All about Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand

Loy Krathong is one of the most anticipated festivals in Thailand. Every year tourists from all over the world rush to Thailand to join this festival. So what exactly is Loy Krathong and why do people appreciate this festival so much?

1. What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is Thailand’s very own ‘festival of lights’. It is celebrated in Thailand, Laos and some other places in Southeast Asia that have a Thai or Tai heritage. During the festival, people gather around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by releasing beautiful lotus shaped rafts, decorated with candles, incense and flowers onto the water.

2. When is Loy Krathong celebrated?

Loy Krathong is usually celebrated on the evening of the full moon on the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.

Subsequent festival dates (these dates may change):

2017: 3rd November

2018: 23rd November

2019: 13th November

2020: 1st November

3. How long does Loy Krathong last?

It lasts three days. The first day is the lantern festival, the second day is the full moon day and the third day is now the day of the Loy Krathong parade. 

4. What does Loy Krathong mean?

The verb Loy means to float. Krathong has various meanings. In this case it is small container or basket made of banana leaves, adorned with flowers, incense and candles. Loy Krathong means “to float a basket” which is what many people do during the festival on one of the three days. 

5. Why is Loy Krathong celebrated?

It is believed that the light festival originated with paying homage to the spirits of the rivers and thanking the water god for the rains.

According to King Mongkut (1804-1869), it used to be a Brahmanic festival later adopted by Buddhists to celebrate the Buddha. The candles pay homage to Buddha with the beauty and purity of light. In the still of the night, there are lights everywhere. Before the celebration, there’s silence: monks are meditating, surrounded by flickering candles.

6. Where and how to celebrate Loy Krathong?

Celebrated all over Thailand, the most exciting festivities take place in Bangkok and Old Sukhothai, as people gather at rivers to float krathongs, and to watch folk dancing or sound-and-light performances.

For the full flying-lantern experience, head up to Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng Festival, where lanterns are sent floating gracefully into the sky, creating an exotic atmosphere.

See more: Songkran Festival, wet or very wet!

Source: Internet

Explore the beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon

If Hue looks ancient and bashful like a charming and graceful girl, Tam Giang Lagoon, about 15 kilometers from Hue City, is endowed with pristine and handsome features like a would-be suitor. From there, travelers can depart on a fishing boat with locals to explore the mystery of the lagoon.

Tam Giang lagoon – an interesting tourist destination in Hue

At the beginning, you may meet a local market where local people come here every day for their daily shopping. What are purchased in this market? Mostly fresh seafood which is just caught minutes ago by fishing men because this lagoon is home to a variety of water creatures.

Like other Vietnamese markets, Tam Giang market is quite crowded, a little bit smelly and busy. If you want to get inside a local life, this market is truly a revelation. It is such a shame if you miss out all the best foods in Lagoon. From squid, prawns to crab, all of them are amazing in texture, rich in flavor and well-cooked by the handful chefs.

For Hue tourism, Tam Giang Lagoon is a priceless resource unique in Vietnam. The lagoon is so beautiful that when standing in front of it, the hearts of every tourist beat as standing in front of a beautiful girl.

Watch sunset on Tam Giang lagoon

The most beautiful moments on the lagoon are at sunset when it turns purple. A few fishing boats return home late with lines of casuarinas running with the skyline separating the water from the sky, with the whole lagoon’s surface shaking in the breeze. These are images that visitors have to capture. Under the final rays of sunshine, some kids in old costumes frolic in the shallow water as others tie their father’s boat and go for a swim.

Experience the life in fishing villages with locals

Local people mostly live on their traditional job as fishing. In the early morning, men start a journey to sea for catching seafood while women stick their feet into waters to search for shellfish then bring to the market for sale. These people hardly find another better occupation to raise their living standards because Tam Giang is still a poor district in Hue. Even though most of the local can't earn enough money to spend for their lives, they still keep great friendly mind and treat others well as their friends.

Tam Giang lagoon is truly a nice tough to brighten the way of exploring rural areas in Vietnam. Travelers can find excellent seafood and view outstanding natural setting in Tam Giang. A trip here definitely provides a peaceful feeling for those who love nature.

