Thailand’s annual Festival Of Lights is renowned for illuminating the Chao Phraya River with an endless stream of floating krathongs and spectacular fireworks. Guru By Bangkok Post lists a few places to join in the celebrations.
Sirimahannop, Asiatique The Riverfront
On Nov 27, Sirimahannop, the reimagined Thai tall ship and refined dining destination at Asiatique The Riverfront, will host the “Loy Krathong Celebration Dinner”. Featuring a selection of dishes, including the freshest seafood, vibrant live stations and sweet treats, diners will enjoy a “Sharing On The Table” seafood on ice platter, stacked with Fine de Claire oysters, tiger prawns and Dutch mussels, accompanied by seafood sauce and pineapple mignonette. A series of live stations will also be available with Thai-style Australian Wagyu beef brisket with seasonal vegetables and spicy Thai eggplant guacamole, and spaghetti pad khee mao talay. Handcrafted Vietnamese rice dumplings filled with minced pork and baked whole Atlantic halibut with a Thai-inspired galangal and lemongrass crumb will be accompanied by a coconut velouté and seafood sauce. A choice of Thai desserts, including Mango sticky rice, Red ruby water chestnuts in creamy coconut syrup, and Pandan vermicelli in palm sugar and coconut milk will be included in the sweet treats. The dinner is priced at B1,499++ per adult and B749++ per child between the ages of five and 12. Every booking receives a complimentary krathong. Visit mtix.me/siri-lkt2023.
Shangri-La Bangkok
A fantastic feast awaits at Shangri-La Bangkok on Nov 27 for a Loy Krathong celebration that features cultural wonders and sustainability in mind. At the Riverfront Poolside, delight in an array of international and local delights under the full moon. Entertainment includes traditional Thai dances, The Catzilla Music band, a raffle and the floating of an eco-friendly krathong. Priced at B5,900 nett per adult and B2,950 nett per child. Next2 Café will showcase unlimited Canadian lobster, oysters from France and the USA, Foie gras and many more tempting dishes. Festivities on the main stage will be displayed live on TV Screens. Priced at B4,500 nett per adult and B2,250 nett per child. The riverside Thai teak pavilions of Salathip are an ideal spot to celebrate Loy Krathong in true Thai style. Indulge in the semi-buffet highlighting the “Taste Of Siam”, while the main course will be served tabelside. Dance performances representing four regions of Thailand will add to the splendour of the night. Priced at B5,500 nett per adult and B2,750 nett per child. The perfect vantage point to view the amazing fireworks over the Chao Phraya River, the Lobby Lounge will have a special à la carte menu and a selection of beverages with minimum spending of B2,500 nett per adult required for a table by the window. Enjoy a 15% discount on a pre-paid reservation by Nov 15. Call 02-236-7777, email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com, visit bit.ly/EnchantedWondersLoyKrathong2023-Media or bit.ly/EnchantedWondersLoyKrathong2023-eShop.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Goji Kitchen + Bar will light up the Loy Krathong Festival with a beautiful buffet dinner on Nov 27. Celebrate the rich tapestry of Thai culture with a wide range of authentic street food favourites, including grilled meats, Baked shrimp with glass noodle, spicy seafood salad, crispy oyster pancakes, and kuai chap narm khon. In the spirit of this charming festival, chefs will be crafting fresh delights at a wide range of live stations, including traditional Thai coconut pancakes Bua loy nom sod mango sticky rice and an ice cream cart with plenty of condiments. The Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner is priced at B1,698++ per person. Visit sevn.ly/xoaAOAq6.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
This year, the hotel offers three distinct dining options allowing guests to experience Thai traditions and enjoy gourmet meals. For those who enjoy al fresco dining, the Riverside Terrace offers an expansive international buffet, which features Thai, Asian and Western specialities. Notable dishes include Whole roasted pig with condiments, Grilled blue river prawn, Ligurian red wine braised baby octopus with soft polenta, Saffron risotto served in a Parmesan wheel and pizzas from Ciao Terrazza. Throughout the evening, guests will be entertained with traditional Thai dances and a special performance by Khun Pure Ekkapan, winner of “The Voice All Stars Thailand” 2022. Loy Krathong celebrations will end with a fireworks display above the Chao Phraya River. The dinner comes with a krathong for each guest and is priced t B7,900 nett per person and B6,000 nett for children between the ages of six and 12. For seafood enthusiasts, Lord Jim’s a gastronomic voyage priced at B6,000 nett per person, including a krathong. The two Michelin-starred Le Normandie by Alain Roux will host a special dinner priced at B12,000 nett per person, including a krathong. Call 02-659-9000 or email mobkk-festive@mohg.com.
