"Rak Na Sainam" is the theme of "Bangkok River Festival 2022", which will kick off with activities at 10 cultural heritage waterfronts along the curve of the Chao Phraya River from Saturday to Tuesday, from 5-10pm. However, on Loy Krathong Day, the festival will run until midnight.
Organised by Thai Beverage to mark Loy Krathong and present Thainess to the world, the eighth edition of the festival will be again packed with a variety of cultural activities and entertainment.
This is the only festival of the year in which visitors can make merit and pay respect to Buddha statues at five historic temples at night before having fun with candlelight floating, cultural performances and community markets.
The temples include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayurawongsawat, Wat Kalayanamitr and Wat Rakhang -- the first three of which will present art pieces from the Bangkok Art Biennale 2022.
Visitors are also invited to float their krathong on the majestic river and enjoy food and shopping in a temple-fair atmosphere at the other three piers -- Tha Maharaj, Asiatique the Riverfront and Sooksiam@Iconsiam. Alternatively, prepare for outdoor movie screenings at Lhong 1919 on all four evenings.
Joining the festival for the first time will be the Guan Yu Shrine (Klong San), one of the oldest shrines in Thailand. Visitors are invited to worship the Chinese deity, stroll at the community market and float krathong at its riverfront pier.
Free shuttle boats will be available at all 10 piers on all four days.