Loy Krathong in Thailand (ลอยกระทง)

Note: The date above is a close estimate. The festival falls on a slightly different date every year based on the lunar calendar.

Loy Krathong is a festival that happens in the twelfth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar when the full moon appears (typically in November). People from all around the country head to lakes and rivers to place colorful baskets into the water and watch them float away, along with any negative thoughts and feelings.

What does Loy Krathong mean?

• The word ‘Loy (ลอย)’ means to float.
• Khratong (กระทง) is the name of the basket that is placed into the water.
• This term could essentially be translated as ‘to float a basket’.

What happens at the festival?

Some people will make their own krathongs, while others will buy a pre-made one from a street vendor. Check the local programme for places to float a krathong and buy offerings. Avoid crowded or risky spots by the water, and follow the local safety instructions.

One way to take part in the Loi Krathong tradition is:

1. Make or buy a krathong.
2. Add any extra offerings only if the venue allows them (see below).
3. Make a wish.
4. Follow the venue's guidance on candles and incense.
5. Use the designated access point by the water.
6. Say a prayer.
7. Place the krathong into the water.
8. Watch it float away

There may also be other shows and performances happening. There will often be a beauty pageant, where women will dress up in traditional Thai clothing.

Sky lanterns are associated with northern Thailand's Yi Peng celebrations. For Yi Peng in 2025, Chiang Mai's provincial guidance set prohibited areas and required permission in allowed areas. Check the current local rules before taking part. They can cause house fires and they also create litter. You may still see some fireworks being let off though.

What is a Krathong made out of?

A krathong basket is traditionally made from a slice of banana tree trunk and banana leaves. Flowers will then be placed inside the basket, along with a candle, three incense sticks (joss sticks) and sometimes another type of offering. This may be a strand of hair, nail clippings or a coin.

In a more modern world, people had started to use foam or polystyrene baskets but this is generally considered unethical because of the litter pollution it causes.

There are even turtle-shaped bread krathongs, like the ones pictured below! They’re not a good alternative, though; Bangkok’s festival organisers asked people to avoid bread krathongs in 2025.

The history of the Loi Krathong festival

The true origin of Loi Krathong is a little bit of a mystery. One case states that it was traditionally a way of paying respect to Buddha. Buddhists would release all their negative feelings and emotions through the Krathong as it drifted away down the river. Other sources claim that it previously originated in India.

To some Thais, it is believed that the festival originated in the city of Sukhothai. A romantic story tells of a consort named Nang Noppamas whose beautiful offering caught the king's attention. The story comes from a later literary work, so it’s a legend rather than an account of how the festival began.

This festival will often be used for people in relationships to show their love for one another. Couples can also share a krathong and release it together.

Other locals use this festival as a way of paying respect to the Goddess of Water (Me Khongkha). They say a prayer and show their gratitude before releasing their offering into the water.

Whatever the reason a Thai has for taking part in this festival, it is a magical way for everybody to come together and show forgiveness, gratitude, and peacefulness.