Capella Bangkok
As the sun sets on the evening of Nov 27, Capella Bangkok will celebrate the annual festival of lights at its serene courtyard. Blessed with breathtaking river views, this hotel will become the backdrop to a celebratory feast with a cultural show and a firework display. Thai chef de cuisine Kannika Jitsangworn will create a feast that highlights hyper-local ingredients sourced from farmers around the region and the hotel’s organic greenhouse. Dinner at Phra Nakhon is priced at B6,900 nett. Guests who book before Nov 12 will enjoy 20% savings. At the Tea Lounge, executive pastry chef Sylvain Constans will create crumptious savouries and desserts on the afternoon of Nov 27. The Signature High Tea: The Loy Krathong Edition is priced at B3,200++ for two persons. Take advantage of the special “Weekday & Weekend Getaway” offer with an exclusive rate, including daily credit of B3,000 per night. Call 02-098-3817, 02-098-3888, email fb.bangkok@ capellahotels.com or reservations.bangkok@capellahotels.com.
The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront
The elegant waterside Thai dining destination is hosting its “Loy Krathong Festival Feast”, an upbeat evening that includes an enticing array of traditional Thai delicacies, live stations, classical Thai music, authentic Ayutthaya-style decorations, and of course, an eco-friendly and biodegradable krathong per reservation to release into the river. Local dishes cooked at live stations will include Chargrilled river prawns with lemongrass and lime & chili sauce, Boat noodles from Ayutthaya, Thai style Australian Wagyu beef bisket, Hor mok yang (fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves), Papaya salad with grilled chicken, Tom yum, Pad Thai (stir-fried Chanthaburi rice noodles with prawns and duck egg) and more. Every evening can end on a sweet note with traditional desserts such as Roti saimai (handmade rotis in cotton candy), coconut milk ice cream with a wide range of accompaniments, fresh tropical fruits and other tempting treats. Held on Nov 27, the dinner is priced at B3,295 nett per person and B1,650 nett per child between the ages of five and 12, including free-flow soft drinks and a complimentary krathong per reservation. Call 02-059-5999, email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or book via mtix.me/tstr-lkt2023.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Make this Loy Krathong a time to remember with Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s collection of magical experiences. On Nov 27, a complimentary krathong will be presented to every table, along with an “Epicurean Romance” with Manohra Cruises, which will be an ode to traditional Thai flavours amid understated refinement with a set menu, including soft drink at B4,999 nett per person. The “Heritage Loy Krathong” at Riverside Terrace will delight in Thai fare, including the live Thai food station, have your fill of premium seafood or River prawn from the raw bar, dine on succulent meats from the grill, and finish the night on a sweet note with traditional desserts. Packages start from B3,999 nett per person. Loy Krathong with a Polynesian twist will be celebrated at Trader Vic’s with a four-course premium set menu at B3,299 nett per person. Cosy “Loy Krathong Moments” at Longtail by The River with live cooking stations set up on the edge of the water start from B3,299 nett per person for Thai street food selection, including free flow soft drink. Call 02-476-0022.
Siri Sala Private Thai Villa
Two Loy Krathong events will be held at Siri Sala Private Thai Villa on Nov 26 and 27 in collaboration with The Little Pea. Families can choose between a day event with lunch or an afternoon event with dinner. Each ticket includes a Chao Phraya river cruise aboard a wooden Thai boat, passing by many historical sights such as the Temple of Dawn, The Grand Palace and the Royal Barge Museum, before arriving at Siri Sala’s pier on Khlong Bangkok Noi.
