What is the meaning behind floating a krathong?

Floating a krathong is an act of gratitude to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and a way of symbolically releasing negativity, bad luck, and grudges from the previous year. The candle represents wisdom, the flowers represent beauty, and the act of releasing the krathong is a moment of mindfulness and letting go.

Is Loy Krathong the same as Yi Peng?

They are related but distinct festivals. Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide and involves floating offerings on water. Yi Peng is a northern Thai lantern festival, primarily in Chiang Mai, involving the release of sky lanterns (khom loi). The two festivals coincide on the same full moon night in Chiang Mai, making the city's celebrations uniquely spectacular.

Can tourists make and float their own krathong?

Absolutely. Krathongs are sold everywhere on the festival night from about 50–150 THB each. Many hotels, markets, and community centres also run workshops where you can learn to fold and decorate your own from banana leaves and flowers. This is one of the most accessible and participatory of all Thai festivals.

Loy Krathong

ลอยกระทง

Full moon of the 12th lunar month — 5 November 2026, 24 October 2026Nationwide — most celebrated in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok

At a Glance

Dates

Full moon of the 12th lunar month — 5 November 2026, 24 October 2026

Location

Nationwide — most celebrated in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok

Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most visually enchanting festivals, held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month when rivers and waterways glow with thousands of floating lotus-shaped offerings. 'Loy' means to float and 'krathong' refers to the small decorated vessel — traditionally made from banana trunk sections, banana leaves, flowers, incense, and a candle — that Thais set adrift on rivers, canals, and the sea to pay respects to the water spirits and symbolically let go of grudges and misfortunes.

The festival traces its origins to a Brahminical ceremony adopted into Thai Buddhist practice. Sukhothai, the ancient capital where the tradition is said to have originated, holds the country's most elaborate celebrations, with sound-and-light shows, historical processions, and a krathong contest drawing visitors from across the world. Chiang Mai pairs Loy Krathong with the Yi Peng lantern festival, creating a dual spectacle of floating lights on water and drifting sky lanterns above.

Highlights

Launching a hand-crafted krathong on the Ping River or the moat in Chiang Mai
Sukhothai's historical park light show with giant illuminated krathongs
Thousands of khom loi sky lanterns released simultaneously at Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
Traditional beauty pageants, folk performances, and fireworks nationwide

Practical Tips

Use biodegradable krathongs made from bread or natural materials to minimise river pollution — banana-leaf krathongs are better than styrofoam.
Book Sukhothai accommodation six to twelve months ahead; the town has limited hotels and they fill up fast.
The full moon night can get very crowded on riverbanks; arrive early to secure a good spot and keep valuables secure.

Best Destinations

Sukhothai

The birthplace of Loy Krathong hosts Thailand's most spectacular celebrations within the UNESCO-listed historical park.

Chiang Mai

Combines Loy Krathong on the moat with the Yi Peng sky lantern festival for a stunning double spectacle.

Bangkok

Asiatique, the Chao Phraya riverfront, and major parks host large celebrations with markets and live performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

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