Sukhothai lights fuse for spectacular festival in home of Loy Krathong
Sukhothai’s UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrating Loy Krathong in style from Saturday by inviting tourists to wear traditional costume and watch spectacular firework displays over Siam’s old capital.
Sukhothai governor Suchart Thikhasuk said staff adorned in period dress would welcome tourists at the Sukhothai Historical Park from November 18 to 27.
The old capital is said to be where Loy Krathong originated in the 13th century.
Sukhothai’s traditional Loy Krathong celebrations are considered among the most spectacular in the country, earning the Gold Prize from the Asia Chapter of the International Festival & Events Association.
Firework displays over Sukhothai historical park have become an iconic feature of the annual festival in Thailand. First introduced in the 1970s, they provide a brilliant backdrop for the fleets of floating lanterns launched on waterways below.
Loy Krathong is celebrated every year on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November.
Festivals held around the country offer Thais and tourists the chance to wash away their worries and bad luck by floating candlelit baskets for the water goddess.
