Loi Krathong
 

Hey Guys,
Has anyone out there in Fodors land been to the Loi krathong fest. in Chang Mai or Bkk.I read its on Nov 17th this yr?Which location would be better??If at all.
Thanks,
Ellen

LK in Chiang Mai, it was without doubt one of the best things we have done in all our visits to Thailand. We loved it and Chiang Mai was magical at that time. Book your accommodation now though......

I've been in Bangkok many times for Loy Krathong. I love Bangkok, not so fond of CM, so the choice for me is clear. There are celebrations everywhere for Loy Krathong.

Ellen,

For Bangkok, the best place for the celebration will be along the Chao Praya river by the 3 big hotels, the Shangri - La, Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula. There will be a lot of fireworks, normally around 9 PM but for an exact time you will have to check with one of the hotel on the day. However, there will be lots of people gathering both at the hotels and any free space along the river on that night. Lots of boats with loud music on the river but as soon as the fireworks stop, usually last 15 - 20 minutes, people dissipate quick quickly.

For Chiang Mai it will be less hectic with less fireworks but more serene and authentic. More floating lanterns and better weather and temperature. Usually at that time of the year the temperature in Chiang Mai will be a lot cooler than Bangkok.

Chiang Mai has a different festival - Yee Peng ( Noted especially for Loi Khom - the floating lanterns) usually now on the same dates but on a different lunar calendar. There is also a tourist orientated affair later in the month. Chiang Mai is pretty hectic! I shall be in Chachoensao

the fireworks in bkk along the river by the 3 mentioned hotels are fantastic.... viewing spots are quite limited..

Thanks so much,I think we will go to Chang mai.Cutting Bali short for this one!Hope its worth it??

Can u PLEASE tell me, has any one flown into D.M.airport in BKK is it easy?Looking at air Asia for Chang Mai and Siem Reap.Hate to waste time to save a little bucks and, almost the whole day into Siem Reap. Looks like no early flights like Bangkok Air.
Thoughts PLEASE??

Don Muaeng airport is very easy, much easier than the main airport Suvarnabhumi. Smaller, shorter walks, less crowded and you don't have to wait long for your luggage.

You should also check out Nok Air as well. I prefer them over Air Asia and they give you 15 kg of free check-in luggage and you can buy more weight if require.

http://www.nokair.com/nokconnext/aspx/index.aspx

Don Muang used to be the only airport in Bangkok. It's very easy, especially now that there are few carriers flying into Don Muang. But I wouldn't want to miss a day in Siem Reap.

Hoe much time do you have in Bali? I don't know that I'd cut Bali short for Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, but I guess it depends on how much time you have there.

Tell us what your itinerary looks like now, how many days in each place, and maybe we can help with a different routing.

Hey Kath and Hanuman,
heres what I have so far, I have 3 months Nov, Dec Jan.And, as u already know been to BKK,Siem Reap, 4 times already love it.My fried will be joining me now and, has not ever been to Asia.
Fly in Nov 5th starting from PHX ON THE 3RD.
Flying in late so we took a hotel in...
!.Kuta for 2 nights 5 n 6th.Ck out the shops,resturants so on.
2.7th and 8th free days get driver for the Island drive.
3.Santi in Ubud for 4 nights 9th-12th
4.lombock 3 nights 13-15th lombock stay at Sheraton
5.16th fly to Bkk overnight to drop bags will be shopping dont want to lug stuff around.
7.Fly to C.M.on Sunday 17th for walking market and to see Loi Kathrong for first time.
Stay in C.M. for 4 nights maybe on to Pai do a circle??I never been??
We have the 17th thru the 30th of Nov free before we ck into the Aldelphi in Bkk.Thinking Laos down the mekong? Havent done that yet to L.P.
What ya think so far?

Looks good so far. But don't stay at the Sheraton in Lombok, Stay at Qunci Villas (the hotel part) - less expensive, much nicer, less crowded beach.

Laos is lovely. I haven't done the trip down the river to LP, but it sounds good (just don't do the speedboat - very dangerous).

While in northern Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop would be nice.

I second the wonderful. qunci villas, we stayed there last year amazing place
Is there a particulars reason you want to stay in Kuta?

qunci for sure..

I would NOT cut bali short for loy krathang... its not that big of a deal..

Bob i have to ( respecfully) disagree, we thought it magical in Chiang Mai during LK ( I know you are not a fan of CM) but the lanterns and floats and whole atmosphere was really lovely the whole time we were there.