Sawatdii kha I have lived in
Chiang Mai for the last 15 years and this is my personal experience of
the Loy Grathong Festival and the way it is celebrated..
From
my experience, this is my advice and tips for any new tourists who have
come to Chiang Mai and have never seen the Loy Grathong festivities
before.
Thousands
of people venture up to Chiang Mai to see this festival, a mass of
beautiful lanterns lighting up the sky, fireworks galore,a photographers
dream, a great time for that romantic get away.
Where to go in town
1. First. Thapae gate and three king monument
This
area is very safe for senior people with alot less fire works, you will
see nice lanna lamps with colourful surroundings. An amazing parade of
floats with many different themes. A very good place to grab those majic
photos to share with friends on facebook and instagram
2. Second. Nawarat bridge and Iron bridge
This
is the party zone super area, with fireworks galore,any age of people
bring their own fireworks to show off on the bridge or place their
floating basket into the river. . If you want to be adventurous, walk
this area, join in the fun. Many drink and food stalls also to make
that special time 
3. Third. Jarern Raat road beside Nawarat bridge, on the way to Wat Gate
If
you want to buy a fireworks, lanterns, floating baskets, come to this
area, we close the streets to sell many great items, with many colourful
displays. Many years ago, this was the golden area for the drinkers
with many accidents happening here. Many groups form other areas came to
show their power and would often end up boxing.
So now the government has banned the sale of alcohol here to make this a safe and an attractive area for people of all ages..
This areas good for some one who is on a budget, without having to buy those fireworks etc, as the free displays are amazing.
One
can still have a drink and play fireworks under the bridge. Very good
place to sit and relax. There is also an alcohol free concert held
here, with live bands, dancers etc..
4. Fourth. Pubs and restaurants on the riverside such as Good view, Riverside etc.
Golden are for tourists and drinkers, every pub or restaurant gets fully booked so booking in advance is well recomended.
You
will see many pretty girls , handsome boys all around dancing and
having fun. having that special meal with a good bottle of wine is a
great way to spend the night, Live bands,with a variety of music are in
many of these places. Good party atmosphere here.
How to parepare yourself
1. Your dress
Most
importantly, my advice is don’t wear shorts short skirts etc because
your legs will get sparks or get hit from the fireworks. This is a very
busy time, so good footwear is advised so you cant get your feet
stood, and with all the water around, wont get too dirty. .Dont be
afraid, its a good night out.
2. Valubles Don’t
carry too much money or wear too much jewelery, carry a lot of small
change to buy drinks or snack or firework on the way, as you walk
around taking in the sights..
3.lighter and candles
These are very important at these locations, take your own
as these can be rather expensive here on this ocassion. normal
price is 5 Bht but on this night can be as much as 20 bht. Matches are
not recomended as can get rather windy asdn can take some time to
light.
3. A good camera
A
good camera is an important item, as you never want to forget the time
spent here for Loy Grathong. You will be showing family and friends for
many years to come.
4. Transport
After 20.00 pm these areas are very busy and not many car parks are available. In
this busy time the traffic very slow with many traffic jams, full of
parked motorbikes etc . A parking lot will charge about 50-100 Bht per
car if you are lucky enough to find an empty space, so the most easy way
of transportation I can recommend is catch a red car or take a
motorbike.
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