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Loy Krathong Festival of Light

Celebrated nationwide, Loy Krathong is probably Thailand’s most beautiful and enchanting festival. The word loy (or loi) means to float, whilst krathong are small rafts or baskets. Traditionally made from banana leaves or the bark of a banana tree, the krathongs usually contain a candle, incense and flowers. The person who will be floating the krathong will often take a small clipping of their hair or fingernail which will then be added to the krathong together with some coins. The candle and incense are then lit and a wish is made before the krathong is placed on the nearest stretch of water. It is believed that the krathong carries away bad luck and signals a fresh start.

Dates for Loy Krathong

The festival is held on the full moon of the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar (which usually falls in November).

Origin of Loy Krathong

The precise origin of Loy Krathong is unclear, but it is widely believed to have originated in the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai during the 13th or 14th century. The festival may have Brahmin origins but has been given a typically unique Thai twist over the years. Coming at the end of the rainy season, it is also believed that the tradition pays homage to the water goddess, Mae Kongkha (Mother of Waters) and the krathongs are offerings to her.

Modern Day Loy Krathong

The festival has evolved to include music concerts and beauty pageants and is another great excuse for a party. Falling during the school holidays, Loy Krathong is also a family affair with parents often helping their children to make the krathongs.

Where to See Loy Krathong

The festival is celebrated throughout Thailand and wherever you find yourself there is almost certain to be a celebration somewhere close at hand. Loy Krathong is particularly famous in Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Tak.

lights and chedi during Loy Krathong at Sukhothai Historical ParkLoy Krathong in Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai
Old Sukhothai hosts a two-week celebration with the ancient ruins illuminated and the ponds lit up by candles. Parades, firework displays and concerts draw large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists with accommodation at a premium.

Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai and some other areas of northern Thailand, Yi Peng is also celebrated at the same time as Loy Krathong. In Chiang Mai much of the focus is on the Ping River and the moat that surrounds the old town. In addition to the floating krathong, khom loy and khom fai fire lanterns are released into the sky.

Bangkok
The Chao Phraya River is the main focus for celebrations with bridges and buildings decked out in bright lights for the occasion. Places such as Lumpini Park with its lake also draw a large crowd.

Thailand’s Beaches and Islands
Many hotels and resorts lay on special celebratory meals and activities for their guests culminating in crowds gathering on the beach to float krathongs onto the sea.

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About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

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Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

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