LOYKRATONG FESTIVAL THAILAND
Loykratong Thailand, Loy Kratong is probably the most picturesque and beautiful of all Thai celebrations. 'Loy' literally means 'to float,' while 'Kratong' refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Originally, the Kratong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. A Kratong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. The making of a Kratong is much more creative these days as many more materials are available. The Loy Kratong ritual is a simple one. One needs only to light the candles and the joss sticks, make one's wishes and let it float away with the current of a river or a canal.On that day, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. With kratong in hands, they light the candle, put some coins in the kratong and silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current. They watch intently as the float drifts silently  downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. Altogether it is considered a romantic night for couples or lovers. Couples who make a wish together on Loy Kratong are thought to stay together in the future.

Origins
Different legends surround the origins of Loy Kratong. The most popular version is it was an expression of gratitude to the goddess of water 'Phra Mae Kongka' for having extensively used, and sometimes polluted, the water from the rivers and canals. It is also in part a thanksgiving for her bounty in providing water for the livelihood of the people.
Others believe that the floral kratong is offered to the pagoda containing the Lord Buddha's topknot, which was cut off at his self-ordination and is now in heaven. Another explanation is that it is a way to pay respect to one's ancestors.
Whatever the true origin, the practice of Loy Kratong first began in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai in the 13th century. A young queen named Nang Noppamas was believed to be the one who made a small boat laden with candles and incense and floated it down the river. The name Nang Noppamas has been associated with Loy Kratong ever since.
Today, Loy Kratong offers a unique occasion to celebrate. It's a good time for people to make wishes and look to the future as they float their floral offerings along the waterways.
Where to celebrate
Although celebrated nationwide, Loy Kratong is particularly delightful in the provinces of Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
As the place of origin of the festival, Sukhothai rightly remains the focal point of the celebrations. The festival comes with a spectacular light-and-sound show held in the ancient and traditional setting of the Sukhothai historical park.
Chiang Mai is another prime site to celebrate Loy Kratong. The festival is known in northern dialect as 'Yi Peng.' The largest kratongs are decorated floats, paraded through the town on trucks. The colorfully lit floats form a long glittering parade as they make their way to the river.
Meanwhile, up above thousands of 'khom loy' (floating lanterns) drift into the night sky. These large balloon-like lanterns are released at temples and sometimes from private homes in the hope that misfortune flies away with them.
The Chao Phraya River is one of the main waterways to celebrate the Loy Kratong festival. In Bangkok, riverside hotels organize special celebrations for their guests. In some hotels, swimming pools are turned into a temporary river for the Loy Kratong celebration.

Loy Krathong in Bangkok with Bangkok Dinner Cruises
In Bangkok you will never miss a Loy Krathong festival. Popular places for Loy Krathong include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen’s Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded. Many of the hotel and waterside restaurant offer Loy Krathong dinners and cruises. If you don’t want to go into the crowd,  As the end of the year draws nearer, the more preparations and setting up there are for this festival. Have fun! on other way you can enjoint to Loykratong Night on Thai River Cruise as bellows

Wanfah Cruise Bangkok Dinner Cruise on Loy Kratong Night " Amazing Loy Kratong Night Festival 2010 " with Bangkok Dinner Cruise and Thai Classical Dance. Bangkok Loy Kratong Night Dinner Cruise on Chaophraya River The presentation of a Thai cultural showcase is the highlight of the Loi Krathong gala celebrations being held at Lan Tasanapirom Plaza and Chaophraya River, you can enjoy with loy kraong nights festival onboard.

Jakkaew Loy Kraong Dinner Cruise and Thai Dance Welcome aboard  “ Bangkok Loy Kratong Night “ Check in at River City Pier ( Pier 2) and Boarding to Jak Kaew Boat, Welcome by our charming girl. Departure from the River City Pier, Welcome drink will be served .Enjoy Loy Kratong Night along Chao Phraya River bank. Thai classical Dance and Music Show,

Chaophraya Princess Cruise  Loi Kratong Dinner Cruise Loi Kratong Night by Chaophraya Princess Cruise, A touch of world class dinner cruise in Bangkok Dine on a stylish luxurious cruise. View the historical landmarks on a river cruise along theChao Phraya River and experience the beautiful night sceneries with a romantic atmosphere on our dinner cruise in the middle of Bangkok. Chaophraya River was the origin of Thai civilization that passed down a long lasting history well known

Chaophraya Cruise Bangkok Loy Kratong Dinner Cruise  Bangkok Loi Kratong Dinner Cruise  by Chaophraya Cruise, Chaophraya Cruise is one of the luxury cruises; it is convenient, glamorous and classy decorated with applied Thai style which is refined, graceful, and unique. You will experience pleasant and warm Thai hospitality, full of friendliness and charm. When traveling with us,

Grand Pearl Cruise Bangkok Loy Kratong Dinner Cruise   Grand Pearl Cruise ,The warm service of our well-trained and experienced staff is second to none, and is complemented by the ambience of live jazz and popular music performed by Thai and international artists. Your experience will be made even more memorable by our state-of-the art entertainment systems. Grand Pearl Cruises provides a wide array of catering services including meetings, press conferences, public relations events, staff parties, birthday parties, dream weddings and more.

 See more Loykratong Dinner Cruise in Bangkok Thailand : Loykratong Dinner Cruise Bangkok