Catapulted into Thailand's Most Charming Lantern Festival Loy Krathong

Guest Writer-Olga Carlino, a KET Teacher in Lamphun Province, Thailand

Some days ago, an English teacher in our foreign language department asked me if I wanted to participate in the Loy Krathong parade with the school.

I told her I would love to participate in this celebration without hesitation.

Before coming to Thailand, I had never heard about Loy Krathong; however, after my arrival, I talked with some Thai teachers and read articles about this lantern festival. I discovered it is one of Thailand's most essential and heartfelt celebrations.

Luckily, yesterday evening, 08/11/2022, I had the chance to experience the magnificence of Loy Krathong.

Preparing our makeup, hair, and traditional costumes took almost four hours.

KET Teacher Olga dressed in beautiful & traditional Thai Silk clothes walking in the Loy Krathong Parade in Lamphun Province Thailand

Lamphun Loy Krathong Night Parade 2022

At 7 pm, my colleagues and I started to parade through the main streets with our students; some played instruments, and others danced.

I thought everybody was smiley and happy, not only those parading but also those looking at us, taking pictures, or recording videos.

It was a fantastic experience; everything was beyond my expectations: the traditional costumes, the live music and performance, and the beauty of the sky lit by thousands of lanterns.

While I was walking, I felt bliss and gratitude. Do you know the precise sensation that makes you feel like you are exactly where you are meant to be?

It is hard to find words to describe it…

The only way to understand what it is like is to experience it in the first person.

The parade finished around 9 p.m.; however, the celebrations continued longer. We stopped near a food street market, where we could buy drinks and food.

Floating Sky Lanterns

I bought a floating sky lantern and went to the riverside with my colleagues. They helped me light it, and before letting it fly into the sky, I made a wish............................ May it come true!

Teacher Olga Lighting a Floating Sky lantern during Loy Krathong Festival in Lamphun Province Thailand 2022

The Friendliness of Thai People

The friendliness of Thai people is impressive; in a certain way, it reminds me of our Italian friendliness.

Although I arrived in Thailand at the end of October, I quickly integrated into the local community.


Final Takeaway

If you are considering leaving your country to experience life in Thailand, prepare your documents and your luggage and buy a plane ticket.

You will make new friends, have a unique experience, and enjoy yourself.

Last but not least, I suggest you take part in Loy Krathong.

Trust me, you will have an unforgettable time!


Related

  1. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read the guidelines for a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.

  2. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/savankhet-laos-thai-visa-application-form-guidelines to read the guidelines for completing the visa application form.

  3. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog//understanding-thai-visa-categories-employment-document-process to read about the various categories of Thai visas and information for teaching in Thailand.

  4. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.

  5. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/lantern-festival-loy-krathong-lamphun-thailand to read about Teacher Olga’s experience in Lamphun Province Thailand during Loy Krathong Festival 2022.

  6. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.

  7. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about Thailand's school year and how it differs from most other countries.

  8. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/loy-krathong-lantern-yipeng-2022 to read about Loy Krathong and Yi-Ping/Ye-Peng Festivals in Thailand.

  9. Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to Thai and Alphabet languages.

Remember to check out our social media links at the bottom of the page. Like & subscribe to keep up to date with everything new from us here at Kids English Thailand. To share this blog post, click the Share Icon below.

Previous
Previous

Overcoming Homesickness in Thailand as an English Teacher

Next
Next

Unexpected & Amazing Thailand October School Holiday Experience!