Bangkok Day Trips
Loy Krathong at Chang Erawan
Written by Richard Barrow   
Saturday, 24 November 2007

Loy Krathong

One of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand is Loy Krathong which takes place during the full moon night in November. The festival takes place all over the country. They usually advertise Bangkok, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai being the main places. But most towns and villages throughout the country have equally beautiful festivities. In Samut Prakan we have three main areas: City Hall, Navy Academy and Chang Erawan. It was the later where I spent most of this evening. However, I also visited a rather smelly klong alongside a temple where people were floating their handmade krathongs. It was a beautiful site as the candles in the krathongs twinkled in the darkness. Overhead giant lanterns were floating away in the sky. In the distance I could see the firework celebrations at the city hall. When people ask me where to float their krathongs, I say it doesn’t really matter as there are events going on al around the country wherever there is a stretch of water.

Loy Krathong

At Chang Erawan, which is the giant three-headed elephant, they had many cultural shows for people to sit and enjoy as well as a beauty contest for Miss Nopamas. They also had a pond where you could float your krathong. This was my first time here for Loy Krathong. I usually go to City Hall. I thought it was very good and I think I will come here again next year. Please enjoy a selection of my photographs.

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong

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Comments (10)Add Comment
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written by friskodude, (visitor)
That first photo in this series is one of the best I've ever seen of Loy Krathong. Surrealistic and emotional and beautiful. Congrats, not only are you a decent writer but you're also a very good photographer.
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written by Amy, (visitor)
Agreed with the previous comment - GORGEOUS, colorful photos. You've captured Loy Krathong quite well. It was held last weekend here in the States because Thanksgiving Day and the following weekend are all holidays that would conflict with Loy Krathong. It's just not the same with a half-moon in the sky! Hope to be there in Thailand for next year's holiday.
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written by Guava, (visitor)
Richard, I agree with post #1 the first photograph captures the beauty of this festival superbly. Wonderful composition and colours.
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written by Chani, (visitor)
Beautiful! Beautiful! The pictures are just wonderful!
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written by Stephen Cleary, (visitor)
Have to agree with Carl (Friskodude) that that is one of the finest photos of Loy Kratong i've ever seen (top pic). Would have been made just slightly better if the girls in the picture had been smiling - just a little!
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written by Michael Johnson, (visitor)
Very impressive photography Richard.
Personally, I think the look of concentration on all of the girls in the first picture emphasises the importance of their duties, and the unusual lack of a 'Thai smile' adds to the interest of the image. I'm also interested in who/what they're looking at, and what significance there is in their decorative headwear. Another really interesting post!
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written by Pacharapan, (visitor)

I have to agree with above comments. lol.
Even I'm living in Thailand, I'd never seen any better photos of Loy Kratong!

Just arrived here. I'll come visit regularly. ^-^
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written by Bergen, (visitor)
Thank you for all the nice pics and interesting articles in this blog. I'm relaxed and feel as if I'm on vacation just by reading your blog.

Keep it coming.
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written by mick1306, (visitor)
I agree with all the above comments about the first photo. I would buy it and frame it if it were sold as a print.
I saw my first Loy Krathong this year in Wichianburi and spent half of Saturday making my own Krathong (ok watching my wife and mother-in-law make it while I messed about with banana leaves and a stapler.)
It was probably the most beautiful thing I have seen in Thailand.
The photos cheared me up slightly as I am now back in the uk and about to start my first day back at work.
Thank You
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written by Stephen Peter Jones, (visitor)
Such wonderful vibrant colours from a festival i remember so well. I spent the the last Loy Krathong near my home where I was teaching English for five years. I lonely at the time although had a few locals to speak to in the same road. I payed my respects that day although found it difficult to wai passing the decorated flower and bed offering to the rain god or budha. many people did the same around me withour even the slightest glanses at me been a westerner paying my respects. This was the start of jouney i'll never forget in Thailand which opened my mind and senses to my surroundings. This was anew journey across amny countries and a new beginning to a strong future.

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