Enjoy seafood in Tam Giang lagoon

There are many local restaurants on the way to boat stop where you can enjoy fresh seafood here. These little treats will be remarkable memory for all tourists coming to Tam Giang. Also, there are many special houses called "Nhà chố" in this small lagoon. These houses are used to be relaxing places for fishermen after a hard day away land. You can ask them to take a closer look on these houses to see how their structures are.

Source Internet

Top 5 national parks in Japan

Japan’s national parks often fall somewhat under the radar of visitors to its shores. Natural wonders abound however and the plethora of incredible sights will leave you astounded at the scenic beauty before your eyes.

1. Aso-Kuju National Park

Named after Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountains, this national park’s beautiful landscapes are dominated by their lofty peaks that rise dramatically from the flatlands surrounding them. Mount Aso, an active volcano, has a lovely caldera that visitors can stroll around and nearby are a number of hot springs that are delightful to bathe in. The volcanic landscape is barren and scarred from lava flows and all the more impressive for it. On the plains beneath the Kuju Mountains are the Kuju Flower Gardens which explode with color and life. Relaxing and refreshing to visit; the gardens’ stunning backdrop of mountains makes it all the more lovely to behold.

2. Towada-Hachimantai National Park

This mountainous region has a number of lovely trails and paths that make for wonderful hiking through the wilderness. The park changes with the seasons and in winter the snow-covered Juhyo forests are a spectacular and unusual sight to behold. In summer a myriad of colors spring forth and give life to the area through the rich array of fauna and flora that coats the mountains within the park. The volcanic nature of the area means that hot springs can be found within the confines of Towada-Hachimantai and lovely rivers and lakes are also interspersed amongst the never-ending mountains.

See more: 7 places to visit during winter in Japan

3. Nikko National Park

Home to the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and as such is definitely worth visiting. History abounds in the park and the aforementioned shrine is a must-see as is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Breathtaking scenery is common in Nikki and visitors are guaranteed to adore all of its amazing sights on offer. The waters of Kegon Falls, for instance, delightfully plunge into the pools below and are strikingly visible amidst the thick forests on either side of it. Just behind the waterfalls is the enormous Lake Chuzenji which so beautifully lies between the mountains and hills that surround it. Of these, Mount Nantai is the most impressive and it mesmerizingly looks out over the lake, picturesque in its splendor. Mount Nikko-Shirane is another amazing feature of the park and its snow-capped peak is distinctive and regal, standing out against the bright blue skies. Unending are the wonders on display in Nikko National Park.

4. Shiretoko National Park

Located right in the north-eastern tip of Hokkaido, the remote and secluded location of Shiretoko National Park has helped to keep its beautiful landscapes untouched and untamed. The main draw to the park are the Five Lakes that are so resplendent to behold; radiant in their beauty the lakes are charming to wander around and the mountains and forests surrounding them only add to their splendor. A delightful attraction within the park is Kamuiwakka Falls which is well worth the effort to visit. Clambering over the rocks that dot the river, the water gradually warms up as you near the source of the hot springs and bathing in their warm waters makes for a lovely experience with the pristine nature all around you. For a lovely view in Shiretoko National Park, head to Shiretoko Pass and gaze out over the beautiful scenery before you.

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Comprising a vast array of natural wonders, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has it all and the contrasting landscapes are awe-inspiring to explore. The main draw is the iconic Mount Fuji that is so distinctive in its appearance and while it is not the sole reason that it is Japan’s most popular national park, it certainly does. The park has over a thousand volcanic islands dispersed along its shores and beautiful waterways brilliantly caress their way amongst the mountains, hills and valleys of the area. Lakes and hot springs proliferate as do cherry blossom trees that characterize its landscapes. Waterfalls also abound as do ancient forests that grow in the old lava fields that once blazed their way down the slopes of the volcanoes. Bring your camera; you’re going to need it for all the amazing sights on offer. Simply unbelievable to visit.

See more: Top places for a remarkable volcanic experience in Japan

Source Touropia