Loy Krathong Festival 2022 celebrated at Asiatique - The Riverfront was one of the unforgettable memories placed on the heart of Thais as well as foreigners. Tourists flocked to Asiatique from all across Thailand, and foreigners were seen from many parts of the world to see the cultural heritage of Thailand.
I was lucky enough to visit Asiatique on November 8th, 2022 even though it was jam-packed as tourists flocked from all across the planet. One thing that I noted was that this time Asiatique Management organized the whole event in a very organized way. All Entrances were properly secured by local police and seen helping out tourists.
Table of ContentsWhat is Loy Krathong Festival
People or worshippers float a decorated basket lit with candles on water or river to pay homage and thanks to the River Goddess. Loy Krathong Festival originates both from China and India, and it is celebrated on the 12th month of the Thai Calendar throughout Thailand as well as in some of the neighboring countries. Along with that local food, Thai dance and people wearing Thai Traditional clothes are part of the celebrations and cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Highlights of Loy Krathong Festival 2022 at Asiatique
People buy these decorated flowers from the local stalls and place them in the water pond to pay homage to the Goddess of Water at Asiatique on Loy Krathong Festival 2022.
Even International Space Station can point out Asiatique on the eve of the Loy Krathong Festival 2022
Asiatique Management and Local Police were together giving a full fledge security
Festivals Like Loy Krathong stabilizes economic activity
Asiatique was looking like a ghost town, especially a few weeks back in the rainy season. Most of the shops were closed, and a few tourists kept on asking why there aren't any shops open. So the simple answer is businesses in Thailand especially entertainment and food depend upon tourists both locals and foreigners as well.
Due to COVID-19 China restrictions and ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict, there is still less arrival of tourists as compared to pre covid days. However, due to well-organized Loy Krathong Event helped Asiatique draw a lot of tourists.
Loy Krathong is one of contributing factors towards River Pollution
This pinches my heart once I see rivers and streams get polluted due to
Loy Krathong putting decorated baskets made up of a variety of
Organic, Non-organic and Colours creating havoc for marine life and the
ecosystem. And even after the post-event clean-up organized by Bangkok
Administration, some of it lands in the sea.
I hope officials concerned heap a better plan to organize festivals like Loy Krathong that could minimize the impact on nature.
How to plan next time for Loy Krathong Festival at Asiatique
Locals are used to frequent Traffic Jams in Bangkok, especially at the time of Festivals in Asiatique. However, for foreigners who are visiting for the first time, it becomes a true nightmare.
But you can always minimize the impact by planning in advance your visit to Asiatique at busy times.
Key points you should know before you plan out your visit to Asiatique
- What are the opening and closing timings of Asiatique? Answer: Timings: 1700 to midnight.
- What is the best mode of transport you are going to use to visit Asiatique? Answer: Don't use your own car or if you still want to use then come early before 1630 hrs to get a parking space for your car.
- Do I need to bring my Identification documents? Answer: Yes. Thai law states any individual irrespective of Thai or Foreigner must carry Identification documents at all times. A memo you must carry along with an Identification document that shows the contact details of a friend/family member in Thailand just in case of emergency. Foreigners must also have a valid visa and 90-day report in case of one year stay.
- As a Foreigner, can I use ATM in Asiatique to draw foreign Currency: Answer: No you cannot draw foreign currency, however currency equivalent in Thai Baht can be drawn without any problem. The only problem is if your card gets stuck in ATM then there is no bank nearby to get your card back. ALWAYS CARRY LOCAL CURRENCY, as it's needed for your Food and Entertainment at Asiatique.
- What else is important before I Plan a trip to Asiatique? Answer: Even though Asiatique has Emergency Medical Attendants available especially on Festivals like Loy Krathong, however, they might not have life-saving medicines on prescriptions. Always carry them at all times. Never forget your Insurance Documents and make sure they are updated.
