Five Places to Exquisitely Celebrate ‘Loy Kratong’ Festival This 2021
By Lifestyle+Travel
Celebrated across Thailand, Loy Krathong Festival has been a long-time tradition and one of the most awaited annual delights nowadays. As the magical festival is approaching again, we have gathered some ideas for your special night with your loved ones on 19 November 2021.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
With its one-off vibes and nice weather, there’s no doubt Chiang Mai is one of the top destinations to enjoy Loy Krathong Festival. Right at the river bank, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort will take the beautiful tradition to the next level, inviting you to imbue with gorgeous candlelit lotus-shaped rafts decorated with vibrant flowers, as well as enjoying extravagant international buffet dinner and enchanting Lanna dance.
Prices: THB 2,600 net (adult) / THB 1,300 (child aged 8-12) / free of charge for child under 7
To reserve: +66 (0) 53 253 333 / chiangmai@anantara.com
Capella Bangkok
At Capella’s riverfront courtyard, you can revel in magic moments under the moonlight in the lush tropical garden with exquisite Thai dancing, soft sounds of live music on classical instruments, take part in the Loy Krathong tradition with the resort’s biodegradable ‘krathong’, and enjoy Bangkok’s leading epicurean journey. A team of skillful chefs at Phra Nakhon Restaurant will pamper your taste buds with an array of authentic Thai cuisine made with organic and high-quality ingredients, using Old-Siamese recipes.
Prices: THB 6,000 net (adult) / THB 2,000 net (child below 12 years old)
To reserve: +66 (0) 2 098 3888 / phranakhon.bangkok@capellahotels
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
As the Chao Phraya River gets gilded by countless candle lights, you can relish the beguiling sight along an array of shows including long drum dance parade that will lead you to the river, with classical Thai dance awaits, and spectacular fireworks to end the night memorably. Shangri-La Hotel’s outlets will offer various dining experience like international seafood buffet at NEXT2 Café, Thai buffet in a romantic setting at Salathip Restaurant, a chic Italian set menu at Volti restaurant & bar, and more. Additionally, don’t forget to put a Thai costume on, since the best dressed individual and couple will receive complimentary stays in the luxury hotel.
Prices: Starting from THB 1,698 net per adult
To reserve: +66 (0) 2 236 7777 / restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok will please you during the celebration with lavish international and seafood buffet dinner, together with stunning live performances and fireworks display. If you want to make turn this festivity into a special staycation, the hotel offers a tempting ‘Loy Krathong’ package that includes buffet dinner for 2 and a one-night stay in a Grand Deluxe Room City View.
Prices: THB 2,790 net for buffet dinner / THB 5,995 net for the package
To reserve: +66 (0) 2 307 8888 /riverbarge.chrb@chatrium.com / LINE: @ChatriumRiverside
SO Sofitel Hua Hin
How about celebrating the festival by the sea? SO Sofitel Hua Hin will arrange a special afternoon-to-evening event at the SO Pool, where you can create your own krathong, take pleasure in delectable foods and drinks from Beach Society, live bands and DJ, and enjoy shopping at the monthly night market full of unique arts and handmade crafts on the Beach Lawn.
Prices: THB 850 net for an all-you-can-eat package
To reserve: +66 (0) 32 709 555 / h9649@sofitel.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Savouring the Local Charm
The flavours of travel are experienced through tasting local food and seeing unseen places. Travelling like a local is the best way to learn and experience what a country has to offer. Don’t have enough time? Visiting a floating market provides a quick glimpse of this in just one short trip. Heading further south of Bangkok, Song Khlong Floating Market at Wat Taling Chan, a well-known floating market in Taling Chan, uniquely combines the riverside lifestyle of the locals with nature. Recently, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the market launched the "Wow
By Lifestyle+Travel
The Langham Landing
One of the most iconic spots along the Chao Phraya River is embracing a new landmark, revived from the glorious past, as The Langham unveils its luxurious landing in the Kingdom in 2026. Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, have announced the opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok, set to debut in 2026. This luxurious addition to the famous Chao Phraya River will showcase the best of Langham’s world-class service and hospitality. The Customs House building, located in Bang Rak District, is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful heritage sites. Designed in a neo-Palladian style by architect Joachim Grassi, the building has stood elegantly since 1888. Its teak floors, grand central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway are remarkable examples of its historical significance. Once considered a gateway to Thailand, the Customs House has a storied past, hosting royal family soirées and celebrating King Rama V’s return from his European travels. The restoration will revitalize this historic building, transforming it into a world-class destination that blends cultural significance with modern luxury. Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation make it the ideal partner to further our vision of setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and Bang Rak District.” LHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, added, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.” The restoration will feature signature Langham elements, providing a luxurious and extraordinary hospitality experience. The hotel will house T’ang Court, Langham’s three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong, a unique destination bar, and an outlet dedicated to world-class pastry creations. Guests will also enjoy rejuvenating treatments at Chuan Spa, Langham’s renowned wellness retreat. We eagerly await the unveiling of this new landmark! The Langham Hotels & Resorts Website: LanghamHotels.com Facebook: @thelanghamhotels Instagram: @langhamhotels X: @thelanghamhotel