Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand

Loy means to float, and krathong is the small decorated basket or floating offering placed on the water. Traditional krathongs are usually made from banana trunk, banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense.

Before floating the krathong, people usually light the candle and incense, make a wish, and gently place it on the water. Some people see it as a way of floating away bad luck. Others use it to thank Phra Mae Khongkha, the Thai water goddess, or to reflect on the year that has passed.

If the krathong floats away smoothly, that is traditionally taken as a good sign. However, most people simply enjoy taking part in the festival and sharing the experience together.

Loy Krathong celebrations vary around the country, but the basic idea is the same. People gather near water, buy or make krathongs, light candles and incense, then float them away under the full moon.

In larger towns and tourist areas, there may also be food stalls, markets, parades, traditional music, dance performances, beauty contests and fireworks. In smaller communities, the celebrations are often simpler and have a more local atmosphere.

• Krathongs: small floating baskets decorated with flowers, candles and incense.
• Wishes: many people make a wish before releasing the krathong.
• Family and couples: it is common for families, friends and couples to float krathongs together.
• Food stalls: Food stalls are also a common part of the celebrations.
• Water: celebrations usually happen near rivers, canals, lakes, ponds or beaches.

Eco-friendly krathongs made from banana leaves and other natural materials are the best choice. Plastic and foam krathongs should be avoided because they can leave rubbish in the water after the festival.

In northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong is closely linked with the Yi Peng festival. This is the festival many visitors associate with glowing lanterns, temple lights and the famous sky lantern photos.

Yi Peng is a Lanna tradition, and Chiang Mai is the best-known place to see it. During the festival, temples, streets and houses are decorated with lanterns. In the past, many people released khom loi, or sky lanterns, into the night sky.

Today, sky lantern releases are much more controlled because of fire danger, rubbish and aviation safety. In Chiang Mai and other areas, lanterns may only be released in approved places and at approved times. Some areas ban them completely, so it is important to check the local rules before releasing one.

Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand, so you do not have to travel to one specific place to see it. That said, some places are especially well known for their own style of celebration.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is often promoted as one of the most traditional places to see Loy Krathong. The festival is held around the historic park, with candlelight, performances, decorated floats and ancient temple ruins in the background. It is a beautiful setting if you want the classic cultural version.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai combines Loy Krathong with Yi Peng, so you get krathongs on the water, lantern decorations around town and a strong northern Thai atmosphere. It is popular, busy and very photogenic.

Tak

Tak is known for Loy Krathong Sai, where coconut-shell krathongs are floated in long lines down the Ping River. The word sai means line, and the effect can be very beautiful when the candles drift together in the current.

Bangkok

In Bangkok, people gather around the Chao Phraya River, parks, canals and lakes. It can be crowded, but it is easy to join if you are already in the city.

Phuket and the Beaches

In beach areas such as Phuket, people often float krathongs in the sea or at lakes and parks. The atmosphere is usually more relaxed than in the big northern festivals, and you can often find local events at temples, parks and beachfront areas.

• Check the date each year: Loy Krathong follows the Thai lunar calendar, so the date changes.
• Use natural krathongs: banana leaf, flowers and bread krathongs are better than foam or plastic.
• Expect crowds: popular places such as Chiang Mai and Sukhothai can get very busy.
• Book early: hotels in well-known festival towns can fill up quickly.
• Be careful near water: rivers, ponds and beaches can get crowded and slippery at night.
• Respect local rules: fireworks and sky lanterns may be restricted or banned in some areas.
• Be considerate when taking photos: leave enough room for other people to enjoy the celebrations and reach the water safely.

If you are in Thailand during Loy Krathong, it is worth seeing, even if you only join a small local event. The big organised festivals are impressive, but some of the nicest moments are simple: a candle, a krathong, a bit of water and a full moon.

These pages have more information and photos from Thai festivals.