Loy Krathong is around the corner and if you're looking to make an occasion of it, here's our pick of fine feasts and festivities on the night. Pro Tip: Skip floating krathongs if they aren’t biodegradable or eco-friendly.
Steeped in tradition at Anantara Riverside Bangkok
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort gives thanks to the Goddess of Water with a varied programme of festivities ranging from traditional krathongs to romantic cruises and live entertainment offered against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks
On Nov 8, Riverside Terrace celebrations will include a traditional krathong, live music and a buffet dinner of classic Thai fare. At Trader Vic’s, guests can toast the new moon to live music while dining on a refined set menu including smoked Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower veloute and oscietra caviar. For a romantic Loy Krathong on the water, Manohra Cruises is offering an epicurean experience that combines sightseeing with gourmet dining. Longtail by the River offers the perfect Loy Krathong setting for those who want to celebrate by the water’s edge with signature beverages and a special menu of Thai classics. Email riversidedining@anantara.com.
Spirited Loy Krathong celebrations at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
This Loy Krathong, revellers who want to be close to the 10-minute firework display over the Chao Phraya River will find an excellent vantage point at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel perched high above the River of the Kings.
At Skyline on the 11th floor, between 6-10pm guests will be treated to an ice bar overflowing with jumbo oysters, prawns, blue swimmer crabs and slipper lobsters. The Loy Krathong buffet will also include sashimi, crab omelette, crispy soft-shell crab burgers, mains from live stations and delectable desserts. Seen Restaurant & Bar Bangkok will host “Sky Tunes” – a mini-concert by Violette Wautier, a Thai-Belgian pop singer and guests will be served a four-course dinner.
Loy Krathong celebrations at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel will be held on Nov 8. Email at riversidedining@anantara.com.
Beachside Loy Krathong at So Sofitel Hua Hin
Float away your troubles under the full moon this Loy Krathong. Hop by the Rabbit Lawn from 3-6 pm for a complimentary activity to make your own eco-friendly krathong, or purchase a ready-made beauty for just B180 net. From 6pm, follow the lights to So Pool to set your candlelit banana-leaf vessel afloat in a memorable traditional ceremony. Discover more at bit.ly/2Y1pSn9.
Loy Krathong on the 21st floor
Meliá Chiang Mai’s 21st floor Mai Restaurant and Bar will offer an exquisite four-course dinner menu accompanied with spectacular views of Chiang Mai to mark Thailand’s traditional festival Loy Krathong. Available on November 8-9 and priced at B2,999 nett per couple, the menu starts with a trio of appetisers, ‘Tom yum’ soup seasoned with a paste of wild chilli, prawns and winter mushrooms. The main course is a choice between Baked salmon trout with green chilli relish, wok-fried locally grown edible ferns and safflower rice or Slow-cooked tender pork ribs in ‘khao soi’ served with home pickled vegetables, garbanzo beans and potato, followed by a ‘Loy Kratong treasure basket’ of Thai desserts. The dinner also includes a glass of red or white wine and a selection of fine teas or Spanish coffee. Call 02-56-60154.
Moonlight over the ocean on a Krabi beach
On Nov 8, for one night only, Banyan Tree Krabi will host a special Loy Kratong dinner at The Naga Kitchen restaurant to celebrate the Festival of Light. Starting at 6.30pm, guests are received with welcome drinks close to the beachfront where they can witness a glorious sunset over the Andaman Sea. Thai traditional music will be performed, while diners enjoy a sumptuous Thai and BBQ buffet priced at B1,650 per person (B1,800 inclusive of free-flow soft drinks and juices). For reservations, email naga-krabi@banyantree.com.
Loy Krathong on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at Capella Bangkok
Bangkok’s riverside retreat invites guests to immerse themselves into Thailand’s enchanting festival of lights with an exclusive room offer, exceptional dining experiences and firework shows.
With its prime location on the banks of the storied Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok invites guests to experience the magic of Loy Krathong festival and craft beautiful moments with their loved ones in a moonlit celebration of gastronomy and live entertainment. To help guests make the most of the occasion, the riverside resort has launched its ‘The River of Lights’ promotion, an exclusive room package that delivers a festive evening feast with a cultural showcase and a firework show at a reduced promotional rate.
At Phra Nakhon, Thai chef de cuisine Kannika Jitsangworn will offer specialties that champion sustainably-sourced produce from the hotel’s organic greenhouse. On Nov 8, from 6-10pm, Thai dances and traditional music will create an ethereal ambiance. Guests can partake in the timeless tradition of Loy Krathong in a biodegradable and eco-friendly manner. The Loy Krathong Festival at Phra Nakhon, including Thai and Western buffet dinner and entertainment, is priced at B 6,500 nett per person and B 3,250 nett per child between the ages of six and 12.
At Michelin-starred Côte by Mauro Colagreco, chef Davide Garavaglia will prepare an eight-course Carte Blanche dinner priced at B9,000 nett per person. Guests can also book a stay under the ‘River Of Lights’ package, which includes a one-night stay in a Riverfront Premier inclusive of breakfast and an exclusive Loy Krathong dinner on the riverside terrace of Phra Nakhon. The package is priced at B33,800++ (for two persons) and is only for stay on Nov 8. Email reservations.bangkok@capellahotels.com.
Celebrate Loy Krathong at the legend
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok adds to the Loy Krathong celebration on Nov 8, with an extensive international buffet dinner at the Riverside Terrace, the best riverside location in Bangkok, to celebrate this magical festival of lights.
The international buffet will feature Thai, Asian and Western specialities, highlights including more than 100 selections like Whole roasted pig with condiments, Grilled blue river prawn, Grilled lamb chops, Ligurian red wine braised baby octopus with soft polenta, and Saffron risotto in parmesan wheel. Thai specialities such as Pomelo salad and Northern-style curry with egg noodles will also be on offer.
Guests at the Loy Krathong dinner are invited to join the Krathong Making Workshop Nov 8 at 4pm and 5pm. Limited seats are available per session so reservations are necessary. Throughout the evening, as guests enjoy the buffet, they will be entertained by Thai dance performances, a human-puppet show and an award-winning singer.
Loy Krathong celebrations will end with a firework display above the Chao Phraya River. The buffet is priced at B6,500 nett per person for adult and B3,000 nett for children between the ages of six and 12. Email mobkk-festive@mohg.com.
Relax riverside for an unforgettable night
The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River celebrates life by the river daily and the ‘Loy Krathong Four Seasons Fair’ is the hotel’s take on the temple fairs found throughout Thailand.
The Loy Krathong Four Seasons Fair is an unexpected riverside gathering where the focus is on socialising with family and friends, new and old, while enjoying a selection of bites. Food will be served at the Four Seasons take on the temple fair stations, from the incredible Four Seasons craftspeople, including a taste of each of the Hotel’s celebrated restaurants. The team from BKK Social Club will be on hand with a selection of hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails. Modern traditional Thai dancers will entertain throughout the night setting an extraordinary scene.
Guests will have the opportunity to float a krathong in the central courtyard. In addition to the fair, all restaurants will be open to serve dinner. The Loy Krathong Four Seasons Fair is on Nov 8 from 6-10pm. Tickets include all food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment and activities, for B5,500 nett per adult and B2,500 nett per child between the ages of six and 12. Line: @FSBangkok.
