Loi Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong is aromantic festival in which couples g0 to the riverside under a full moon as myriad lights blink on the water, to launcha krathong and wish forbeauty in life on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. A krathong is  smtvessel made from a folded banana leaf attached to sliceofbanana Stalk or bread loaf. Loi apply eans to drift, either on earMaleer-in the air. To Lel Kra ong is therefore to release a krathong decorated with lowers, candles and joss Sticks, with  the addition of small coins, to let your troubles loa away, leaving you with only the god thi5 in life.

Thanks the river

The purpose of the ritual is to acknowledge the river as the source of all natural abundance.  It is also a remembrance of Lord Buddha who found the way to Enlightenment.  The full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month, usually in the month of November.  Foi Krathong is as much a favorite of young men and wonnen as Valentine's Day, since they will stay out late at night in the romantic atmosphere of candlelight and the full moon.

Where to go for Loi Krathong? 

Visitors can celebrateLoi Krathong Festival nationwide in such places as:

Sukhothai seven This seven-hundred-year-old city is where the Loi Krathong tradition is thought to have originated. Sukhothai Historical Park hosts one of the biggest festivals in the country, with shows and performances retracing the glorious past of the former capital.  can participate in this unique night of romance and remembrance of things past.

Bangkok: 

All along both banks of the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the great City of Angels, people of all ages come to  launch their own krathong Amidst a constant letting off of firecrackers and processions of boats festooned with colored lights. An illuminated boat procession along the Chao Phraya River and the lit-up buildings and historical sites on both sides of the river make Loi Krathong in Bangkok a  Loi Krathong is celebrated widely in Bangkok with various kinds of entertainment, and it is organized at many locations. The popular places for Loi Krathong in Bangkok include .

Nakharaphirom 

Park on the Maharat Road (Near the Grand Palace), Santichaiprakan Park on Phra.  Athit Road, at the foot of the Rama IX Bridge, Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road, and Benchakitti Park on Ratchada Phisek Road. A romantic dinner by the river with a  spectacular view of the fireworks and illuminated toating krathongs under the moonlight is a must that night,

Chiang Mai 

This important tourist town of the North Covers itself with lights during this month of cool weather.  People gather along the Ping River to float krathongs, but the special addition here is the thousands of paper lanterns set adrift in the sky-an impressive, unforgettable sight.  Northerners believe that releasing paper lanterns is a way of dedicating merit to the departed and worshiping the holy pagoda in Heaven.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 

The Bangsai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip is held at the Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Craft s Center.  This festival features traditional Loi Krathong activities amidst the magnificent ruins of the once glorious capital city of Thailand.  Beauty contests, processions of beauty queens, krathong contests, and cultural performances are the highlights of this festival.

Samut Songkhram 

Loi Krathong Kap Kluai Mueang Mae Klong is a unique Loi Krathong tradition where the locals make krathong out of a layer of banana leaf sheath instead of banana leaves. The krathong is decorated with flowers and a resin-dipped and Sun-dried incense  Sticks, and floated down the Mae Khlong estuary. The resin makes the incense sticks burn slowly, showing beautiful lines of glittering lights on the river at night.

Tak: 

This tranquil town by the Ping River celebrates the wonderful moment with their own unique and elegant way.  Local people create a krathong;  this outstanding one is not made from banana leaf, but coconut sheel, filled with wax and wick, and floated in a line that is referred to Loi Krathong Sai, The atmosphere of joining this event not only represents the celebration, but also the unity of  the community, this creative masterpiece as well as local Thai wisdom, which will give you a memorable night.

Tips for Loi Krathong 

Use a krathong made of natural materials in order to preserve the environment If you intend to have dinner by the river, make reservations in advance.  Since Loi Krathong has much to do with candles, fireworks, rivers and crowded areas, you should proceed with good care.  Loi Krathong Night willaivespecialmoon-drenched meaning to time spent in the company of whoevercounts most in your life.

(Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. Www. Tourismthailand.org E / MAR 2019 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.)

In the distant past, it was said, 'Bang Chang is the outer orchard and Bangkok is the inner orchard'.

