Loi Krathong Festival in Phitsanulok

Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month on the traditional Thai lunar calendar. On the western calendar this usually falls in November.

"Loi" means "to float" and a "krathong" is traditionally made from a section of banana-tree trunk. Modern krathongs are more often made of bread or styrofoam. A bread krathong will disintegrate in a few a days and be eaten by fish and other animals. The traditional banana stalk krathongs are also biodegradable, but styrofoam krathongs are frowned on, since they pollute and may take years to disappear. Regardless of the composition, a krathong will be decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. A low value coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits.

During the night of the full moon, Thais will float their krathong on a river, canal, pond, or lake. The festival is believed to originate in an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters. Today it is simply a time to have fun. (source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong)

This year we joined the Loi Krathong festival with my friends in my hometown, Phitsanulok. We floated our krathong and also release a floating lantern, which is believed to remove bad luck as it goes into the sky.

Before we returned to Bangkok, we also visited the waterfall called Sakunotayan with my friend and her dad. It was a very good time. Thanks to my friend’s dad for a delicious lunch which we ate on a rock near the water fall. 

                                                                                                        - Thanks for visiting -