One of the most important Thai celebrations is the Loy Krathong 2012 and will be held at November 28, and it is a reason for thousands of tourists to visit this country. As a tourist, you will have to be prepared for this celebration, and also for the climate changes in this country. The majority of people that want to come for the festival are from Europe and America, and it is not that easy for the respective persons to adapt to this country.
Bangkok and the Loy Krathong Tour
The majority of tours in Thailand start with a visit in Bangkok, and here, it is recommended for the tourists to relax at the pool of the hotel. There are special Loy Krathong tours, and you will have to be prepared for the long journey. Here is the classic Loy Krathong tour that is taken by the majority of tourists.
If you want to observe this holiday in its fullest glory, you will have to go to Ayuthaya. Here is the common itinerary:
- You will leave Bangkok in the morning, with a traditional rice boat, you will walk along the river, to the temple of Lampaya, to the summer palace Bang Pa In.
- You will have to visit the gardens and the Chinese Pavilion
- You will reach Ayuthaya, a place where you will spend the holiday.
Loy Krathong starts with a visit at Wat Phra Si Mahanther, a place where one of the most beautiful Buddha images can be found. It is called Phra Phutthachinnarat, and it is a bronze statue made in 1367. You will serve lunch at a local restaurant, and you can attend the flower parades that start from the center of the city to the national park Sukhothai. You will witness the numerous manifestations that are organized for this event, and you will participate with the locals to the rituals. During this celebration, you will have to launch small boats made of leafs on the river, as those boats will wash away the bad luck and the sins. This festival is one of the most important in Thailand, and the best place to celebrate Loy Krathong is Sukhothai.
The Origins of this Holiday
Loy Krathong is a celebration that is imported from India, where it is called Diwali. In Thailand, the festival was adapted to the local habits, but it remains a festival designed to celebrate Mae Khongkha, the Mother of Waters. The most important part of the festival is the moment when the boats are launched on rivers, but there are also the Royal rituals that ware adopted from other Buddhist habits. The ritual is an expression of gratitude for the gods that give water to the people, and also a reason to thank the gods and to ask them for a fruitful and lucky year.
Loy Krathong 2012
The festival will also please the gods, encouraging them to heal the people that are in need. In some places of Thailand, the festival has a dark side, as it is celebrated with fireworks, and hot air balloons, but also with incantations and sacrifices that might scare the tourists.
Picture source: flickr.com/photos/doiboipete/5390009589/