In the distant past, it was said, 'Bang Chang is the outer orchard and Bangkok is the inner orchard'. Known as Bang Chang, the old orchard community from Damnoen Saduak Canal to the Bang Khonthi­Amphawa area in Samut Songkhram province is famous for coconut sugar production. Bang Chang boasts many canals linking with numerous channels. Since this area is full of water, it is suitable for growing various kinds of fruit, especially coconuts.
The distinctive coconut variety in this area has been selected from general coconuts that produce a large amount of fresh sugar palm nectar, or nam tan sot, regularly. The larger spadix a coconut has, the greater amount of sugar it gives. Major varieties grown here include Sai Bua, Thale Ba, and Suricha.The process of making coconut sugar begins with the orchard grower places a bamboo pole on a coconut tree for him to climb up to select spadices suitable for tapping. A suitable spadix must not be too tough to be cut off. After the suitable spadix is selected, its tip is cut open about 3-4 inches wide with a sharp knife. Then a string is tied to bend down the spadix, which will droop for seven days. The tip of the spadix is sliced daily to allow the sap to flow out continuously. In the seventh day, the sap fully flows out, and the knife is used to cut off the cover of the spadix. Next the spadix is tied with a string, and a cylindrical container is used to hold the sweet nectar dripping from the cuts. Small pieces of the payom bark are added into the con­tainer as a natural way to prevent the nectar from turning sour or being spoiled.
The sap is usually collected twice a day, one in the morning, at about 5:00 a.m., and the other one in the after­noon, at about 5:00 p.m. Spadices produce more sap in the morning than in the afternoon because of longer hours in the drooping position during nighttime. The grower brings with him a vacant container to replace the filled one each time he climbs up the tree.After the nectar from the coconut tree is collected, it is-filtered through a thin white piece of cloth, which keeps out pieces of wood, coconut flowers, insects, and dust, and through a sieve, called krachon in Thai. Then the lightly fluid is poured into a wok over an earthen stove. It is boiled for about one hour after when it becomes concen­trated syrup in dark yellow. Later, the work is placed on a bamboo basket andthe sugar is whipped to a smooth texture with a wooden stick. The brown coconut sugar is then dropped in small lumps, or spooned onto shallow round molds and left to set and harden. About seven bucks of fresh sugar palm nectar can be made into one buck, or 30 kilograms, of dried sugar.
Today Bang Chang coconut sugar is regarded as a product that makes a name for Samut Songkhram. When compared with coconut sugar in other areas, Bang Chang coconut sugar is more aromatic and even sweeter. So it is popularly used as an ingredient for numerous kinds of Thai food and dessert.

The Art Library

Libraries in Bangkok - The Art Library at the Center for Art and Cultural Bangkok (BACC)Strategically located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, Mah Boon Krong address (MBK) Shopping Center, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is a new installation in the middle of the city for contemporary art. The BACC is designed to create a meeting place for artists to open a new basis for cultural dialogue, networking and creating new cultural resources, both public and private.
Located in the basement (L floor) of the center, the Art Library is truly a hidden gem in this cosmopolitan city. The library has become a favorite meeting place of intellectuals in the city offers books on art and literature as well as free high speed Internet. The service is available to all library members. There is also a corner where both children, where children and parents can interact and a reference section.
To become a site of cultural exchange in terms of content, curatorial and cultural management, giving Bangkok a base of operations in the international art scene, the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (BACC) proposes to add 5,000 new books per Next year collection of the library and reading areas to create more pleasant for everyone to sit and enjoy a good book.
Next to the library is easy, if you live, work or study in Bangkok, all you have to do is come to the library with your passport (local can produce your ID card). Registration fee is 50THB (USD 1.65) and the members are renewed every year (10 THB - U.S. $ 0.33)). You can borrow 2 items per week. (With the exception of reference, the real work of art and English books). Overdue charge: 1 Baht / day / item.
The BACC is under the supervision of the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center Foundation, established by the city of Bangkok.
Opening hours:10 am - 6 p.mClose on Monday
Getting There:The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is easily accessible from the National Stadium BTS station and connected by a walkway.

