Loy Krathong – How to Celebrate in Bangkok and Across Thailand

By Simon Philipp
Published: November 7, 2022

As Thai festivals go, Loy Krathong is probably the second most well-known and popular after the new year Songkran festivities. It is also arguably the most picturesque and romantic, filling waterways and skies up and down the country with floating krathong and lanterns. In 2022, Loy Krathong takes place on Tuesday November 8.

In this article share the story of Loy Krathong and ideas of how to celebrate Loy Krathong in Bangkok and across Thailand.

Note that this article has only been partly updated for 2022

Yi Peng in Mae Jo - photo by Takeaway via Wikimedia Commons

The History of Loy Krathong

Like many such festivals, there are several tales as to the history of Loy Krathong, which takes place on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in late October / early November. While the most common story is that the festival originated in the era during which Sukhothai was the capital of what is now Thailand, other writings suggest that it came about in the early days of the Bangkok period as a way of honouring the Buddha. Small floating vessels known as krathong, released on rivers, lakes and ponds, contain a candle used to pay respect to the Buddha, while the floating nature of the krathong itself symbolises letting go of hatred and anger.

Certainly this is a theme of Loy Krathong that remains today – couples or families floating their krathong hope that, in so doing, they will wish away the bad things that have happened in the past year and usher in good fortune for the next year. For this reason, those celebrating Loy Krathong will often place a few fingernail or hair clippings on the krathong when they float it away. Another purpose to the Loy Krathong festival is to pay respect to the river spirits, and specifically Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, and therefore a few small coins are usually nestled into the krathong along with the nail and hair clippings.

Krathong are usually made from polystyrene or the more environmentally-friendly bread, which is biodegradable and in most cases eaten by fish anyway. Coconut shells are also used to produce krathong in certain parts of the country, while the traditional method was to use pieces of banana tree trunk. In the north of Thailand, and the culture capital Chiang Mai in particular, Loy Krathong coincides with – but is distinct from – Yi Peng, a festival of the northern Thai Lanna culture. On set days during Yi Peng, thousands of hot air lanterns are launched into the night sky and result in a spectacular view. Among popular spots to release these khom loi lanterns is Mae Jo University, near Chiang Mai, where a mass launching takes place a week or so before the nationwide Loy Krathong celebrations.

Loy Krathong at Saphan Taksin - photo by Chris Wotton

Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong

Celebrating Loy Krathong Across Thailand

Sukhotai and Chiang Mai are both popular Loy Krathong destinations.

This year the famous Yi Peng festival will take place in and around Chiang Mai on November 7-9. This takes place at areas around the Chiang Mai city moat and at the Chiang Mai Municipal Office. Activities include a Big krathong parade and Yi Peng beauty queen and Godfather contest on 9 November at Tha Phae Gate, and many other activities.

In Sukhotai there is the Loy Krathong and Candle Festival 2022, which takes place at Sukhothai Historical Park from 29 October to 8 November. You can enjoy amazing firework shows, including Lighting Fire Paniang and Ta Lai.

You can find a full list from TAT of activities across Thailand

Celebrating Loy Krathong in Bangkok

Bangkok is also a great place to celebrate the festival. The many ponds and other waterways in the city’s public parks usually become the focal point for friends, lovers and families to launch their krathong – watching the route that a krathong takes is a popular way for couples to predict what the future holds for their relationship. Some of the most popular parks to celebrate include Lumpini Park, Benjasiri, Benjakitti Park.

Several temples, especially those along the river have very traditional temple fairs with activities going on, and of course lots of food available!

In 2022, The River Festival is confirmed to take place between November 5-8. It usually involves activities at 10 piers or temples along the Chao Phraya river, Venues include Asiatique, IconSiam, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Tha Maharah, Wat Rakang. There is a free shuttle boat between all the venues. Activities include temple fairs, floating Krathongs, workshops…..

Another special event for Loy Krathong usually takes place is the Santi Chai Prakan Park. This year between November 6-8 is a festival, called “The Amazing Night Light of Loi Krathong”

Hotels and cruises offering Loy Krathong events in Bangkok

Many of the top hotels, and especially the ones by the river, have special celebrations going on for Loy Krathong.

Alternatively, take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River and be at the heart of the activities. Check out our guide to dinner cruises.

Celebrate on a Tuk Tuk Tour of Bangkok

Loy Krathong is a great time to explore the riverside areas of Bangkok as there is a lot going on. On a tuk tuk tour you will not only explore Bangkok but soak up the Loy Krathong atmosphere. Here are more details of our own evening tuk tuk tour.

Now it’s time to learn the Loy Krathong Song

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Loy Krathong Sukothai photo by Tourism Authority of Thailand; Yi Peng Mae Jo photo by Takeaway via Wikimedia Commons; all other photos by Chris Wotton.

More on Festivals and Public Holidays in Thailand

Please check out our guide to public holidays and festivals in Thailand. Please note that due to COVID-19 some of the date and activities are subject to change.

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