Marked by floating flower baskets and radiant sky lanterns that remind you of Diwali, Loy Krathong festival is the perfect time to visit Thailand
Updated Nov 22, 2023 | 01:18 PM IST
Loy Krathong will be celebrated in Thailand on Nov 27
On a recent trip to Thailand, our guide on a local kayak tour in Phuket helped us make a Krathong. He made a basket with a banana trunk and used long strips of banana leaves, which he fashioned into a lotus petal shape attached to the base. On the top, using sticks and pins, he created a swing, on which two birds (made using flowers) were placed. Vegetables, candles and incense sticks were added to the mix, and lo behold, our krathong was ready to traverse the waters with our prayers for a better year.
While we made the krathong on a simple day trip, Thailand has a whole festival where thousands of krathongs are offered to water bodies around the country. It is rightly called Loy Krathong; loi translates to ‘float’, and krathong is the basket adorned with flowers. The celebrations across the country will remind you of Diwali in India. This festival is also called ‘The Floating Basket Festival of Thailand’.
Origins of Loy Krathong
Held annually on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, often aligning with November, Loy Krathong’s origin is traced to the Kingdom of Sukhothai, where it began as an expression of gratitude to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Kongka. Evolving over time, Loy Krathong has embraced broader themes, including forgiveness, the release of negativity, and the honouring of ancestors.
These krathongs symbolise a fresh start as they gracefully float down rivers, canals, and lakes. Earlier, families would get together, each building their own krathong that was unique in its shape and size. Today, in the days preceding Loy Krathong, you can purchase intricately crafted krathongs readily available in the market.
While the entire nation partakes in this celebration, certain destinations stand out on a Thai itinerary during Loy Krathong.
Krathong made with flowers and banana trunk
Where To See Loy Krathong Festivities
Many travellers headed to Thailand often plan their trip to coincide with this festival on November 27 this year. In fact, according to Airbnb, this year has seen a 17 per cent surge in international guests searching for a stay in Thailand during Loy Krathong, where maximum tourists head to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Koh Pha Ngan and Krabi.
Sukhothai, the festival’s birthplace, commemorates Loy Krathong with a five-day historical reenactment. Locals engage in floating lantern displays, participate in parades and musical performances, and gather at local water bodies to release krathongs, laden with hopes and wishes for a brighter future.
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city and the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, celebrates Loy Krathong with the ‘Yi Peng’ lantern release. Thousands of sky lanterns ((khom loi) gracefully ascend into the night, creating a surreal atmosphere as they carry the collective wishes and dreams of the people. Winding its way through the heart of Chiang Mai province is the Ping River, a cherished spot for locals and tourists to release krathongs.
For those in Bangkok, the riverfronts along the Chao Phraya River come alive with the gentle glow of countless flickering candles during Loy Krathong. Alternatively, visit Wat Saket, where you can enjoy a memorable Loy Krathong by one of Bangkok’s oldest canals, Khlong Maha Nak, and explore the iconic Golden Mount nearby.