Street Food in Bangkok

Street Food in Bangkok

The delicious culinary adventures in Bangkok

Street food is a part of Thai way of life for decades, for not only it is convenient, but it is also inexpensive and most certainly, delicious. There is no shortage of street food vendors in Bangkok, where the mouthwatering-smelling option is endless, ranging from grilled pork skewers to fresh seafood cooked on the spot.

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to serving food, as one can find culinary treasures on the street at no matter what time it is. Take an edible tour through Bangkok’s most vibrant roadside food scenes and discover for yourself why Bangkok is one of the best places in the world for street food!

hinatown

A heaven for those who enjoy eating, Yaowarat Road or Thailand’s Chinatown is rated on the top of Bangkok street food list. One visit is never enough to enjoy the variety of sumptuous food and snacks on offer at the countless stalls that dotted along both sides of the road.

Famous for: Seafood, congee, fish maw soup, Chinese dumplings, Bami Kiao Mu Daeng (egg noodles with barbecued pork and wonton), Kuai Chap Noodle (rice noodle soup with pork entrails and roasted pork), Rat Na Noodle (stir-fried noodles with gravy sauce), and Cheng Sim I (shaved ice with assorted dried fruits and gelatinous sweets)

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: All day but street food stalls get lively in the evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Take MRT Subway to Hua Lamphong Station and then get a taxi or tuk tuk to Yaowarat Road.

ilom

A major business district of Bangkok that transforms into an entertainment venue as night falls, Silom offers an array of street food treasures. Apart from on both sides of Silom Road itself, the mouthwatering aroma of food cooking at the roadside stalls fills the air specially at Soi Lalai Sap (Silom Soi 5), Soi Convent, and Soi Sala Daeng.

Famous for: Bami Kiao Mu Daeng (egg noodles with barbecued pork and wonton), Khao Mu Daeng (rice with barbecued pork), Khao Man Kai (rice with steamed chicken), Khao Kha Mu (rice with stewed pork knuckles), Yentafo Noodle (pink noodle soup with fish ball and morning glory), Kai Yang (grilled chicken), Somtam, and Kluai Khaek (deep-fried banana)

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. to late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, tuk tuk, or bus, but the most convenient way is to take BTS Skytrain to Sala Daeng Station or MRT Subway to Silom Station.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is one of the longest roads in Bangkok with many adjoining ‘sois’ (small streets). Scattered along both sides of the road and in the sois are carts, stalls, and vendors cooking aromatic and scrumptious food. The most prominent sois for street food are Soi Sukhumvit 55 (Thong Lo), Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai), and Soi Sukhumvit 38 (directly opposite to Soi Sukhumvit 55).

Famous for: Bami Kiao Mu Daeng (egg noodles with barbecued pork and wonton),  Khao Mu Daeng (rice with barbecued pork), congee, pork satay, Pad Thai, Hoi Thot (oyster omelette), and mango with sticky rice

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: Evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, tuk tuk, or bus, but the most convenient way is to take BTS Skytrain along the Sukhumvit line.

Khao San / Soi Ram Buttri

A world-famous place that is usually the first to welcome first-time tourists to Thailand, Khao San Road offers a selection of street food where visitors can get an introductory taste of Thai as well as enjoy a diversity of delish items. A few minutes walk from Khao San Road is Soi Ram Buttri, a street full of vendors selling appetising meals and snacks.

Famous for:  Pad Thai, spring rolls, fried rice, Khao Khai Chiao (Thai-styled omelette with rice), Khao Kraphrao Kai (rice topped with stir-fried chicken with basil leaves and chili), BBQ skewers, mango with sticky rice, and coconut ice-cream

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: All day but street food stalls get lively in the evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, tuk tuk, bus, or take a boat to Phra Athit Pier.

