Introduction: Thailand festival 2025
Consider thousands of flickering candles floating on rivers, lake and canals throwing a golden glance on the water surface. It is filled with laughter, religious ex. prayers and vernacular music. It is not a dream but Loy Krathong in Thailand which is one of the most poetic, beautiful celebrations of the kingdom.
So, What is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong (Thai: ลอยกระทง) is a Thai Festival in Thailand that is founded largely on Thai culture. Loy means to float and Krathong are the vessels in the shape of a lotus which is traditionally made of banana leaves, flowers, incense and candles. This water festival Thailand is a fantastic cacophony of lights and water held at the 12th full moon (normally in November) at night.
Although commonly addressed as either a Water Lantern Festival or a lantern festival Thailand, Loy Krathong tradition is mainly aimed at water offerings. The Sangha lanterns (Khôm Loi) are more at the center of the Yi Peng festival in Northern Thailand, but the two often overlap, making a two-fold sky and water show.
A River of History Loy Krathong Origins
There exists controversy regarding the history of origin of the festival but most people can trace it back to the Sukhothai Kingdom of the 13 th century. However there is legend that says that Queen Nophamas, one of the royal consorts, had made the original krathong in an offering to the goddess of the water, Phra Mae Khongkha. This move was sort of a thank you to the creator of life-giving water and a penitence of a human polluter.
Some others associate it to Hindu-Buddhist culture such as worshiping the footprint of Buddha on the banks of the Narmada River or venerating the spirits of the river (Phra Phum). Gradually, in hundreds of years, this Thailand festival became a cultural point of unity celebrated on a national level.
Why Do Thais Celebrate? The Heart of the Ritual
At its core, Loy Krathong is about:
Gratitude: Thanking the water goddess for the year’s abundance.
Letting Go: Releasing negativity, grudges, and misfortune with the floating krathong.
Atonement: Asking forgiveness for polluting waterways.
Hope: Making wishes for the future as the light drifts away.
As Somchai, a Bangkok local, shared: “When my krathong sails off with the candle still burning? That’s luck smiling at me. It feels like… starting fresh.”
Crafting Magic: Anatomy of a Krathong
A traditional krathong is a natural masterpiece:
- Base: Banana trunk slices or spider lily stems (biodegradable!).
- Decoration: Folded banana leaves, orchids, marigolds, and jasmine.
- Offerings: A candle, incense sticks, and sometimes coins or nail clippings (symbolizing release).
Modern krathongs might use bread or ice (eco-friendly!), but purists insist on organic materials. Workshops across Thailand teach travelers to weave their own—a must-try experience!
Where Light Meets Water: The Festival Unfolds
As dusk falls, families gather at waterways. The ritual begins:
- Light the candle and incense.
- Close your eyes, make a wish, or whisper a prayer.
- Gently place the krathong on the water and push it away.
In Chiang Mai, the lantern festival Thailand energy peaks. Loy Krathong coincides with Yi Peng, where sky lanterns join the water offerings. The result? A surreal dance of lights above and below—pure magic.
Top Spots to Experience Loy Krathong in Thailand
Bangkok:
Iconic Spot: Chao Phraya River (near Wat Arun or Asiatique)
Vibe: Electric, urban energy with fireworks.
Chiang Mai:
Iconic Spot: Tha Phae Gate or Ping River
Vibe: Spiritual and spectacular with Yi Peng lanterns.
Sukhothai:
Iconic Spot: Sukhothai Historical Park
Vibe: Traditional and deeply atmospheric (UNESCO-lit ruins!).
Ayutthaya:
Iconic Spot: Ancient temple ruins along the river
Vibe: Hauntingly beautiful.
Eco-Warrior Tips: Celebrate Sustainably
With millions of krathongs floated yearly, plastic foam bases became an environmental nightmare. Thankfully, green initiatives are rising:
Use natural materials: Banana trunks, leaves, or bread.
Skip plastic bling: Decorate with flowers only.
“Net Krathong” Programs: Many cities use nets to collect krathongs post-festival for composting.
“We honor water by not harming it,” says activist Ploy. “That’s the true spirit of Loy Krathong.”
Beyond Floating: Festive Side Attractions
This Water Lantern Festival isn’t just about krathongs! Savor:
Beauty Pageants: “Noppamas Queen” contests (named after the festival’s legendary founder).
Fireworks & Performances: Classical Ramwong dancing, shadow plays, and live music.
Street Feasts: Try khao tom mat (sticky rice bananas) or grilled river prawns.
Traveler’s Toolkit: Making the Most of Loy Krathong
Book Early: Flights and hotels fill up fast!
Dress Respectfully: Shoulders/knees covered near temples.
Arrive Pre-Dusk: Secure waterfront spots.
Respect the Ritual: Ask before photographing locals praying.
Go Local: Join a family making krathongs—it’s heartwarming!
A Festival That Floats Through Time
Loy krathong will never die because it is not simply a Thailand festival, it is a common time of reflection, happiness, and rejuvenation. While the krathongs are floating, people send the wishes and the feelings of gratitude along with an old promise to the nature to live peacefully.
When it is softly lit by a candle, and the water ripples beneath, and (in the North) lanterns are flickering on, across, you will sense it: a deep, resonant, linkage with the soul of Thailand.