"Loi" means "to float" and a "Krathong" is a raft.
It usually takes place in November, on the full moon of the 12th month in traditional Thai calendar. this year (2010), it falls on the 21st of November. In this celebration, there will be many people floating the small rafts (Krathong) on a river or other body of water, such as canals, lakes and seas. The floating raft is one way to honor and pay respect to the goddess of water.
so last night was the festival night of this Loi Krathong. We went to Patong beach to be the witness of this yearly event.
We arrived in Patong at 19.00 hours, the street was fulled by people from both local and foreigner, and plus the Loi Krathong Parade was passing by the street.
The parade took about 15 minutes, luckily we were exactly in the end of the street, so we could clearly see it.the giant Kratong from banana leaves with the kid or lady in traditional dress sat in the middle of it, the marching band, the traditional dance, the traditional-dress fashion show, were the main parts of this parade.
everybody was so excited, no exception :)
apart from that, you could find a totally different vibe of Bangla Road! the middle lot was filled by the rows of vendors, started from food, accessories, furnitures, even food massage. while, a stage for the band was also opened in the front side of this road.
shortly, it was a great combination of the modern nightlife and traditional night market in there.
You would find people gather in any beach in Phuket to celebrate the Loi Krathong Festival, not only in Patong Beach though. Kata, Kamala, or any beaches in town like the Saphan Hin (where the Loi Krathong Night Market took place).
as for Patong Beach, the Kratong sellers were over the street, the prices varied from 50 THB, 150 THB or will be more expensive, depend from their models.
this Kratong later will be floated to the beach.
also the flying lamp, fly it after you make your wish
by: Astrid
