To mark the most romantic of the Thai festivals – Loy Kratong – Agoda Company, a discount online hotel bookings site, has arranged exclusive rates and availability with hotels close to some of Thailand’s nicest waterways.
Definitely the most romantic of the Thai celebrations, the popular Loy Kratong is a must-experience for those visiting the land of smiles. Held on the 24th of November this year, the festival was originally adopted by Buddhists during the reign of Thai King Rama IV in 1863.
Loy translates to “float” in Thai, while Kratong is the tray used made from banana leaves. The light from the candle is to honor the Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or faults in a person’s character. Hence the act of floating a kratong is a means for a person to make amends and start afresh.
However, most Thais also float their kratong to honor and thank the goddess of the rivers and waterways, Mae Nam, who they also believe will bring good luck. This relates to the romantic legend of Nang Nopamas, who was a royal consort to King Ramkhamhaeng (the founder of Sukhothai in Northern Thailand).
According to the legend, Lady Nopamas made the first Kratong as a gift to please the river goddess and set it afloat in the palace canals so that it would pass by her lover, the King. The King was enchanted by this creation. This is why it is believed that if two lovers set a kratong into a waterway and it stays afloat until it has left their sight, the love will last forever.
Celebrations abound across Thailand during Loy Kratong, especially in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river. Beauty queen contests also run concurrently with the festival called “Nopamas Queens Contests” adding more color into the mix of activities.
While the event is very popular and most hotels in prime spots are booked out, Agoda.com has exclusive availability and competitive rates for the following hotels:
Bangkok
The Oriental Hotel – Rates starting at US$ 335
Menam Riverside – Rates starting at US$ 68
Chiang Mai
Rarinjinda Wellness Spa & Resort – Rates starting at US$ 167
Ayatana Hamlet & Spa – Rates starting at US$ 97
Ayuttaya
Woraburi Ayothaya – Rates starting at US$ 36
Ayothaya Riverside – Rates starting at US$ 25
Pattaya
Dusit Pattaya – Rates starting at US$ 113
Woodlands Resort – Rates starting at US$ 69
Phuket
At Panta Hotel – Rates starting at US$ 88
Alpina Phuket Nalina Hotel – Rates starting at US$ 84
For more information regarding Agoda, please access its website at www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda Team via e-mail at
[email protected].