TAT gearing up for unique Loi Krathong of Samut Songkhram 2018

Loi Krathong, one of Thailand’s most enchanting annual festivals, falls on 22 November this year, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the unique Loi Krathong Kap Kluai of Samut Songkhram 2018 event from 21 to 23 November in Samut Songkhram province west of Bangkok.

“With its widespread appeal and popularity, Loi Krathong is an ideal opportunity to promote tourism linkages from major to secondary cities, in line with the government’s policy to better balance the distribution of tourists and tourism revenue between urban and rural areas and even out monthly travel seasonality. The Loi Krathong Kap Kluai of Samut Songkhram offers visitors the opportunity to experience Thailand from another perspective and see more of the Thai way of life, just as the ‘Amazing Thailand Open to the New Shades’ communication concept encourages. It also supports the Amazing Thailand Go Local campaign that promotes 55 secondary destinations to Thai and foreign travellers,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor.

Yi Peng Festival at Phan Tao Temple, Chiang Mai

Under the theme ‘Colours of the River, Loi Krathong Celebrations’, the Loi Krathong Kap Kluai of Samut Songkhram 2018 will take place at two venues – Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong on 21 and 22 November and at the King Rama II Memorial Park on 23 November.

The festival’s programme features traditional, cultural and environmentally-friendly activities – in line with TAT’s responsible tourism initiatives – that include floating of Krathong Kap Kluai or banana stem cups on the Mae Klong River, cultural performances and processions. See more details here.

In addition to hosting Loi Krathong Kap Kluai of Samut Songkhram, There are many other destinations that organise the festival known for their unique Loi Krathong traditions:

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2018, 20-23 November, celebrates traditions and activities that are unique to the Lanna people and their culture.

Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2018, 16-25 November, commemorates the glorious era of the Sukhothai period with the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the setting for the festival’s activities.

Tak Loi Krathong Sai Festival 2018, 18-22 November, is famous for its Loi Krathong Sai or the floating of a long line of coconut shell krathongs.

Lampang Ngan Sapao Chao Lakon 2018, 21-23 November, is the only location in Northern Thailand that still makes ‘long sapao’ or floats junk-like krathongs.

Roi Et “Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip” 2018, 21-22 November, is one of the province’s most important Buddhist events that celebrates the history and culture unique to the Saket Nakhon (former name of Roi Et) people.

Ratchaburi Loi Krathong Si Festival 2018, 22-24 November, at Wat Sai Ari Rak, celebrates traditions and activities that are unique to the Mon people living along the Mae Klong River, including floating krathong cups made from eco-friendly colour paper and taking part in Buddhist ceremonies to pay respect to the Buddha.

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital Loi Krathong Festival 2018, 22 November, at King Naresuan the Great Monument near Thung Phu Khao Thong, hosts several activities including a krathong-making contest, beauty contests, cultural performances and a moon-bathing ritual to bring good fortune.

In addition to the Loi Krathong celebrations in Samut Songkhram, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak, Lampang, Roi Et, Ratchaburi and Ayutthaya, the Loi Krathong Festival 2018 is celebrated throughout Thailand with activities and events varying depending on the location.