A night sky lit by a full moon, hundreds of candles gently floating on the water’s surface, and people whose hearts are filled with hope for a bright future. It sounds like the final scene of a romantic movie — but this is real life. This is exactly how Loy Krathong, Thailand’s Festival of Water and Light, is celebrated.
For Thais, this holiday holds profound meaning. It symbolizes light, water, and purification from everything dark and negative. On this day, people across Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar express gratitude to the spirits of the water for all they provide. Read on to discover how this enchanting festival is celebrated in the Kingdom, its rituals, and its rich history.
History of Loy Krathong
To understand why the festival is so beloved, it’s worth exploring the origins and evolution of Loy Krathong.
Origins of the Tradition
There is no single documented history, but a beautiful legend exists. The festival is said to date back to the 13th century during the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Lithai, a highly respected ruler, reigned at the time. One day, a court lady named Nang Noppamas wanted to catch the king’s attention. She crafted a krathong from banana leaves, shaped it like a lotus flower, decorated it with flowers and candles, and set it afloat on the water. The king was mesmerized by its beauty and decreed that all his subjects should release similar floating offerings in honor of the Mother of Water.
Evolution of the Festival: From Ancient Rituals to National Celebration
Over the centuries, Loy Krathong has transformed. Originally an offering to Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, it was a way to thank her for her gifts and apologize for polluting her rivers.
Today, it has become a national festival of light and water with broader significance — a ritual of cleansing, renewal, and letting go of the past. It has also gained a romantic aura. People believe any wish made on this night will come true. Loy Krathong is now considered a lovers’ festival: couples release krathongs together, and if their floats drift side by side, legend says they will stay together forever.
When Is Loy Krathong Celebrated?
Some Thai holidays do not have fixed calendar dates — Loy Krathong is one of them.
Date According to the Lunar Calendar
The festival falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, Loy Krathong will be celebrated from the evening of November 4 into November 5. Celebrations typically last 3–5 days, with festivities beginning a day or two before the full moon.
Regional Differences in Celebration
While traditions are shared nationwide, each region adds its own flavor. Bangkok emphasizes spectacular water shows, while Chiang Mai is famous for mass sky lantern releases. Regardless of location, the festival is always celebrated on a grand scale.
How Loy Krathong Is Celebrated
To join the nationwide joy, here’s what actually happens during this magical event.
Releasing Krathongs – Lotus-Shaped Floats with Candles
Celebrations begin at dusk. People gather by rivers, lakes, or the sea carrying handmade or purchased krathongs. They light the candles and incense, gently place their floats on the water, and watch them drift away. Loy Krathong is a deeply personal holiday — families and couples participate together.
Sky Lantern Releases (Yi Peng)
Loy Krathong often coincides with Yi Peng, the famous lantern festival of northern Thailand’s ancient Lanna culture. The main ritual is releasing khom loi — paper lanterns — into the night sky. According to tradition, all misfortunes and negative thoughts rise with them, and you can make your most cherished wish.
Music, Dancing, Parades, and City Decorations
Throughout the festival days, music never stops. Fairs, beauty contests, traditional dance processions, and cultural performances take place across the country. Cities, temples, bridges, and Buddha statues sparkle with candles and fairy lights.
Best Places to Experience Loy Krathong in Thailand
The festival is celebrated everywhere, but a few locations stand out for visitors.
Chiang Mai – Yi Peng and Thousands of Sky Lanterns
In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong merges with Yi Peng and is celebrated with particular grandeur. Seeing thousands of lanterns rising above the Ping River while krathongs float below feels like pure magic. The riverbank is the perfect vantage point.
Bangkok – Ceremonies by Rivers and Temples
The capital puts on a dazzling show. Top ways to enjoy the festival:
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Take a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River for front-row views.
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Visit a public park with a pond to release your own krathong among locals.
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Attend ceremonies at iconic temples such as Wat Saket or Wat Arun.
Fireworks light up the Bangkok skyline, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Sukhothai – Historic Park and Water Shows
The festival originated in Sukhothai Province, making it the most authentic place to experience the tradition. The Sukhothai Historical Park is the heart of celebrations: temples and Buddha statues are illuminated with countless candles and lanterns. Expect parades in traditional costumes, historical reenactments, beauty contests, and a grand water-and-light show featuring beautifully decorated krathongs.
Phuket and Other Southern Provinces
Southern Thailand celebrates with equal enthusiasm. Popular destinations include Krabi, Pattaya, and Surat Thani, but Phuket is the undisputed star in the south. Best spots:
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Kata and Patong Beaches – releasing krathongs into the ocean.
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Saphan Hin Park – lake-based water shows.
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Laguna Bang Tao – intimate and upscale atmosphere.
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Wat Chalong – traditional banana-leaf krathong releases and Buddhist ceremonies.
Visitors also enjoy performances of Thai dancing, music, and even Muay Thai demonstrations.
Traditions and Symbolism
The name “Loy Krathong” literally means “to float a lotus-shaped basket” and carries deep sacred meaning in Thai culture.
The Meaning of Water, Light, and Purification
Loy Krathong is a tribute to light and water. Candles honor the Buddha and symbolize hope and the dispelling of ignorance. Water represents life itself — it provides food, irrigates fields, and enables trade. By releasing krathongs, people thank the Water Goddess and apologize for polluting her rivers.
What a Krathong Symbolizes
A krathong is a small float made from banana leaves and decorated like a lotus. Traditional elements include:
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Banana leaves – representing water and all living things.
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Flowers – a sign of respect to the Buddha.
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Candles – enlightenment and Buddha’s teachings that banish darkness.
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Three incense sticks – the Buddha, his teachings (Dharma), and the monastic community (Sangha).
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Coins – offerings to the spirits.
As the lit krathong drifts away, it carries sorrows, bad luck, and negative thoughts. Some people add nail clippings or hair strands as a symbolic release of past burdens, believing they can start anew.
Why It’s Called the Festival of Lights
The name comes from the sheer abundance of light — glowing krathongs on the water and thousands of sky lanterns rising into the night create an unforgettable, fairy-tale atmosphere.
Tips for Tourists
To enjoy the lantern and water festival safely and respectfully, keep these tips in mind.
How to Participate and Where to Buy a Krathong
Tourists are warmly welcomed to join. Bring your own krathong or buy one — they’re sold everywhere during the festival.
Sky Lantern Safety Rules
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Release lanterns far from trees, power lines, gas stations, and buildings.
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On windy nights, keep the lantern close to the ground while filling it with hot air.
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Never hold a lit lantern too close to your body.
Always launch with a partner — it’s much safer.
Etiquette and Respect for Traditions
Loy Krathong is sacred to Thais. Show respect by:
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Dressing modestly, especially at temples.
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Using only biodegradable krathongs (avoid plastic ones).
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Gently placing your krathong on the water instead of throwing it.
Refrain from loud behavior or drinking excessively — participate mindfully.
Conclusion
Loy Krathong is a magical Thai celebration that reflects the soul of the country, restores faith in miracles, and astonishes with its beauty and scale. It unites nature, spirituality, and centuries-old traditions into one breathtaking spectacle everyone should experience at least once.
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