Loy Krathong is one of the most beloved festivals in the Thai calendar, and for good reason. The ritual floating of a krathong — a vessel typically decorated with plants, flowers, candles, coins, or incense — dates back more than a thousand years. Releasing a krathong into a lake or river may have been an offering to ancient water goddesses, a celebration of the harvest season, or an early Buddhist observance. Today, people of all walks of life celebrate Loy Krathong as a way of showing gratitude for the things they have and releasing negative thoughts and transgressions.
If you are staying with us at Centre Point Sukhumvit, you are in luck. Our neighborhood has many popular gathering points for Loy Krathong celebrations, and we highly recommend that you attend this year to experience the magical sights of this festival. Here are a few nearby options:
To float your own krathong, head to the large lake at Benjakitti Park, just 200 meters south of the hotel. Compared to other Loy Krathong hotspots, Benjakitti is slightly off the beaten track. This makes it a good option for a lower-key Loy Krathong, as there will be fewer people gathered around the lake. Take a blanket and sit down in the grass to relax and enjoy the festivities throughout the evening!
If you want to visit a more popular destination, we are also close to Lumpini Park, a place where many local residents gather for Loy Krathong. Street vendors will sell food as well as pre-made krathongs for you to float on the lake. People observing Loy Krathong often play music, pray, and wear traditional Thai costumes. Lumpini Park always has a fun atmosphere for Loy Krathong, but we do recommend arriving early as the crowds around the lake can mean that you will wait in the queue to release your krathong.
The shopping and entertainment districts in our immediate vicinity will also have special offerings for the Loy Krathong festival. You may find special dishes, sweets, and krathongs for sale at malls, street vendors, and restaurants along Sukhumvit Road. If you have time, we recommend purchasing natural materials to make your own krathong, which you can decorate as you like with flowers, incense, candles, etc.
Visitors to Bangkok during this special festival are in for a treat — we encourage you to attend a Loy Krathong celebration, if only to see the breathtaking view of krathongs floating along the water. Feel free to ask at reception for directions or recommendations for the festival season. Happy Loy Krathong!
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