Phra Nakhon

Phra Nakhon district is the historical centre of Bangkok that includes Rattanakosin Island and is famous for a wide range of delectable street food. The most famous areas in Phra Nakhon for street food are the Three Junctions on Atsadang Road (Phraeng Phuthon, Phraeng Nara, and Phraeng Sanphasat) and the area around the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Famous for:  Grilled pork ball, Kai Yang (grilled chicken), Khao Man Kai (rice with steamed chicken), Rat Na noodle, Yentafo Noodle (pink noodle soup with fish ball and morning glory) Kuai Chap Noodle (rice noodle soup with pork entrails and roasted pork), grilled squid, fresh milk with toasted bread, and traditional Thai desserts; such as sweet sticky rice and khanom bueang (crispy crepe)

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: All day but street food stalls get lively in the evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, tuk tuk, bus, or take a boat to Tha Chang or Tha Tian Pier.

Ratchaprasong – Pathumwan

Ratchaprasong Intersection is the main business and shopping district with countless roadside food vendors lining up in front of the entertainment complexes and department stores. Located nearby is Pathumwan or Siam, as referred to by the locals, which comprises several department stores, boutique shops, as well as carts and vendors offering an alluring option of street food.

Famous for:  Kai Thot (deep fried chicken), Khao Niao Mu Thot (deep fried pork with sticky rice), rice and curry, deep-fried meatballs, Kai Yang (grilled chicken), Somtam, grilled snakehead fish, Saikrok I-san (grilled northeastern-style sausage), and Chim Chum (northeastern-style hot pot)

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: All day but street food stalls get lively in the evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, tuk tuk, or bus, but the most convenient way is to take BTS Skytrain Siam Station and walk along the skywalk bridge to the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Pratunam

Pratunam is Thailand’s largest open-air clothing market that consists of many walking lanes.

Not only can visitors find all the latest fashion trends, but also there is an incredible range of street vendors offering tasty food to satisfy all kinds of palates.

Famous for:  Khao Man Kai (rice with steamed chicken), Mu Ping (grilled pork skewers), spring

rolls, Khao Mu Thot (rice and deep-fried pork), Khao Kraphrao Kai (rice topped with stir-fried chicken with basil leaves and chili), rice and curry, noodle, Kai Yang (grilled chicken), Somtam, and

Lap Mu (spicy minced pork salad)

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: All day but street food stalls get lively in the evening until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, bus, tuk tuk, or take BTS Skytrain to Ratchathewi Station.

Wang Lang Market – Tha Phrachan

On the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya River is Wang Lang Market, a bustling open-air market that is famous for fashionable clothing, secondhand products, and most certainly, mouthwatering street food. Across the Chao Phraya River on the Bangkok side is Tha Prachan, an area full of lively university students and delicious street food stalls.

Famous for:  Mu Thot (deep-fried pork), Kai Yang (grilled chicken), somtam, southern-style dishes with rice, Po Pia Sot (fresh spring rolls), Pad Thai, Hoi Thot (oyster omelette), Roti and Mataba (roti stuffed with savoury fillings), Khanom Thang Taek (Thai-styled waffle), and crispy toast

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: During the daytime.
• How to get there: Take the boat to Tha Chang Wang Lang Pier and take a ferry across to Tha Prachan Pier.

Huai Khwang Night Market

A night market that is fairly popular amongst the locals, Huai Khwang Night Market is always crowded with shoppers looking for trendy clothes and accessories. The most interesting facet, however, is the food section that is full of delightful street eats.

Famous for: Seafood, Khao Mu Daeng (rice with barbecued pork), chicken feet in spicy soup, Khanom Chin Namya (rice vermicelli with curry), Khao Na Pet (roasted duck on rice), Khao Man Kai (rice with steamed chicken), Kai Yang (grilled chicken), Somtam, and fresh fruits

Venue Box:

• Best time to visit: From around 5 pm. until late at night.
• How to get there: Taxi, bus, tuk tuk, or take MRT to Huai Khwang Station.

Tips to enjoy roadside food stalls

Bring enough cash, as most of the street vendors do not accept credit cards.

Beware of pickpockets, as roadside food stalls are often crowded.

• Avoid raw seafood, such as oysters, and pre-cooked food that has been sitting in pots all day.
• Some street vendors display the sign “Clean Food Good Taste” which means they have been certified by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

(Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department,Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution.www.tourismthailand.org E/APR 2019The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.)