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Explore ExperiencesLoy Krathong is one of the biggest and the most magical festivals in Thailand. People come here from different parts of the world just to witness the lights floating across the country’s rivers and canals. The Thai people here know exactly how to celebrate every occasion. If you are planning to immerse yourself in the heart of this traditional Thai festival, do refer to our guide that gives a clear picture of what this festival is all about.
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What Is Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong Festival Thailand is an annual festival celebrated by the Thai people on the night of the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar. Also called the ‘festival of lights’, this is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand. The words “Loy Krathong” translates to “float a basket” where ‘Loy’ stands for float and ‘Krathong’ stands for basket. People make beautiful baskets with banana leaves and fill them with lotus flowers, candles, and incense sticks. These decorated floating vessels are released in lakes, rivers, and canals as a mark of respect to Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water. It is also considered as letting go of anger, grudges, and negativity and welcoming joy, good luck and positivity.
Overview Of The Loy Krathong Festival
| Location | Thailand |
| Celebrated | Night of the 12th full moon |
| Month | November |
| Rituals | Floating decorated vessels in lakes, rivers, and canals |
| Significance | Honor the water goddess |
When Is Loy Krathong Celebrated
This annual festival is celebrated on the night of the twelfth full moon of the Thai lunar calendar. It usually falls in November with dates changing depending on the full moon. It is during this time the weather changes from the wet to dry season. Here are the estimated dates of the festival in the coming years. This will be of great help while planning your trip.
2025 – November 6
2026 – November 25
2027 – November 14
2028 – November 2
What Is The Origin Of Loy Krathong
The Loy Krathong history dates back to the 13th century. It is believed that the festival first appeared under the Sukhothai Kingdom. A lady by name Nang Noppamas was the first one to make a float and offer it to the water goddess for blessings and prosperity in the New Year. Over time, the festival evolved into a nationwide celebration and extended to parts of Laos and Myanmar. Every place the festival is celebrated in a different way with different meanings and rituals. However for travelers, this is a chance to connect with Thai culture and experience the festival in all fullness and glory.
Suggest Reads: The Best Time To Visit Thailand: A Complete Guide
How Thais Celebrate The Festival
- Thai people begin the preparation for the festival by making their Krathongs at home or by buying them from local shops.
- After sunset, people gather near lakes, rivers and canals with their decorated krathongs.
- A candle and three incense sticks are lit inside the decorated krathongs and then released into the water.
- In places like Chiang Mai, people release floating lanterns called “khom loi” into the night sky.
- The release of these krathongs symbolizes the release of worries and bringing of good luck in the following year.
- Visitors then enjoy folklore performances, beauty pageant, lantern parades, firework displays, and music concerts.
- Many people go on temple visits and take part in Buddhist ceremonies. Some of them offer food to monks and make big donations to the temples during this time.
- At the end of the festival, enjoy delicious street food, local delicacies and traditional Thai dishes.
Symbolism And Spiritual Significance
The act of releasing the Krathong varies from place to place. Listed below are a few reasons that are a mix of spiritual, mindful, and community celebrations.
- Since the main mode of transportation throughout the major part of Thai history was water, it is offered as a token of gratitude toward the goddess of water.
- Floating basket symbolizes the release of worries, mistakes, and regrets and starts anew.
- For some it is a way of showing gratitude to Mother Nature.
- The glowing candle/lamps represents guidance, and optimism for the coming year.
- Couples float a Krathong together to strengthen their bond and bring more love between them.
5 Best Places To Experience Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand, with each region bringing its own charm and festivities. Below are a few places that celebrate the festival like no other.
Chiang Mai
This is the ultimate destination to celebrate both Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. During this time the city is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights making the atmosphere quite electric. To see thousands of Loy Krathong lanterns lighting up the sky is truly an amazing experience.
Bangkok
With the capital city being a very vibrant and happening place, the festival of Loy Krathong is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The Chao Phraya River is where the Krathong floating takes place. Major riverfront events, live music, fireworks, and food stalls are the highlights of the festival.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is considered the birthplace of the festival. With the events happening at the UNESCO-listed Historical Park amid the ancient ruins, the celebrations are more on the traditional side. A grand light-and-sound show, traditional Thai dance, and Krathong competitions in ancient ponds are the highlights of the festival.
Phuket
This coastal town with beaches serves as a perfect spot for floating Krathongs. Celebrations are quieter and give a very relaxed vibe here. Patong beach and canals like Saphan Hin Park are some of the best places to celebrate the festival. Floating events, local seafood feasts combined with music and festive parties are the highlights of the festivities.
Ayutthaya
This ancient city is another UNESCO World Heritage site that celebrates the festival around ancient temples and rivers. The sight of floating Krathongs against the backdrop of ancient temples is a sight to behold. Here the focus is more on traditional activities with small-scale celebrations at temples. Cultural performances, parades, floating of handmade Krathongs and traditional dances are the highlight of the festival.
Tips To Enjoy Loy Krathong To Its Fullest
- Book your tickets in advance as November is peak season and everything fills up quickly.
- Arrive at the venue early to catch a good viewing spot.
- There will be a lot of waiting to do, hence carrying some food and enough drinks.
- Do not buy plastic or synthetic Krathongs, go for biodegradable ones made of banana leaves.
- Learn basic phrases like “sawasdee” (hello), “khob khun” (thank you), and “sabaidee” (how are you) to connect with locals.
- Dress modestly while attending spiritual ceremonies. Shoulders and knees should be covered at all times.
- Follow all safety guidelines while handling candles and lanterns.
- Do not spend all time clicking pictures, learn to enjoy the moment too.
Also Read: Best Lantern Festivals From All Around The Globe
Final Words
The number of people attending Loy Krathong is increasing year after year. With it comes the threat to the environment due to the use of non-biodegradable materials. Thankfully the Thai government and the locals have taken this seriously and are shifting toward eco-friendly Krathongs. They have even gone to the extent of launching a Krathong app to reduce impact on the environment. So, when you join the locals in lighting your candle, make sure it is made of natural materials like banana trunks, bread, and coconut shells that decompose easily or go for virtual Krathong apps. This is the perfect example to show Thailand’s ability to balance both, cultural heritage with modern sustainability. This way people can keeping the tradition alive without any harm to the environment.
FAQs
People release decorated floating vessels into the lakes, rivers, and canals as a mark of respect to the Goddess of Water. They also attend temple ceremonies, watch cultural performances and indulge in local street food.
Both Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are Thai light festivals held at the same time. What makes them different from each other is, Loy Krathong involving floating decorated baskets (krathongs) on water, while Yi Peng involves releasing thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) into the sky.
People visit Thailand during Loy Krathong as major cities like Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai is at its best during this time (November). Tourists get to be a part of the celebrations which includes parades, cultural performances, beauty pageants and fireworks.
Yes, most of the events, ceremonies, and celebrations are open to visitors. Tourists can be a part of the festivities by floating a Krathong, going to local fairs, watching parades and releasing lanterns into the night sky.
Some of the best spots for taking a photo are Ping River, Wat Arun, Chao Phraya River, Sukhothai Historical Park, Saphan Hin Park and ICONSIAM.
The use of non-biodegradable materials used to make the Krathongs are a threat to the water and the aquatic life inside it. Make sure to use Krathongs made from bread or natural materials that do not cause any harm to the environment.