Loi Krathong Festival opening ceremony at the foot of the Rama 8 Bridge on October 31, 2009 at 19.00
	Rama 8 Public Park in Thonburi — the former capital before Bangkok, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and the area around Rattanakosin Island (Koh Rattanakosin)
	Illuminated boats procession of the Chao Phraya River from Krungthep Bridge to Thonburi Bridge (Sapan Krungthon)
	Loi Krathong celebrations of the Rattanakosin period at Santichaiprakarn Park

BANGKOK LOI KRATHONG
SPLENDOUR ON THE RIVER
October 31 – November 2, 2009/ 18.00 – 21.00 hrs
in Thonburi — the former capital before Bangkok, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and the area around Rattanakosin Island (Koh Rattanakosin)

Witness the ‘Festival of Lights’ in all its grandeur. Riverside hotels and restaurants, historic sites, government offices, and office buildings that line the banks of the Chao Phraya River — ‘River of Kings’ will be illuminated with beams of light and decorated with twinkling lights. The reflected light ‘dances’ on the water like shimmering liquid gold.

Seen from across the river, Rattanakosin Island — home of The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha — and other of the city’s famous landmarks are bathed in a warm glow creating a magical spectacle against the dark of night.

The riverside hotels and restaurants, dinner cruises, and boat trips along the river all provide the best vantage points from which to view the Chao Phraya River in all its splendour.

	Illuminated boats procession on the Chao Phraya River from Krungthep Bridge to Thonburi Bridge
	Loi Krathong celebrations of the Rattanakosin period
	Cultural presentations and stage performances
	Traditional market with food stalls
	Dinner cruises and Chao Phraya River boat trips offered by the Thai Boat Association
	Krathong floats are set adrift on the evening of 2nd November.

BANGKOK LOI KRATHONG OPENING CEREMONY
At the foot of Rama 8 Bridge
October 31, 2009 from 19.00 hrs onwards

The Bangkok Loi Krathong opening ceremony features a rare historical reenactment of the ancient ‘festival of light’ in which the Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam royal ritual is performed.

In former times, candles and the "priang” receptacle are presented to the king. The candles which were to be presented as sacred offerings are anointed with oxen fat or butter, lit by the king and placed in three distinct types of lanterns. Each denotes the rank and social status of the individual.

The lit lanterns are then hoisted onto lantern poles lining the palace walls as well as along the outer walls of the palace and the living quarters of the court attendants. At the end of the designated period, the lanterns are taken down from the poles and floated in the waterways.

The opening ceremony will also feature a showcase of Thai art and culture and musical performances. The traditional Nang Noppamas beauty contest — a key element of every Loi Krathong celebration never fails to draw a cheering crowd. The evening ends with the release of krathong floats set adrift on the Chao Phraya River.

BANGKOK LOI KRATHONG
TRADITIONAL LANTERN CEREMONY AT SANTICHAIPRAKARN PARK
November 2, 2009

The highlights of the evening include a historical reenactment of an ancient lantern lighting and hoisting ceremony and a traditional Loi Krathong ceremony as it was conducted in times past, a traditional lantern contest, live demonstrations of ancient art and culture. The evening draws to a close as krathong floats are set adrift on the water.

LOI KRATHONG HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENT VENUES AROUND THAILAND
Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak and Ayutthaya
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More about Loi Krathong
Hope Floats
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