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The Illuminated Boat Procession and Festival on Chao Phraya river near King Rama IX Bridge was a spectacle that lived up to everything that Thailand throws at tourists and tourism. However, this was not put on for tourists. This is part of the Loy Krathong Festival time at Full Moon on 12th Lunar month.
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A day earlier than the Loy Krathong Festival proper - on the 11th November 2008 - the Illuminated boats formed a spectacular procession for part of the overall period of festival and certainly set the scene for 'water and light' being an integral part of the festival throughout Thailand. Of water, Bangkok has plenty in the shape of the mighty Chao Phraya River. the river which has played such an important part in the city's history is still alive and an important part of the capitol's life.
There was a prize of 1,500,000 baht for the winning display, and on this occasion it was won by the Port Authority of Thailand.
Procession of Illuminated Boats heading
towards King Rama IX Bridge.
The whole area at Santi Chaiphrakan Park beside the river, was awash with spectacles other than the Illuminated Boats Procession. We were treated to various Thai Cultural dances and performers, and there were the usual food stalls and incidentals.
Click on images to enlarge
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There were many side shows and folk dancing shows to compliment the main event of Illuminated Boat Festival. As can be seen in the images above, there were several folk dance shows of traditional Thai dancing, watched by an enthusiastic audience. There was also a display of fruit carving as practiced in Thailand. The melon in the picture on the left being carved into intricate patterns with great skill - and by a beautiful Thai girl. All manner of Thai traditions are regularly seen at this type of show, and this Illuminated Boat Festival at Bangkok was no exception. Some of the food served at stalls on this festival were specially bought in from other provinces and not often seen in Bangkok. The same goes for some of the drinks being served - which included a stall selling special Thai Cola! (And it was great. I could not tell the difference! |
The Winner of the Illuminated Boats
Procession Festival Bangkok 2008.
Port Authority of Thailand -
1,500,000 THB First Prize.
If I had been judging, then this huge
exhibit would have taken the prize. But then, I was only an
onlooker at the Illuminated Boat Festival Procession.
A procession of another kind, as some Thai
Dancers get ready for their grand entrance.
