Glowing Flower Lanterns at the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand

Significance of the Loy Krathong Festival

The Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals in Thailand. In Thai, “Loy” means “float” and “Krathong” means “decorated basket.” The festival is an occasion for Thais to express gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha for providing abundant water resources. They believe that she is always present, protecting and blessing their lives. Any misfortune or difficulties are symbolically set adrift during the festival. Today, it also signifies making wishes for a peaceful life and enduring happiness for couples in love.

The Timing of Loy Krathong Festival

Water lantern custom in Bangkok

When does Loy Krathong Festival take place? Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, usually falling between November 5th and 11th in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is typically observed a few days before and after the full moon night.

Distinguishing Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals

When traveling to Thailand during this time, you have the opportunity to explore another famous festival of the Land of Smiles, the Yi Peng Festival. However, many people mistakenly consider these two festivals to be the same since they occur around the same time. In reality, they are two distinct celebrations. You can explore the fundamental differences between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals in the table below to plan your trip accordingly.

>>> For a detailed guide on the Yi Peng sky lantern festival, check it out here.

Most Famous Loy Krathong Festival Venues

Bangkok

Traveling to Thailand, you definitely can't miss the Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok. Why? This is where the grandest and most spectacular celebration takes place in the Land of Smiles. During these days, the entire city is adorned in vibrant decorations, especially along the Chao Phraya River and water areas in parks. Thai people release Krathongs into the water, expressing their wishes for the best things to come.

Releasing sky lanterns on the Chao Phraya River

Moreover, in the capital city Bangkok, besides experiencing the traditional sky lantern release, you'll witness various exciting activities such as fireworks and boat processions. A small tip for you is to visit Wat Yannawa, Wat Arun, Wat Saket in the Old City, or Asiatique to fully appreciate the beauty of colorful and gentle Krathongs floating on the Chao Phraya River.

Chiang Mai

Where is the most beautiful location for the Loy Krathong sky lantern festival? If you have the opportunity, join the festival in Chiang Mai because only here allows for the dazzling release of sky lanterns. The bright lanterns illuminate the sky, resembling thousands of glowing jellyfish in the vast ocean, helping people cast away worries, misfortunes, and bring warmth and happiness for the new year.

Releasing sky lanterns in Chiang Mai

Sukhothai

Known as the birthplace of the Loy Krathong festival, Sukhothai is the ideal destination to join the Loy Krathong festival. The festival here spans 3 days, during which the locals organize numerous meaningful activities such as providing food to monks, releasing sky lanterns, musical and martial arts performances, dramas, and more. To immerse yourself in the glittering atmosphere of the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai, visit the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Experience the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai

Ayutthaya

Another destination where you can fully participate in this traditional Thai festival is the ancient city Ayutthaya. Here, visitors will delight in releasing sky lanterns and experiencing various cultural activities deeply rooted in the traditions of the Land of Smiles, such as exploring floating markets, savoring Thai cuisine, and watching boat races.

If this is your first time in Thailand and you want to fully experience the Loy Krathong festival, don't miss out on the all-inclusive Thailand tours with enticing itineraries covering all festival venues.

Experience participating in the Loy Krathong festival

Handmade water lanterns

- To fully experience this festival, prepare some offerings such as incense, candles, decorated sky lanterns, and banana leaf rafts to release peacefully into the river. The price for a lantern ranges from 10 to 20 baht each.

- Important notes when participating in Loy Krathong festival: Release lanterns only at designated locations, adhere to local authorities' regulations to avoid incidents of fire or explosions.

- As this is one of the major festive occasions attracting many tourists, it's advisable to book flight tickets to Thailand 1-2 months in advance. You can choose direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, with prices ranging from 1,500,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND for round-trip tickets from airlines like Thai Airways, Air Asia, etc.

- Not only Chiang Mai, but few tourists know that the Mea Sa Valley also organizes a beautiful sky lantern releasing ceremony.

- If staying overnight in Chiang Mai, avoid renting rooms in the Old City center as prices tend to be high, especially during the festival season. The central guest area, about a 10-minute walk away, is an ideal place to rent hotels/guesthouses with convenient transportation, priced around 500-700 baht per night. For a more budget-friendly option, dormitory-style accommodation is available at just 200 baht per bed per person. However, based on travel experiences in Thailand, Mytour does not recommend this type of accommodation due to lower safety levels for your belongings.

- Instead of hotels, consider renting guesthouses from local residents. It's cost-effective, locals are friendly, and sometimes they may even teach you how to make sky lanterns or water lanterns for free.

Don't miss the chance to join with your loved ones in the most romantic festival in the world, Loy Krathong, to wish for a new year free from difficulties, worries, filled only with overflowing happiness and enduring love!

>>> Book Mytour's Thailand tour now to explore the Loy Krathong festival and the beautiful Land of Smiles!

Dang

Image Source: Internet