At the villa, there will be workshops to learn Thai traditional crafts like making a krathong using natural and sustainable materials, folding lotus flowers and how to form turtles and fish from leaves. Kids are also in for a special treat as there will be interactive performances and a book reading about the history of Loy Krathong in Thailand. There will also be vendors making animal shapes out of hand-pulled candy and the chance to make your own ice cream pops the old-fashioned way. Either day or night session ends with a sumptious buffet of Thai family favourites and the opportunity to float your customised krathong in the nearby ponds or river. Call 086-603-0626 or email irma@sirisala.com.
The Peninsula Bangkok
On Nov 27, The Peninsula Bangkok has planned a line-up of celebratory events throughout the evening. The festivities will kick off at 7pm with the traditional launch of krathongs. Guests can enjoy a lavish feast at several of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, including: a Gala Dinner Buffet at River Cafe & Terrace (priced at B5,590 nett per person served indoors; B6,900 nett per person served outdoors); Gala Dinner Buffet on The Peninsula Lawn (priced at B6,900 nett per person); a five-course Thai set menu at Thiptara (priced at B4,900 nett per person); and a five-course Western set menu at The Lobby Terrace (priced at B6,500 nett per person). There will be traditional entertainment, including a Thai dance performance and puppet show, and a beauty pageant selecting Miss Noppamas, the symbolic lady of the Loy Krathong Festival. The night’s celebration culminates with a breath-taking fireworks display over the River Of Kings. Festival guests can also partake in The Peninsula Bangkok’s exclusive Loy Krathong Room Package, which includes international breakfast at The River Café & Terrace for two; the Gala Dinner Buffet at The Lawn or River Café & Terrace for two persons; complimentary wellness activities; unlimited in-room Wi-Fi; wireless telephone with VOIP technology; use of fitness centre and swimming pool; turn-down service and boat transfer between the hotel and BTS Saphan Taksin, The Peninsula Pier or IconSiam. Call 02-020-2888 or email reservastionpbk@peninsula.com.
Banyan Tree Samui
On Nov 27, Saffron Restaurant will host a one-night-only special four-course menu featuring an array of traditional Thai dishes served in exquisite style. Guests will be a krathong and there will be two traditional Thai dancing performances, at 7.30pm and at 8.30pm. the evening is priced at B2,100 nett per person. Call 077-915-333 or email samui@banyantree.com.
Meliá Chiang Mai
To mark Loy Krathong and Chiang Mai’s Yee Peng festival, Meliá Chiang Mai will host a four-course set menu and a full moon rooftop party on Nov 27 and 28. Affording spectacular views of the city, 21st floor Mai Restaurant & Bar’s menu starts with a trio of Thai appetisers, followed by tom yum soup, a main course of either baked salmon trout or slow-cooked tender pork ribs in khao soi and a Loy Krathong treasure basket featuring desserts. Perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor, 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar provides a prime vantage point to view fireworks and floating lanterns illuminating the city skyline. A live band and DJ will perform as the bar’s mixologists serve cocktails and more. Priced at B2,999 for two, dinner from 6-10pm at Mai Restaurant & Bar includes a glass of wine, and tea and coffee. Mai The Sky Bar’s party from 6pm-midnight costs B500 per person and includes one Jim Beam beverage. Call 052-090-699 or visit melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-maii.
Banyan Tree Krabi
On the secluded Tubkaek Beach, away from the crowds, Banyan Tree Krabi’s Naga Kitchen will host a buffet feast of festive foods and a wide selection of dining options for Loy Kratong on Nov 27. A salad bar, a live carving station, a dessert corner and a wok-fried station will all compete for diners’ affections, as the restaurant turns up the heat, culminating in a night of feasting and fun. Priced at B2,200 nett per person. Call 075-811-888 or email saffron-krabi@banyantree.com.