25th of November, another night to remember. Let
us introduce you to another full moon festival in Thailand that is more
traditional and not wild, Loy Kratong festival. Traditionally, Loy Kratong
festival is the festival where Thais worship the water spirits and the main
purpose is to thank the Goddess of water. Loy means float in Thai and Kratong
is basically a banana stem wrapped with banana leaves and decorated beautifully
with flowers, candles and three incense sticks. They would make a wish and
float the Kratong to the water.
Our university (ABAC) hosted Loy Kratong festival a day
before the actual day. Of course we wouldn’t miss it. I have to say that they
did it pretty well! The decorations are actually amazing. It’s like going back
in the days how Thais really celebrate the festival. They have shows, game
boots, outdoor cinema, food stands, beauty contest (Thai style) and some people
actually dressed up in Thai traditional costume. They also have a section where
you can buy the Kratongs and even a section for you to make your own. They lit
the candles around the university’s pond and I have to say, it would be a nice
place to bring your date. Very romantic indeed!!
So, the next day on the actual day for this special occasion
we decided to go to one of Bangkok’s famous spot where this festival has taken
place, The Memorial bridge or “Sapaan-Poot”. The Memorial bridge is a bridge
over Chaopraya River (Thailand’s longest/ biggest river). Choco’s grandmother
always come here to float the Kratong during the festival every year back in
the day. Before we floated our Kratong, we’ve decided to make a stop for dinner
at a place nearby called Yodpiman River Walk. We highly recommend you to visit
this place. Beautifully built close to the river, there are also many cafés and
restaurants where you can lunch, dine and enjoy the breath taking view of
Chaopraya river and the temples around. Check out their website for more
details ;) http://www.yodpimanriverwalk.com/home/
Loy Kratong in ABAC
Love is in the air!
Beauty contest in ABAC. One of the highlights of the night! All dressed up in beautiful Thai traditional costumes.
When looking up, the sky was stunning, adding romantic scene. The sky really have no limit.
There's a hostel right inside the market!
Had a nice Italian cuisine at a restaurant called Pomi. A great mix to the night and the food was delicious!
Glass of wine and salmon worked. Checked.
Pier outside.
Decorated festival boats were passing by the river and blasting Thai country music from the speakers
The famous Chaophraya cruise buffet boat. Requires to book in advance, cant wait to try it out
 |
| Gonna surprise Choco one day with the Buffet boat :) |
The "core" of the festival area. Crowded zone. (under the Memorial bridge)
Vendors selling Kratongs made out of breads! Eco friendly and big feast to the fishes :D
One of the piers to float your Kratongs
On the bridge a lot of couples / peeps came to enjoy the night with a great view over the river
White Yolk's choice of Kratong. Who knows White Yolk can also be so romantic :p
Lowering the Kratong. Hope the wished comes true :)
On the way back, had to stop and capture this image, this is breath taking. They are preparing for the fathers day (5th of December). They started the decorations all over the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment