AIHM enjoys a stunning location with its Bangkok campus located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. By day, you can gaze out at the city skyline and observe the life of the river. Long-tail boats, ferries, shuttle boats and a variety of vessels cruise the water. At night, the skyline becomes an array of dazzling lights. AIHM’s Bangkok campus offers beautiful views every day of the year, but one night stands out as the most exceptional.
Each November, Bangkok dazzles with the Loy Krathong Festival, one of Thailand’s most important celebrations. For Thai students, it’s a time to take part in cherished local rituals with family, friends and loved ones. For international students, it’s a time to discover an amazing cultural tradition. Four of our AIHM students share their Loy Krathong experiences below. Read on to glimpse a bit of AIHM student life and how our dedicated students make the most of their time in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai celebration to celebrate the Goddess of the Rivers and Water. The tradition is to offer a krathong (a small floating basket) decorated with candles and flowers to the gods. In Bangkok, Loy Krathong is very popular along the Chao Phraya River, where the AIHM campus is located.
As a foreigner, last year was my first time experiencing this unique tradition. I was doing my Kitchen Practical Arts class on that evening, and luckily, my station was at the outside kitchen of Riverside Terrace at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. While working, I was able to enjoy the hypnotic procession of krathongs floating along the river.
After the class, our lecturer invited us to the amphitheater on the 9th floor, where we enjoyed a panoramic view of fireworks illuminating the city skyline. Later on that night, my classmates and I visited Asiatique Riverside, where we purchased a Krathong and offered it to the river, wishing ourselves luck in our studies. It was truly one of the most memorable moments of my Practical Arts semester. I was looking forward to celebrating Loy Krathong with my classmates again this year.
For this year's Loy Krathong, I celebrated in Siam area, and it was a busy and vibrant night. The candles of the krathongs were illuminating the city, creating a magical and mesmerising atmosphere.
At Siam Square, Chulalongkorn University had recreated a river where krathongs floated in the middle of the street. Meanwhile, Siam Discovery Mall featured a digital projection of a river on the floor, allowing visitors to scan, personalise, and send their own digital krathong.
These initiatives are great examples of innovation, offering eco-friendly alternatives that reduce plastic pollution caused by the festival in the Chao Phraya River. They are developing the Loy Krathong festival of tomorrow, mixing tradition with modern technology to create a connected and sustainable celebration.
I recently celebrated Loy Krathong at Anantara Riverside. As a Thai person, I find this festival to be one of Thailand’s most cherished traditions. What made it even more special was sharing this cherished Thai tradition with friends, both Thai and international.
This year, we introduced our friend from Maldives to the Loy Krathong festival. We shared laughs and stories while explaining the tradition to her. This festival pays respect to the Goddess of Water. Moreover, krathongs are a symbol of hope, gratitude, and the chance to release past misfortunes and embrace new beginnings.
The setting at Anantara Riverside was beautifully decorated. Soft lights reflected on the Chao Phraya River, and the gentle sounds of traditional Thai music filled the air. When it was time to release our krathongs, we lit the candles, made our wishes, and watched them drift away on the river. It was a moment of peace and reflection.
Loy Krathong is more than a festival; it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together, regardless of where they come from. For international students at AIHM, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Thai culture and create unforgettable memories. Don’t miss it next year; it’s a truly magical experience.
Each year under the glow of November’s full moon, you can discover the magic of Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most enchanting festivals. You’ll be invited to join in this beautiful tradition as people float krathongs—small lotus-shaped objects made with banana leaves and decorated with candles, flowers, and incense—onto the water. Each krathong represents a wish to let go of misfortune and welcome good fortune, creating a stunning scene of lights on the river.
For a unique experience, at Anantara Riverside, you can escape the city on a Manohra cruise that sails along the Chao Phraya River, allowing you to see Bangkok's most famous landmarks form the water. As you sail, enjoy the calm breeze and watch as thousands of krathongs light up the water. Or immerse yourself at Riverside Terrace, with an international seafood BBQ buffet, authentic Thai dishes, and cocktails from Longtail Bar. End the night with amazing fireworks lighting up the sky and reflecting on the river.
This celebration, held only once a year, is a special way to experience Thai culture. Make memories that capture the true beauty of Thailand, as you take part in a tradition that has brought
As an international student at AIHM, experiencing Thailand's vibrant festivals has been one of the highlights of my journey here. This year, I had the privilege of celebrating Loy Krathong right in the comfort of my condo community, and it was truly an unforgettable evening filled with lights, culture, and a deep sense of togetherness.
Our condo’s courtyard transformed into a lively mini night market, buzzing with the aroma of delicious street food and the cheerful chatter of families and neighbors. To add to the excitement, there was a children's dress competition where kids paraded in traditional Thai outfits, their vibrant smiles lighting up the night as much as their colorful attire.
As the evening progressed, fireworks lit up the sky, enhancing the festive spirit. The highlight of the celebration was, of course, the releasing of the krathongs—beautifully decorated banana-leaf floats with candles and incense. Families gathered near the water, offering prayers and making wishes before gently placing their krathongs into the river. The sight of hundreds of flickering lights floating downstream was mesmerizing, symbolising the release of negativity and welcoming new beginnings.
What struck me most was the sense of unity across generations, from elderly grandparents to excited children. It was a poignant reminder of the festival's significance: honoring water, embracing forgiveness, and celebrating life’s flow.
This experience not only deepened my appreciation for Thai culture but also strengthened my connection with the local community. Loy Krathong is more than just a festival of lights—it’s a celebration of gratitude, hope, and shared humanity.
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