Loy Krathong: Experience Thailand’s Enchanting Festival of Lights
One of the world’s favourite travel destinations, Thailand, is famous for numerous reasons. Its full moon parties, exotic beach destinations, floating markets, and relaxing massages pull in droves of tourists. Besides these, tourists also come here to celebrate popular Thai festivals, including Songkran (Thai New Year), Yi Peng lantern festival, and Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival), also known as Thailand’s Halloween.
There’s also the Loy Krathong festival, said to be one of Thailand’s most magical festivals. Known as the festival of Lights in Thailand, Loy Krathong is celebrated across the country with great pomp and festivities. Here’s all you need to know about the enchanting Loy Krathong festival.
Key Highlights
- Loy Krathong involves floating small, beautifully decorated baskets (Krathongs) on water to honour the Thai Water Goddess (Phra Mae Khonkha), express gratitude, and let go of past misfortunes.
- Visitors can immerse themselves in Loy Krathong through Krathong-making workshops, floating rituals, cultural performances, street food feasts, and capturing the magical sight of thousands of glowing lanterns drifting on water.
- Key destinations for an unforgettable experience include Sukhothai (authentic traditional celebrations), Chiang Mai (floating lanterns and sky lantern shows), Bangkok (Chao Phraya River festivities), Phuket and Hua Hin (beachside parties), and Ayutthaya (serene temple settings).
What is Loy Krathong?
In the Thai Language, Loy Krathong translates to “to float a basket”. “Loy” means to “to float”, while “Krathong” refers to a small basket or raft, typically shaped like a lotus and made from banana leaves, and containing flowers, candles, and incense. As the night falls, the waters of Thailand shimmer with soft floating lights, transforming the plain landscape into a glowing dreamscape.
Loy Krathong: A Lunar Tribute to Water and Spirit
Now that we know what Loy Krathong is, let’s understand more about the festival’s origins, its significance, and when Loy Krathong is celebrated.
The Loy Krathong festival traces its origins to the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. It was first celebrated around the mid-13th century, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng. The festival started as a Brahmanic ritual to honour the Thai water goddess (Phra Mae Khonkha).
While it is traditionally a spiritual offering, Loy Krathong has since evolved into a nationwide celebration, wherein candlelit river rituals are combined with lantern releases and Thai cultural programmes. Today, the festivities include beauty pageants, delicious street food markets, and vibrant performances.
So, when is the lantern festival in Thailand celebrated?
Loy Krathong is celebrated annually on the full moon of the 12th month of Thailand’s Lunar calendar (usually in November). Attendees craft lanterns and gently float them on water. The intent is to express gratitude to the Thai Goddess of Water, for her abundant blessings, and to let go of past misfortunes, grudges, and ill luck.
Immerse Yourself in Loy Krathong: How to Celebrate Like a Local
Before you pack your bags for Thailand, let’s firstly familiarise with ways to celebrate Loy Krathong. The beauty of this festival is that there are numerous ways to celebrate it. You can give it your own spin, head to your preferred Thai region, and participate in the festivities in many ways.
- Workshop it
For a truly local Loy Krathong experience, you can join Krathong-making workshops across Thai cities where you can learn about the festival’s significance and the materials used in creating Krathongs. The workshops give you a glimpse into Thailand’s festive traditions. If you’re not in the mood for a workshop, you can just as easily buy Krathongs from street vendors.
- Set it afloat
Partake in the Krathong floating ritual, where you get to light the candle and incense sticks. Once the lantern is ready, say a silent prayer, thank the water goddess, make a wish, and gently release your Krathong into the water. Legend has it that the water goddess fulfils every wish made earnestly.
- Catch the show
The Loy Krathong festival is a night of ritual celebrations and cultural performances. From prayer ceremonies and Thai dance performances to beauty pageants and booming fireworks, you can soak in all the festivities. The colourful light show, coupled with the vivacious energy of the devotees, makes the festivities ethereal.
- Feast like a King
Thai cuisine is world famous, and what better time than the Festival of Lights in Thailand to try delicious Thai delicacies. You can sample local favourites like mango sticky rice, and delectable coconut rice pudding (Kanon Krok). Hundreds of street food stalls serve authentic Thai cuisine, making it a delight for foodies.
- Capture the magic
With thousands of Krathongs drifting across the water under the bewitching moonlit sky, the Loy Krathong festival is a spectacle to behold. Capture the magic of the dreamy night on your camera or mobile phone, and share them across your social media accounts. Such is the celebration that you are sure to come home with endless memories.
Best Places to Celebrate to Loy Krathong in Thailand
Every city in Thailand that celebrates Loy Krathong adds its own unique cultural touch to Loy Krathong. It can, therefore, be confusing to select the best places for an authentic celebration.
