A quick, private (but noisy) Loy Krathong

That time of year again, Loy Krathong. With Sutiya in the last stages of pregnancy we are not as mobile as last year,  so we literally just nipped over the road to the temple opposite the house.

The temple grounds were very pretty, with bright multi-coloured lights hanging amongst all the trees. Although it was only early in the evening, there were still quite a few people present in the grounds and on the pierside. There was also a very distinct and relaxed anticipation in the air. 

Our pretty little krathong cost a whopping 40 baht, or 70p. A few people were sat along the river, casting off their krathongs. We lit the candles on ours, said a few little wishes, and cast her off down river.

The one 'downside' about living near the temple is the full on rave that takes place into the early hours. It gets seriously loud, stupidly loud, right up to 3-4am. But it's no problem, just another side to Thai life that we are used to.

Comments

[Mike]

Ben-looks cool, it was all a bit frenetic in Khlong Wan-breweries and booze ups spring to mind.

I enjoyed it but arrived home to find a rave taking place in the coconut grove just down the road which finished at 2am.

Probably curtailed early due to high winds and coconuts!

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Mike it was pleasant. The loud music and banging basslines take getting used to ..(about a year from personal experience). I can pretty much ignore them and sleep thru now. Having a temple close by definitely has its pro's and con's.

[malcolm]

Ben, great pictures, can you believe it --- this year we stayed home for the first time , it was a bit chilly and Ciejay did not want me out around lots of people and the cool weather , but I did not miss to much , the music and movies and chanting and all the stuff wes SOOOOO LOUD that even with the windows closed it was as if I was there on the fromt row ha ha . Glad you had a good time and we are praying for easy delivery of the kid soon . Malcolm and Ciejay

[Catherine]

This was my first Loi Krathong celebration. I had a house guest wanting a taste of Thailand so it was good timing.

We had a beautiful dinner on the river, floated our Krathongs off the pier, and played a few games (darts and ring the bottle). Then, with mostly full bottle of Whiskey in hand, we wandered around by the fortress watching traditional Thai plays and reading the various signage for the No Smoking No Drinking campaign.

Next year I will head north to experience their version of Loi Krathong.

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Malcolm, nothing wrong with a staying in... Seem that whoever you speak with, nobody gets away with a 'quiet' Loy Krathong eh.. Thanks for your best wishes! much appreciated.

Hi Cat, sounds ace, nice meal followed by the festivities with a bottle of Thailand's finest... what could be more 'taste of Thailand' than that! great stuff!

[Martyn]

Ben after talking to Wilai and reading a few reports on the Loy Krathong celebrations it would seem the high winds dampened some of the festivities in other parts of the country. At least you managed to light your candles.

Perhaps you needed to relight the fire in your belly and get out and join the fun till four in the morning. If your rugby pals read this you could be relegated to the subs bench at best. Ben skipping a good old knees up, whatever next.

[Ben Shingleton]

Aye I'm craving a game I have to say Martyn, I even missed watching the Eng vs Aus game last night, which was tough (I can't watch in SB, I have to get to BKK). What can I say? Looks like I'll have to keep the sub bench warm for a while...

[Vacation Deals]

great time for celebration..
very colorful lights which are nice to look at...

[cedric]

Hi,
I'm so happy to read your blog. It's marvelous. I very love your blog! Great work!

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Cedric