"Loi Krathong" Festival

This weekend past, Meg and I had a chance to check out the "Loi Krathong" festival, where locals float a "Krathong" (a banana–leaf cup) down the Chao Phyaya River.  It is intended to represent a number of traditions and beliefs, such as floating away ill fortune.  We took the skytrain to the river and crossed on a ferry.  It was the first time we've explored the Western side of Bangkok.  Meg was a little wary as we ended up walking down a number of dark and dirty alleyways.  Eventually, we found a small restaurant beside the river.  There we watched a number of colourful floats make their way up the river as we ate.


 
Later that night there was a spectacular fireworks display!  There were even some people swimming in the river, tearing apart the Krathongs since some people put money or trinkets in them as offerings.  All in all, it was a great evening.