Thailand Loi Krathong Festival Tour Nov. 10 - 14, 2019. "Yee Ping"
Loy Krathong has an unequalled charm and mystique, whether it is celebrated on a grand scale in a major city or quietly in a small village, but for a truly breathtaking experience, the north of Thailand is the place to go.
So if you like colorful paper lanterns, fireworks, beautiful girls in traditional dress, parade floats, lots of food, and parties, do not miss the Loi Krathong festival.
This festival is held on the night of the 12th full moon of the year in most of the countries where it is celebrated,
except in Laos, where it coincides with the 11th full moon at the end of the rains retreat, the Buddhist Lent. In many
of the Thai provinces facing Laos across the Mekong River, there may also be a major festival of floating lights at that
time, such as Nakhon Phanom's spectacular Lai Rua Fai (many illuminated boats). Loy Krathong may have originally been
timed to coincide with the end of the life-giving rains, as a kind of harvest festival giving thanks for the abundance
of the crop now filling the granaries and wishing for further bounty in the year to come. There is also a great deal of
symbolism involved in the floating away of the Krathong, representing a cleansing of sins.
Join us for the Loi Krathong Festival in Sukhothai and Chiang Mai
Nov. 10 - 14, 2019
Day 1, Nov. 10, 2019
We will greet you at the airport in Chiang Mai. Time permitting we will visit Wat Doi Suthep Temple on top of the mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. We then visit Wat Prasing then by peddle taxi to Wat Chedi Luang. Check into your hotel.
Loi Krathong in Sukhothai
Day 2, Nov. 11, 2019
This morning we depart for the Ancient Capital of Sukhothai visiting Lampang along the way with lunch. Transfer to your hotel in Sukhothai. Tonight you will enjoy a Khantoke dinner with Thai music, dance, Laser light show and fireworks at the UNESCO World Heritage Park among the ancient ruins. (B,L,D)
Khantoke Dinner show in Sukhothai
Day 3, Nov. 12, 2019
Today we visit the ancient ruins in Sukhothai then return to Chiang Mai with lunch along the way. Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai. Tonight we will have an evening dinner cruise on the Ping River watching the people float their Krathongs and the fireworks. (B,L,D)
Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai and on the river
Day 4, Nov. 13, 2019 Today we sleep in before visiting the handicraft factories which have been an important part of Chiang Mai culture for hundreds of years. We will have lunch at the Chiang Mai Floating restaurant then go to a temple where your guide will show you how to make your own Krathong to float in the river tonight during dinner. Return to your hotel. Tonight at 5 PM we will go have dinner on the river across from the ancient Wang Khun Kham then on to the watch the parade. Return to your hotel. (B,L,D)
Loi Krathong Parade in Chiang Mai Thailand
Day 5, Nov. 14, 2019
Transfer to the airport or train station.
End tour, This is a private tour.