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Loy Krathong is one of the most splendid, colorful, and ancient festivals in the Land of Golden Temples. With hundreds of thousands of shimmering lights and captivating musical performances, it's sure to be a visual feast!
As the second-largest festival of the year, Loy Krathong transforms the Kingdom of Thailand into a magical realm, where paper lanterns illuminate the night sky, and floating flower lanterns gently drift on the rivers, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a fairy tale.
Loy Krathong: What Does It Signify? The Meaning of the Lantern Festival
In Thai, 'Loy' means 'to float,' and 'krathong' refers to a floating vessel shaped like a lotus flower. Traditionally, krathongs are crafted from banana leaves, sections of banana tree trunk, or even the base of spider lilies. A basic krathong includes food, betel leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. Occasionally, small coins are placed on the krathong as an offering to river spirits. Throughout the full moon night, Thai people release these krathongs into rivers, canals, or ponds, creating a dreamy and reverent atmosphere.
This festival symbolizes the Thais' reverence and gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha, whom they believe brings blessings and protection to their lives. Loy Krathong not only serves as an opportunity to honor the water goddess but also as a time to release misfortunes, challenges, and hopes for a brighter future. Today, the festival also signifies prayers and wishes for a peaceful and happy life. Thus, Loy Krathong becomes a special occasion for couples to share their love and aspirations for a happy and fulfilling future.
Loy Krathong Festival 2023 in Thailand - When Does It Take Place?
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, corresponding to November in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, the festival takes place on November 27-28, lasting for 3-5 days depending on the location.
Where is Loy Krathong Festival Celebrated?
1. Bangkok
With years of experience attending Thailand's lantern festival, #teamKlook recommends not missing Loy Krathong in Bangkok - the grandest and most spectacular celebration in the Land of the Golden Temples. The city immerses itself in the excitement of Loy Krathong, adorned with vibrant decorations, especially along the Chao Phraya River and lakeside parks, where Thai people release Krathongs into the water, expressing their wishes for upcoming blessings.
In addition to participating in the traditional lantern release, you'll encounter various exciting activities in the capital city, including fireworks under the moonlight and boat parades. Don't forget to visit famous temples like Wat Yannawa, Wat Arun, and Wat Saket in the old town, or the Asiatique tourist area to fully appreciate the beauty of colorful Krathongs floating on the Chao Phraya River. Alongside the traditional lantern release, you may witness people lighting candles, making wishes, and engaging in traditional dances that add a unique flair to the celebration.
2. Chiang Mai
Loy Krathong Lantern Festival is one of the hottest events in the Land of the Golden Temples, but do you know where the most beautiful celebration takes place? If you have the chance, visit Chiang Mai to marvel at the glittering lights not only below the water but also in the sky. The bright lanterns illuminate the sky, resembling thousands of glowing jellyfish in the vast ocean, helping people cast away worries, misfortunes, and bringing warmth and happiness for the new year.
Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for international travelers and locals to participate in the Loy Krathong festival. Additionally, during this time, Chiang Mai also hosts the Yi Peng festival - a famous sky lantern festival. Here, you can release sky lanterns along the Ping River, admire colorful lanterns decorating the city gates and canals, and visit the radiant Wat Phan Tao temple with dazzling lanterns and lights. Don't forget to join The Lighting Candle Tray opening ceremony to fully immerse yourself in this beautiful space. Chiang Mai, at this time, creates a unique and impressive festival experience that will surely leave unforgettable memories.
3. Ayutthaya
If you want to experience Loy Krathong comprehensively at another destination, consider the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Here, you'll have the opportunity to release sky lanterns and participate in various traditional cultural activities. During this occasion, Ayutthaya will organize exciting activities such as exploring floating markets, enjoying unique Thai cuisine, watching boat races, and many other activities.
If this is your first trip to Thailand and you want to fully enjoy Loy Krathong, consider exploring Thailand with attractive tour packages that include all the important destinations to experience this memorable festival!
4. Sukhothai
Sukhothai, the birthplace of the Loy Krathong festival, is also one of the best places to experience the uniqueness of this celebration. In Sukhothai, the lantern festival takes place over five days, with main events centered around the Sukhothai Historical Park.
Apart from personally releasing floating lanterns, carrying the significance of respect and wishes, visitors can participate in beauty contests, join parades, watch traditional music performances, and witness beautiful light and sound displays throughout the city of Sukhothai.
5. Phuket
The city of Phuket is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Loy Krathong festival without enduring noisy crowds.
The Loy Krathong festival in Phuket is organized along the waterways and beaches, including Patong Beach and Nai Harn Beach. Travelers can also head to Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Saphan Hin Park, or Suan Luang Park in Phuket town to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Here, you have the opportunity to join the local Thai people, release sky lanterns, and celebrate the festival in its entirety.
Loy Krathong Festival Highlights
During Loy Krathong, Thais don traditional, vibrant costumes, creating a dazzling spectacle. They join processions and enjoy unique traditional performances.
As the evening shadows stretch across the river, people flock to the riverbanks. They then light up sparkling lanterns, express prayers to the spirits, and gently release the lanterns along the water. Each drifting lantern symbolizes their wishes, and people hope they come true as the lanterns float away.
Tips for Participating in Loy Krathong Festival
- Prepare ritual items in advance: To fully experience the lantern festival, prepare ritual items such as incense, candles, lanterns, and banana leaf floats for the river.
- Follow local regulations: Always adhere to local government regulations on designated areas for releasing lanterns to ensure safety and legal compliance.
- Choose accommodation wisely: If planning an overnight stay in Thailand, consider avoiding central areas where prices are often higher. Instead, you can opt for local guesthouses or choose budget dormitory-style accommodation. You can also check hotel prices on Klook for the best preparation.
- Book flights in advance: As Loy Krathong attracts a large number of tourists, book your flights to Thailand at least 1-2 months in advance to ensure availability and the best prices.
- Equip yourself with essentials for seamless connectivity throughout the trip, such as Wifi devices or a Thai 4G SIM card. This way, you can stay in touch with loved ones and local authorities in case of emergencies and fully enjoy the festival experience!
Recommended Accommodations for Loy Krathong Festival
1. Amari Watergate Bangkok
- Address: Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
- Price: From 667,000 VND/night
2. The Racha
- Address: Batok Bay, Koh Racha Yai, 44, Rawai, Mueang Phuket, Thailand.
- Price: From 3,600,000 VND/night
3. We Briza Hotel Chiang Mai
- Address: 3, Wang Sing Kam Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
- Reference Price: 450,000 VND/night
4. SYN Boutique Hotel
- Reference Price: 1,935,000 VND/night.
- Address: 14/28 Moo.2, Cholprathan Road, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
5. Travelodge Phuket Town
- Address: 159 Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
- Reference Price: 1,005,000 VND/night
The Loy Krathong festival is not just a night of glittering candlelight, but also a celebration that honors the spiritual essence and unique beauty of Thai culture. It's a fantastic opportunity for people to delve deeper into the beauty of the country and its people, creating unforgettable experiences in their journey to the vibrant land of Thailand.
Don't forget to check out the Klook Blog for more insights on exploring Thailand, such as 10 Must-Visit Places in Pattaya, Thailand, Conquering IconSiam Bangkok - A Handy Guide, Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai - A Sky Lantern Festival, 19 Affordable Thailand Tours with Unforgettable Experiences, 4 Days 3 Nights Budget-Friendly Bangkok Itinerary, 17 Most Loved Tourist Spots in Phuket, and more.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the Loy Krathong lantern festival!
