Loy Krathong in Thailand: Gratitude, Tradition and Floating Light
- InFusion
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
A timeless ritual of gratitude
Every year, on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, rivers, lakes, and canals across Thailand glow with thousands of floating candles. This is Loy Krathong, one of the country’s most graceful and enduring traditions. The word loy means “to float,” while krathong refers to a small lotus-shaped raft traditionally made from banana trunk slices, decorated with leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and a candle.
By setting the krathong afloat, people express gratitude to the water goddess Mae Khongkha, asking forgiveness for polluting her and letting go of anger or misfortune from the year gone by.Although its roots are animist and Hindu, the festival later absorbed Buddhist symbolism, such as offering homage to the Buddha or his sacred footprints. Today, Loy Krathong embodies Thailand’s distinctive religious syncretism, blending folk beliefs, reverence for nature, and Buddhist moral values.
A festival of family, community and reflection
While its meaning, gratitude, forgiveness, and renewal, remains universal, Loy Krathong is also a social celebration that brings families and communities together.
Throughout the country, families gather the day before to craft their krathongs by hand, often turning it into a joyful family project. At schools, children wear traditional Thai costumes for parades and competitions—the girls in silk chut thai, the boys in outfits reminiscent of Ayutthaya’s royal court. It’s a charming way to pass on cultural heritage while raising awareness about sustainability: modern krathongs are now made from biodegradable materials, and sometimes even bread, which fish can eat afterward.
In many towns and villages, rivers are cleaned before and after the celebration. Temples are decorated, sweet treats like khanom tom (sticky rice balls filled with coconut) are prepared, and communities come alive with folk performances, beauty contests (Miss Noppamas), and fireworks. The festival reflects both spiritual devotion and the Thai love of togetherness.
Where to celebrate Loy Krathong in Thailand
Bangkok: reflections on the Chao Phraya
In Bangkok, people flock to the city’s parks, Lumphini, Benjakitti, Benchasiri, and Santichaiprakarn, or gather along the Chao Phraya River to release their krathongs. The city promotes the use of eco-friendly rafts and hosts cultural shows and concerts by the water. It’s a lively yet family-friendly way to experience the modern face of an ancient tradition.
Chiang Mai: the Yi Peng lanterns
In the North, Chiang Mai once celebrated Loy Krathong alongside Yi Peng, the famous lantern festival where thousands of glowing lanterns would rise into the night sky. Because of air traffic safety, free sky lantern releases are now strictly regulated or banned within the city. Only a few licensed events in the outskirts, such as at the CAD Cultural Center in Mae On or the Gassan Panorama Golf Club in Lamphun, continue the tradition. Within the city, celebrations now center on the Ping River, with processions, music, and temple illuminations.
Sukhothai: the historical cradle of Loy Krathong
It was in Sukhothai, Thailand’s former capital, that the festival is believed to have originated. The UNESCO-listed Historical Park provides an enchanting setting for the country’s most spectacular celebrations. Over several nights, the park hosts a grand sound-and-light show, traditional dances, and fireworks reflected on the ancient ponds. Tens of thousands of visitors, mostly Thai, come from across the country to release their krathongs in the shadow of centuries-old temples. Local food stalls line the paths, offering dishes rarely seen outside this event, from grilled river fish to sweet coconut desserts. It’s an extraordinary cultural immersion and a celebration of Thai heritage at its finest.
Koh Samui: island traditions and community spirit
On Koh Samui, the festival takes on a more relaxed, island-style rhythm. The main festivities unfold around the Chaweng Lake, with krathong contests (often at Central Festival), parades, and vibrant street food stalls. The Plai Laem Temple, surrounded by a peaceful pond, offers a quieter spot for families to float their offerings and enjoy the candlelight reflections. The atmosphere is warm, communal, and quintessentially Thai, a perfect blend of tradition and tropical charm.
A living symbol of Thai philosophy
Recognized since 2011 as part of Thailand’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Loy Krathong remains a celebration of the country’s enduring values: gratitude, respect, and harmony. It unites generations, strengthens communities, and reminds everyone of the connection between people and nature. As the candles drift downstream, each flickering flame carries a shared wish—for balance between humanity, water, and the world.
Upcoming dates
2025: night of 5–6 November
2026: around 24 November
2027: around 15 November
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