9 riverside spots you absolutely cannot miss this Loy Krathong

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It’s November and you know what that means. Take a break from counting down to the New Year countdown to celebrate new beginnings with Loy Krathong. To make the most out of this annual celebration, River Festival 2018 is back with their annual event on the Chaophraya River. 9 piers. 4 nights. And countless points of attraction to see, feel, and immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Thank us later, because we’re cruising with you to 9 scenes on the Chaophraya where Loy Krathong will be very special. Keep your fingers trigger-happy to take photos at each of these beautiful spots!

Tha Maharaj
One of the Chaophraya’s most active piers, and possibly the most majestic view of Wat Arun, Tha Maharaj is where you can capture the most spectacular angles of the river (call it riverscape, not landscape), all the floating krathongs, and the highlight ‘Art Lights Happiness’ lighting show from River Festival.

Wat Pho

Before you get to float krathongs, make sure you take any of your visiting friends to feast their eyes on the gleaming golden Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha — bonus points if you witness this sight at night. If walking and taking pictures start to make your stomach growl, fill up on delicious, signature Thai food at the local community stalls and traditional markets.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is a must-visit on any itinerary, even if you consider if you consider yourself a born-and-bred Bangkokian. Experience the unique candlelight procession before joining artisanal workshops on making lotus dolls and royal Thai desserts. These are just a small glimpse of all the activities to come at Wat Arun during River Festival’s Loy Kratong.

Wat Kalayanamitra

This pier may be a little hard to pronounce but don’t let that stop you from seeing this iconic temple. During the River Festival it will host Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and rope braiding workshops. You can even participate in a merit making ceremony — maybe you might get a blessing or two. If you feel a little more artsy, there’s even a ‘Lantern of Happiness’ art installation made of lights to celebrate the festival.

Wat Prayoon

In case you feel like you’ve earned enough merits for one day, at Wat Prayoon you can get hands-on with paper mache and woven animal DIY workshops. If you get hungry here, you’re in luck. The foodie community in this area, ‘Samrub Bangkok,’ is giving visitors a taste of traditional fusion food with Thai-Muslim, Thai-Portuguese, Thai-Mon,Thai-Chinese, and Thai-Laotian cuisines.

Yodpiman Riverwalk

This pier right beside 24-hour Pak Klong Flower Market is the perfect place to get bouquets and garlands. It’s a boat interchange stop that is frequented by locals looking for an ice cold coffee fix, or a fun dining experience by the river. There’s a ton of international cuisine if you want a break from Thai food (as if), which comes ready served with a priceless view of the river.

Asiatique the Riverfront

This one is a must-visit, according to pretty much every single travel guidebooks and blogs about Bangkok. During River Festival 2018 Asiatique will transform one of its zones into a temple fair complete with dazzling fireworks to get into the Loy Krathong groove. Apart from customizing their own krathong boats, visitors are welcome to collaborate on the art installation ‘Reflection Bliss Tunnel.’ To find out what awaits at the end of the tunnel you’ll have to experience it for yourself!

Lhong 1919

If you can’t get enough of vintage vibes, Lhong 1919 is your paradise. Its Thai-Chinese architecture and murals will make you think of how this riverside community looked and what it felt like to live here generations ago. Its architecture is not the only thing traditional or Chinese-inspired, you can get free entry to see the Chinese opera, a theatrical performance that’s hard to find in Bangkok these days.

ICONSIAM

The latest attraction of the mighty Chaophraya River brings a new level of hype back to the riverside community. ICONSIAM features an elevated shopping experience, refined cuisine and dining experiences, plus an exclusive way to float your krathong on the edge of the river. Intrigued? Experience it for yourself only between November 21-24.

One stop at ICONSIAM should be enough to fill your phone memory (and your actual memories!) with all the beauty of the riverside: the glittering shops, the view of temples and buildings and the “Art Lights Happiness” installation, and so much more.

Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 (running from Oct. 19, 2018 – Feb. 3, 2019)

The buzz of Bangkok Art Biennale has spilled over to the Loy Krathong festival. This months-long festival is a long-lasting event where you can appreciate contemporary artwork at exhibition points all over Bangkok. Luckily, visitors of the riverside community have the opportunity to discover art spots featuring inspiring works from over 10 artists at:

• Wat Pho
• Wat Arun
• Wat Prayoon

Make sure to double-check the River Festival 2018 schedule to know when, where, and how to get in the spirit of Loy Krathong. Visit their Facebook page for updates.

When: Nov. 21-24, 2018

Where: Tha Maharaj, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitra, Wat Prayoon, Yodpiman Riverwalk, Asiatique the Riverfront, Lhong 1919, and ICONSIAM.

How: FREE shuttle boat rides throughout 9 piers