In Thailand there are many cultures related festivals happening throughout the year, and one of the upcoming festivals is Loy Krathong also known as The Festival of Light. The festival that represents the concept of “letting go”. Here is everything you need to know about the Loy Krathong festival.
What’s Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai festival celebrated on the full moon night of 12th lunar month; it’s usually in November (This year it’s on 5th November 2025).
What does Loy Krathong mean, Loy means floating and Krathong means decorated floating baskets mostly seen making of banana leaves, banana trunk, sometimes bread (as a concept of saving the water and feeding the fish).
The festival is about letting go, the Krathong also symbolizes the tool used to releasing bad luck, negativity, or regrets by floating it down the river.
On the other hand, it’s also a way Thai people pay respect to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha and ask for her forgiveness for polluting the water.
What makes Loy Krathong special?
Unlike another popular festival like Songkran which are chaotic, loud, and crowded, Loy Krathong offers more peaceful, calm, and romantic vibes. Imagine Standing in front of riverbanks full of candlelight floating on the water, surrounded by people kneeling and making wishes, and traditional music and dance performances nearby. That would be a calm and relaxing atmosphere, it’s also the kind of night that will make you feel connected to yourself. Some also believe that if couples release Krathong together it symbolizes lasting love.
Where should we go to celebrate Loy Krathong?
Anywhere near riverbanks or canals usually host Loy Krathong in Thailand but there are some famous spots that make it different.
Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai they have their own believe and festival with similar believe to Loy Krathong called Yi-Peng, it’s a festival that release thousands of sky lanterns to the sky instead of Krathong. These two festivals happen at the same time, which is why Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong is special.
Bangkok
There are many locations hosting Loy Krathong in Bangkok such as along the Chao Phraya River area like Asiatique, Phra Athit Pier, or Rama VIII Bridge, small pools in universities or schools, temples, and public park. So, it’s easy to join one in Bangkok and most of them always have night market inside the festival to make it feel more festive.
How to make and float Krathong properly
Making a Krathong can be a great experience and to help you connect with the festival more this is a good way. Normally, the locals sell Krathong inside the festival, but you can also make one yourself or maybe the locals might invite you to make one. Here are what you must use to make Krathong
- Banana trunk: used as base
- Banana leaves: used to wrap around the base
- Flowers: usually jasmine, marigolds, orchids
- A candle
- 3 incense sticks
** sometimes you put coins, hair, and fingernail inside your Krathong**
Festival tips
- Be respectful: since this is a spiritual festival for some Thais.
- Avoid using Styrofoam or plastic krathong.
- If the location, you are going is a temple please dress modestly.
- Be responsible, don’t throw anything into the water
- If you are invited to make your own krathong, accept it and if you have a chance to try a traditional dance, please try one.
- Try not to treat this like a party.
- Don’t release sky lanterns in areas that are not allowed.
- Arrive early because popular locations can be crowded.
Loy Krathong is a good reminder that sometimes you should slow down, look deeply at your actions, and let go of things that bother you. It’s a celebration of gratitude. If you ever have a chance to be in Thailand during November, don’t miss Loy Krathong. Enjoy the moment and let the water take you regret and misfortune away, because sometimes what you can do best during the bad day is let go.