of us have seen the dreamlike image of hundreds of floating lanterns in sky, twinkling golden beams bobbing in water and wondered if this surreal picture is for real. Yes, Thailand looks magical and as surreal as the pictures during their festive night of Loy Krathong. Loy Krathong is a beautiful Thai festival about new hopes, aspirations, letting go of guilts, freeing from the negativity and riveting in positivity. Said to have started around eight hundred years ago in Sukhotoi, Loy Krathong falls on the twelfth lunar month every year. The sight of glowing lanterns full of wishes in the deep, dark sky and the beautiful krathongs that carry away all the troubles of mortals as they float afar, makes for a memorable lifetime moment.
Best spots to celebrate Loy Krathong
It would not be surprising to know that visiting Thailand during Loy Krathong is among one of the popular bucket list goals. This indeed is the best time to visit the land of smiles. Where to go in Thailand? This festival is celebrated everywhere in Thailand and you can see illuminations in every canal, river and lake in the country around this time. However, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the best destinations to visit for a truly exhilarating and joyful experience.
If you are looking to book a trip to Thailand for the Loy Krathong and need a little more convincing, we have another reason why you should go. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Singapore Office is giving away One-day BTS Passes and 90 minutes Thai Massage Vouchers (4-To-Go) for people who are visiting Thailand this year between 10 November to 31 December 2016.
Hotels in Bangkok
1. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (from USD 198)
Excellent value for money, luxury at great prices, free shuttle boats, and complimentary boat shuttle service.
Well-equipped fitness center, dry and wet saunas, spacious rooms, beautiful landscapes, and spacious and lush pool area.
Perfect location on the river, peaceful atmosphere, and easy boat access to the city center.
Exquisite breakfast with an elaborate spread, diverse buffet options, and amazing food at Trader Vic's and Italian restaurant.
Anantara Bangkok Resort & Spa is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok during Loy Krathong. Located by the riverside, Anantara ensures that all guests experience the magical full moon festival in all its beauty. There are special dinners to mark the occasion and cultural performances organized on the banks of Chao Phraya river. You can also take a cruise along the river and enjoy the glittering fireworks.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Address: 257 Charoennakorn Road, Samrae
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna
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2. The Siam Hotel (from USD 719)
Luxurious oasis in vibrant city, but remote from downtown. Complimentary ferry service to central Bangkok. High-end a la carte menu.
Stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, serene spa, and curated day trips by butler. Beautiful boat to heart of the riverfront.
Remote from downtown, feels like a luxurious serene resort. Complimentary ferry service to central Bangkok. River view rooms available.
Delicious breakfast, great high-end a la carte menu, and exceptional service. Beautiful dining experiences right on the river.
The Siam Hotel is one of the best places in Bangkok to enjoy the celestial views of festivities during Loy Krathong. The hotel celebrates the festival in its own grand way and you can partake in the ceremonies without braving the crowds in the city. There is a krathong making workshop, Thai market festival, cultural performances and you can float your own krathong on the Chao Phraya from the hotel itself.
The Siam
Address: 3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
3. Mandarin Oriental (from USD 623)
Luxurious but pricey, worth the cost for top-notch service and amenities.
Beautiful swimming pool, convenient boat trips to iconsiam, outstanding room service.
Great location on the Chao Praya River with easy access to Siam Icon Mall.
Delicious dining options, especially the breakfast on the terrace and the food at the China House.
The Mandarin Oriental is another hotel in Bangkok which ensures you don’t miss on any fun at the hotel. The hotel hosts various traditional festive contests like a beauty pageant and a krathong contest. You can also enjoy traditional Thai dance and Serng Pong Lang music after soaking in the magnificent views of Chao Phraya from the riverside terrace.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok - SHA Extra Plus
Address: 48 Soi Charoenkrung40, Charoenkrung Rd. Bangrak
Accommodates: 7
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna
Hotels in Chiang Mai
1. Baan Orapin (from USD 94)
Baan Orapin is a lovely Thai style oasis which makes for an ideal stay when visiting Chiang Mai. You would not miss any action during the festivities as it is a five-minute walk to the bustling riverside bar, art galleries and restaurants along the Ping river. The popular night bazaar is also a short walk away. As it is near the river, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the krathongs or take a tuk tuk to enjoy the zeal in the city.
Baan Orapin
Address: 150 Chareonraj Road Tambol Wat Ket Muang
WiFi Available Garden Hot tub Outdoor pool (all year) Air conditioning Internet services Shallow end Terrace
2. The Chiang Mai Riverside (from USD 138)
Reasonably priced for a boutique hotel, slightly off the city center.
Well-designed, family-friendly two-bedroom suites with high-quality in-room amenities. Small gym and swimming pool available.
Located about 10-15 minutes from the city center, offering a quiet retreat. Access to transportation recommended.
Traditional Thai restaurant with unique, hard-to-find dishes. Breakfast options outside the hotel recommended.
The Chiang Mai Riverside is another ideal place to stay during the festivities. Located on the bank of Ping River, The Chiang Mai Riverside employs Lanna-Thai style architecture, decorations and surroundings. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service and car hires for guests looking to go out for the floating lanterns.
The Chiang Mai Riverside
Address: 111 Moo 7, Padad, Muang
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden
3. Holiday Inn (from USD 63)
Great value for money, reasonable taxi fare to city center, unbeatable value for the money.
Nice swimming pool, excellent WiFi, large and pleasant rooms, helpful and professional staff.
Convenient location, quiet area near the river, close to restaurants and shopping, peaceful riverside area.
Delicious buffet and breakfast options, good breakfast service, excellent hospitality and arrangements for special occasions.
Enjoy the hypnotic views of the mountains and river during the festive season while staying at the Holiday Inn. The hotel is perfectly located on the banks of the Ping River and has easy access to city bazaars. We recommend booking the river view rooms at the Holiday Inn if you’re visiting at the during Loy Krathong.
Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
Address: 318/1 Chiangmai-Lamphun Road,T.Watekate, A.Muang
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
Head to Thailand for some spiritual cleansing!
Believe it, these rituals do help in spiritual cleansing. The expressions on people’s faces as they prepare their krathongs with hopes of packing away their regrets and starting afresh on a new clean slate, says it all. Partake in this soulful event and watch quandaries float away while new dreams rise higher in the skies with the bright lanterns and merge with the constellations.