Loy Krathong in Sukhothai ลอยกระทงสุโขทัย

The History of Loy Krathong

The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai.
Others overlook its origin and instead focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong, also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future. Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted during this festival. Examples of these activities are contests activities are contests involving Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.

Loy Krathong in Sukhothai

The Loy Krathong festival in old cities is very famous and attracts many visitors. The glory and historical presence of the kingdom comes alive in Phao Thian Len Fai in Sukhothai.
The annual Loy Krathong festival starts in November, when tiny boats decorated with flowers, incense and small coins are set afloat in the country’s water-ways, is celebrated in Sukhothai in especially grand fashion. There is a spectacular fireworks display, folk dances and an excellent sound-and-light shows illuminating Wat Mahathat. Loy Krathong is said to have originated in Sukhothai.
The famous Loy Krathong and Candle Festival in Sukhothai province features a procession of offerings, including Phanom Mak – the betel nut offering – and Phanom Dok Mai – the floral offering – carried by beautiful girls, as well as banana-leaf floats accompanied by the so-called Nang Nopphamat beauty queens.
The Phanom Mak and Phanom Dok Mai offerings are for the homage paying rite at King Ramkhamhaeng the Great monument in the heart of the ancient city of Sukhothai. After the rites, people as well as visitors come together to float the Krathongs on ponds, known as Traphang, inside the ancient city. The bright candle light from the floating Krathongs and the cool breeze of November together creates a pleasant atmosphere for all participants.

Sukhothai. สุโขทัย ห้องพัก โรงแรม ที่พัก ที่เที่ยว ที่กิน สุโขทัย

Sukhothai

  Located 450km from Bangkok on the banks of the Yom river, the new town of Sukhothai has little to interest most visitors.
However, the ancient city of Sukhothai, 12km to the west has a great deal to offer those interested in historical sites. This was Thailand's capital city from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century. In its heyday the Sukhothai kingdom extended as far south as Nakhorn Si Thammarat, Vientiane to the east and Pegu to the west.

Getting There

Air-conditioned buses run from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal and take about 8 hours to reach Sukhothai. There are also bus services from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Khon Kaen.
Trains from Bangkok to Phitsanulok take about 6½ hours. From there you can board a bus for the 60 minute journey to Sukhothai.
Thai International have daily flights from Bangkok to Phitsanulok which take 35 minutes. Bangkok Airways operate services from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Sukhothai's new airport.

Getting around

There are plenty of songthaews and tuk-tuks for trips around town or the 20 minute journey to old Sukhothai. If you want to travel further afield your hotel may be able to arrange for a car and driver.