If you are ready experience Loy Krathong the way the locals do, head to Asiatique, the riverfront night market, which is where you will find the biggest crowds and some impressive shows. Be warned that traffic in the area will be very bad and there will be long queues to take the boat from Sapphan Taksin.
The action kicks off around sunset, and there are plenty of krathongs to buy around the river, you can even watch the traditional banana leaf folding method, or have a go yourself. The large boardwalk area in front of Asiatique will host the main events, including the retelling of the Loy Krathong story via music and dance, a launch site for your krathongs, an illuminated float procession and a firework display. If the crowds here sound too much, there are plenty of other spots along the Chao Phraya river to watch the festivities from.