2. Sukhothai province has a popular “Loy Krathong Day’s” At the Sukhothai Historical Park. The Sukhothai Loy Krathong celebration is in itself a magnificent showcase of Thai art and culture, including a presentation of Thai performing arts, music, song and dance, complete with a Thai- style khantoke set dinner. The evening culminates in a display of traditional Thai fireworks and ends with Krathong floats being set adrift in pools and ponds within the Sukhothai Historical Park.

3. The Origins of Loi Krathong There are various fascinating accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. It is not known as to when the tradition first began but authorities speculate that it is of Indian origin and based on the "Deepavalee" ritual which is also accompanied by floating lights in an act of worship of the Brahmin gods - Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, or an act of remission to the Indian Ganga or Ganges. According to another school of thought, the ritual is said to be based on ancient Buddhist tales and is undertaken to pay respect to the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha on the bank of the mythical Nammadhammahantee river.

4. However, given the river-based culture that formed the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, Loi Krathong evolved into a ritual in which offerings are made to Mae Khongkha – Mother of Waters, the Thai equivalent of the Hindu goddess of water, in an expression of gratitude for providing life-sustaining water throughout the year. It is also believed that the offering are made in an act of appeasement to beg her forgiveness for Man's carelessness in polluting the pristine water that nourishes all life. Over time the tradition spread throughout the country. Some believe that by setting the krathong adrift, one symbolically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes to the extent that there are bizarre tales of the superstitious placing tufts of hair or clipped finger-nail into the krathong in the hope of ridding themselves of a spell of bad luck or misfortune. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings. For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.

5. Highlights: - Greeting the Dawn of Happiness The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival begins with the Phra Mae Ya invocation ritual and a ritual to pay homage to King Ramkamhaeng The Great and the ancient kings of Sukhothai. - A procession of the royally-bestowed krathong float along the city streets. - Krathong and Krathong Yai contests. - Cultural procession of the nine districts of Sukhothai province. - An exhibition featuring Buddhist art in the Sukhothai style. - ‘Kingdom of Sukhothai’ Light-and-sound performances. - Traditional Thai fireworks display. - Krathong floats are set adrift in pools and ponds within the Sukhothai Historical Park.

6. AccommodationAccommodation - Heritage Resort Sukhothai - The Legendha Sukhothai Resort - Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa

7. Local FoodLocal Food Sukhothai has its very own specialty noodle dish simply called Sukhothai Noodles. They are a blend of rice noodles (khanom jeen) mixed with crispy pork, garlic, green beans, coriander, chili, and peanuts in a broth flavored with dark soy sauce. Activities (Agrotourism Activities (Agrotourism ) - Cycling Route along the Orchards. - Spa

8. TransportationTransportation Roads: There are 5 highways connecting Sukhothai. Air: The airport is located in Sawankhalok District and is about 30 km away from downtown. Rail: Rail system in Sukhothai is one part of northern route from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong central station. Sukhothai is located on the main Chiang Mai – Bangkok line. Bus: Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stopping off at other major towns on the way.