The 13th and 14th century ruined pagodas and temples which make up Sukhothai Historical Park are the focal point of Sukhothai’s Loy Krathong events. The local municipality says the festival is being toned down for 2016 as the country is still mourning the loss of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Nevertheless, the park and its monuments will be illuminated so that people can launch their little krathong craft into its streams and lotus ponds. The plan is also to light 9,999 candles a day at 18:00 for the five days of the festival.
Fireworks displays, live theatrical shows and the release of the fabled kom loi balloon lanterns into the night sky will not feature in this year’s Loy Krathong. Seats on trains, buses and aeroplanes to Sukhothai and Chiang Mai are selling out fast and 12GO ASIA advises travellers to make their plans accordingly.
Loy Krathong Festival begins in Sukhothai
News in Asia
The ancient northern Thai city of Sukhothai has already begun its Loy Krathong Festival. The festival and its traditions are said to have evolved from the old Sukhothai Kingdom and most 21st century Thais claim it is still the best place in the country to celebrate it.