Ibed at Hua Hin

On the full Moon night of the twenlfth lunar month, November 10.  Loy Krathong on Hua Hin Beach is a fun and enjoyable evening with a bustling atmosphere as people gather to float thier krathongs into the sea, which contributes to a memorable evening for all. Sitting on the sand and watching the paper lanterns float to the heavens and out over the gulf, must be one of the most iconic sights in the Thai diary as children play and everyone enjoys a festive night.

'Loy' literally means 'to float,' while 'Krathong' refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant, and in many cases still are. To be truly ecological, check your krathong is made from banana stem by looking underneath before you buy. A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. The Loy Krathong ritual is a simple one.

One needs only to light the candles and joss sticks, make a wish and let it float away with the current of the sea, river or canal.

Different legends surround the origins of Loy Krathong. The most popular version is it was an expresion 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.

Some believe the festival originates from Buddhism. They say the offering of flowers, candles and joss-sticks is a tribute of respect to the footprint of the Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India, as well as to the great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater world after the Lord Buddha's visit to thier watery realm. It is possible that this is derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the god Vishnu, who meditates at the center of the ocean.

Others believe that the floral krathong 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.

Today, Loy Krathong offers a unique occasion to celebrate and it's a great tme for people to make wishes and look to the future as they float their floral offerings along the waterways.

Story by Enjoy Hua Hin Travel Guide