My first trip to Thailand will be during Loy Krathong. I will be in Bangkok, Chaing Mai and Sukhothai during this time period.
My hotel in Bangkok is the Century Park, which is not near the river. I would love to see the celebration and fireworks. What is the best way to enjoy the festivities and and then be able to get back to the Skytrain for my ride to the hotel. I understand the fireworks go off near the Penn.
How is it celebrated in the other cities?
Thank you for your help.

In Bangkok, there are fireworks on the river in front of all of the major hotels - Shangri-La, Oriental, Royal Orchid, Hilton Millenium, Pen. Earlier in the day, you can see vendors selling krathongs, and in the evening you can see people launching them on the river.

Since I always watch the fireworks from my hotel room, I haven't watched from other places. But I'm sure you'd get a great view from the Sky Bar or one of the other bars atop hotels just a few blocks from the river.

I had dinner last year at the Pen and watched the fireworks - we weren't staying there last year though. All the hotels around the river will do special dinners but they are VERY expensive - you can usually use one of the other restaurants in the hotel and just go out onto the terrace for the fireworks. All will be pretty busy. We didn't do the big special dinner at the Pen as we were there to see a friend on staff and he'd organised a few special treats and spot for us. The river gets really busy with locals so if you are coming down to the river by skytrain then you will have to squeeze through the masses of people that will be at the river end (Taksin) - its really interesting though. Just be aware that in such busy crowds there will always be a few pickpockets. Also we only just made it back in time to catch the last skytrain of the night at midnight so bear that in mind - you could get a cab at that time easily enough.

Also although Loy Krathong extends over a number of days there is usually only one night when there are fireworks. Other places that things happen in the city - basically anywhere that there is moving water. Remember too if you by a krathong to launch you must put a small coin on it - if not no luck. Of course down the river a bit the small boys are all hauling them out again - both for the coins and to resell!

... ahh, Loy Krathong in Bangkok ...

... as noted, a special evening, indeed. Last year's celebration by our 'other' river hotel, the Oriental, most special; fine family, friends (and weather).

... now, another suggestion for viewing: the 'little public pier', just south of the all-powerful Oriental's dock. Last year, some mutual friends from the 'Best Beauty Salon', adjacent to the Oriental, got joyously carried away and sent 'champagne', candles, flowers, and hopes and dreams, 'down by the river' ... (thank you, Neil Young) ... (and one is now married; it does occur) ...

... we'll be back next month for Loy Krathong at the same (and, hopefully, still-expense account) honeymoon hotel; but must confess to you fine 'Fodorites': the 'eye-level' views from our 'other river place', the Peninsula, aren't bad. (Deepest apologies for not revealing our all-time cherished room/suite names/numbers.)

... savour your special Thai times, perhaps, with that rather sweet Singaporean airline ...

macintosh (robert)


... gentle hostess, in your sarong, you care for me, as only you know how ...

We will be staying at the Oriental for Loy Krathong - -- can't wait.

Loy Krathong in CM is one of my ever lasting Thailand memories. I would imagine anywhere in Thailand would be amazing during LK would be FAB

I agree with Smeagol.. LK in Chiang Mai is really special. Everyone is on the street. There are thousands of floating lanterns in the sky. It's truly a festival. I haven't been to LK in BKK, but from all reports, it's a much more sterile experience.

>>>I haven't been to LK in BKK, but from all reports, it's a much more sterile experience.<<<


... (well, and just between us: 'LK' in BKK has been known to bring out the passion in certain Thai women ... (mind you, long, long, before meeting mrs. m) ...

... and speaking of fireworks down by the Chao Phraya, I must give props to one of my all-time favourite Bangkok business/(occasional pleasure)/Loy Krathong hotels, the Shangri-La, and yes, those 'personal butlers', Khun 'Mary', 'Sophia' and 'Nathalie'. (Thanks forever, 'ladies': just know I occasionally tested your discretion during my 'bachelor days' ... (And, as for the 'ultimate gatekeepers' at the 'KW' front door and lobby: thanks again for my 'special room' and bestowing 'Esteemed Guest' status upon me; not, well, actually deserved, but I'll take it, and I do look forward to seeing you again next week: with photos.)

... (finally, for all of you out there who occasionally think about flying with those sensational Singapore Girls: kindly check out sqtalk, and a certain thread with a pic of a rather rare PPS, and a rather revered 'Girl'. ... (Gotta love those 'Supervisor' kebaya colours ... and rumour has it, certain subtle changes are afoot.)

... as always, joyous, uplifting Loy Krathong times ... (and that Asian airline) ...

macintosh


... "He gave her 10,000 baht!" ...

(Room 9__, Shangri-La, Bangkok, November 199_)

you might consider a river cruise that nite....

a fabulous spot to see them would be from the 360 lounge atop the hilton, but i bet they have a cover charge....

pool area at the sheraton too

In Bkk, Yokyor Restaurants are right on the river(a few locations),and their good food prices are reasonable. There is one Yokyor near the Millennium Hilton with a nice view of the riversides. From there, a short taxi ride could take you to the end of Taksin Bridge across from the Sky Train station.

Consider walking on the bridge to watch all things happening around the "downtown of the river side." There, you are not far from the Sky Train station to get back before midnight.

LK is one our best memories of Thailand also! We were down on koh chang and let our little boat go out into the ocean, it was before midnight because we were tired from scuba diving all day. I remember looking down the beach and I swore I saw like 15 UFOs! Come to find out it was the lanterns rising into the night sky! DOH!