Loy Krathong, which translates literally as ?floating krathong?, is one of the most affecting festivals in Thailand.

It dates back about eight centuries, and probably originated in the ancient northern Thai capital of Sukhothai.

In modern times, ponds and waterways all over the country are covered with flotillas of krathongs -- little lotus-shaped banana-leaf boats carrying flowers, incense sticks and coins -- the light from their candles reflecting delicate motifs on the waters.

The festival pays homage to the Goddess of the Water, and is a time for people to float away the troubles of the past year while looking forward to the year to come. Couples and families traditionally enjoy the fun and the warmth of shared relief at bidding goodbye to the past while welcoming the future in a spirit of hope and optimism.

The festival date is determined by the lunar phases, in this case, the 12th full moon. This year, Loy Krathong will be celebrated on 12 November. Associated festivities will begin around 8 November.

Karon Beach makes one of the best places to catch the action around Phuket, where visitors can catch a beauty pageant and the launch of a flotilla of khom loy, or floating lanterns, into the night sky. Other good spots will be the Ao Chalong Pier, on the southern end of the island, and Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort cluster on the west coast, where the many canals and lagoons make ideal venues from which to say goodbye to the past year?s aggravations and woes in proper style.

Phuket

A big Loy Krathong festival will be held in Phuket Town.

The four-day festival starts 9 November and continues until 12 November. The festivities will include a creative Krathong competition, a singing contest and a student performance. The festival begins with a parade, leaving from the front of Phuket Municipality office at 9am, on 9 November.

For the past 15 years, the festival has featured a traditional Thai singing contest for Phuket school students. The contest runs from 7pm until midnight on 10 November.

The drawing competition and junior Miss Noppamard beauty contest will run from 7pm till midnight on 11 November.

On the morning of 12 November, the last day of the Loy Krathong festival, there will be a contest to see who can create the best krathong, followed by a big parade in the evening.

The parade starts from the front of Phuket Municipality office and makes its way through Saphan-Hin. At 6pm, Phuket Governor Preecha Ruangjan will officially open the festival.

Vichit Subdistrict

People living in or near the Vichit area can also enjoy the traditional Thai festival. The fun will begin at 4pm with a parade from Sri Phuwanard park to Mudong Canal, where there will be live entertainment.

At 6pm, contestants in the Miss Noppamart junior and Miss Noppamard beauty contests will be judged and the winners named. To enter the competition, simply fill in an application form available from the Vichit Sub-district Municipality online at www.phuket-vichit.go.th. For further information, call 076 525 100 and ask for ext. 170.

The Junior Miss Noppamard contest is open to children aged four to six, while the Miss Noppamard contest is open to women aged 55 to 60 who are dressed in the Jongkraben style of Thai traditional trousers and Thai traditional shirt.

Laguna

Laguna Phuket Resorts and Hotels will host their own Loy Krathong festival between 7pm and 10pm on 12 November.

The evening will feature many activities and everyone is invited to join in.There will also be a Krathong competition, a Miss Krathong contest for people from around the area, and appearances by famous actors and actresses performing a mini concert. For more information, call 076 362 300.

Patong Beach

There will be a two-day Loy Krathong celebration at Soi Bangla in Patong 11-12 November. The festival, arranged by the Patong Municipality, will feature live entertainment on one big stage and nine smaller stages in Soi Bangla. The celebrations begin at 4pm on 11 November, with one special highlight being a transvestite beauty contest.

There will also be a Thai dance performance by students from the Prince of Songkla University?s Phuket campus.

On 12 November, celebrations begin at 4pm with a parade of Miss Noppamard entrants; the contest will be judged the same night.

Hilton Phuket Arcadia

You can also enjoy the Loy Krathong Festival at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, where a wide range of activities will be presented for guests and visitors.

Guests can create their own krathongs in the Kidz Paradise & Andaman Lounge. There will also be a krathong parade, where each department will present its own krathong, with a prize for the best entry judged by the guests themselves.

Karon Beach

People from all over Phuket will descend on Karon Beach for the spectacular Loy Krathong festival, 2-12 November. Booths will feature various local products and foods.

On 12 November, Loy Krathong day, festivities feature a range of special performances for children starting at 8pm.

There will also be a Miss Noppamard contest and other entertainment.