The trick is to determine a place based on the experience you want:
- Sukhothai: Sukhothai is the place where it all started, making it one of the best for a truly authentic Loy Krathong festival celebration. Here, you can witness the festivities on a grand scale and catch traditional performances, prayer rituals, and offerings.
- Bangkok: The serene Chao Phraya River is the setting of the festival in Bangkok. While the lanterns float on water, the cultural shows held on the banks of the river and the fireworks bursting overhead transform the city into a glowing miracle.
- Chiang Mai: Colourful floating lanterns on the Ping River, vibrant Lanna dances, and electrifying cultural parades mark Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong celebrations. Here, floating lanterns are released simultaneously with sky lanterns, transforming the landscape into a wondrous air and water show.
- Phuket: Thailand’s party capital, Phuket, is famous for its beach parties. For a lively, coastal Loy Krathong celebration, featuring street food delicacies, exciting cultural parades, vivacious Noppamas contests, and energetic live music, Phuket is the place to be.
- Ayuthaya: If you prefer to celebrate festivals in a quiet, peaceful setting, Ayuthaya should be your ideal destination for the Loy Krathong festival. Festivities are held among the ancient temple ruins, with ethereal Krathongs glittering on the waters.
- Hua Hin: For an offbeat, beach-front celebration, with far fewer crowds participating in the festival of lights in Thailand, Hua Hin is an excellent location. Here, the festivities take place on the beachside, either on the Hua Hin Beach or the Khao Takiab Beach.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival of Lights in Thailand
Here are some ways to make the most of the Loy Krathong Festival:
- Plan ahead: Loy Krathong draws massive crowds, so remember to make hotel and festival-related bookings in advance to grab prime spots. Discover the best deals at Club Wyndham Asia resorts in Thailand.
- Pick your place: Choose a place based on your preferred mode of celebration. While Phuket and Hua Hin are great for beachfront celebrations, Ayuthaya and Sukhothai are ideal for quiet festivities.
- Arrive early: Reach the venue a few hours before sunset to find the perfect viewing spot. The festivities start around 6pm, but the peak magic occurs from 8pm to 10pm.
- Secure tickets: In some places, you may need to book your tickets in advance for the lantern releasing ceremony. Check with your hotel or local tour operators for this information and secure your tickets in advance.
- Pack smart: Wear comfortable but culturally appropriate clothes, water-resistant shoes, and cash. Also, remember to pack a lighter, a waterproof camera or phone case, and mosquito repellent.
- Honour traditions: Be mindful of local customs and rituals. Dress modestly, especially for temple celebrations, and be respectful during prayer ceremonies. These small acts will help you enjoy Thailand festivals responsibly and meaningfully.
FAQs
Is Loy Krathong a Buddhist festival?
Loy Krathong is not strictly a Buddhist festival. However, it is deeply influenced by Buddhist as well as Brahmanic traditions. The festival is often linked to the worship of Lord Buddha, made apparent through Buddhist rituals and beliefs like spiritual cleansing and forgiveness.
What are the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong?
The best places to stay to celebrate Loy Krathong depend on how you would like to enjoy the festivities. For instance, if you prefer an authentic experience, you can stay in cities like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
If you prefer a beachside experience, cities like Bangkok and Phuket may be ideal destinations, while those who like the mountains can head to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Whatever your preference may be, you can find the best deals and comfortable stays at Club Wyndham Asia’s chain of resorts across Thailand.
What do people do during Loy Krathong?
During the Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand, people gather near rivers, lakes, and ponds to celebrate. The highlight of the event is floating krathongs, which are beautifully handcrafted floats made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. People would light candles and incense, make a wish or say a prayer, and gently release their krathongs onto the water.
This symbolic act represents letting go of negativity, bad luck, and past misfortunes, while welcoming good fortune, love, and new beginnings. Many locals also add a strand of hair, nail clipping, or coin to their krathong as a personal offering, adding a heartfelt touch to the ritual.
What can I wear on Loy Krathong?
When celebrating the Loy Krathong Festival, many people would dress in traditional Thai attire to honour the festival. For tourists, opt for light, comfortable clothing or smart casual wear that’s respectable and suitable for the warm evening weather.
Experience The Magic of Loy Krathong at Club Wyndham Asia
Whether you’re drawn to its symbolism, spiritual calm, or visual splendour, Loy Krathong is one of those festivals that touches the soul. Whether you’re experiencing the historical charm of Sukhothai, or riverside serenity in Bangkok, the Loy Krathong season is an unforgettable time to visit.
To make your stay truly memorable, book your trip in advance as hotels and accommodations tend to sell out quickly. If you value comfort and luxury, consider booking your stay at Club Wyndham Asia properties across Thailand, and let your journey glow from the very beginning.
