Discover the lantern festival Loy Krathong, in Thailand

Loy Krathong is the perfect time to travel to Thailand, especially if you are passionate about traditions and cultural discoveries. It takes place every year in November, during the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar. This ancient celebration is a vibrant and spiritual event not to be missed. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, promising meaningful moments of connection with Thai people and a deep immersion into their customs. From street food markets to Buddhist temple ceremonies and the famous magical lantern release, here are our tips to make the most of the Festival of Lights.

Making and floating your krathong

The krathong is the central element of this Thai celebration! These small rafts are handmade, usually from banana leaves, then decorated with flowers, candles, and incense. Creating your own krathong is a unique way to experience this event in an authentic way. This hands-on activity, both creative and symbolic, allows you to fully connect with the spirit of the celebration. You can also choose to buy one from a local maker to support Thai craftsmanship. Locals craft krathongs with great creativity and attention to detail, making them truly beautiful and unique.

Then, festival participants head to rivers, lakes, or ponds to float their krathong. The goal is to honor Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, and to let go of negative energies with the krathong, in order to purify oneself and start fresh.

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Traditional ceremonies

During Loy Krathong, Buddhist temples are adorned with their most beautiful decorations. You will see illuminated tinsel, fresh flowers, and thousands of glowing candles that turn these sacred places into peaceful sanctuaries. Worshippers gather to meditate, make offerings, and recite prayers in an enchanting atmosphere. Monks also lead traditional ceremonies, offering visitors a unique experience at the heart of Thai Buddhist culture, in temples bathed in light.

Lantern release

In Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong coincides with Yi Peng, the festival of floating lanterns. At nightfall, thousands of sky lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. This symbolic gesture represents letting go, forgiveness, and renewal. It’s a way to release sorrows and make wishes for the future.

Our little tip: don’t forget to add a stop in Chiang Mai during your trip to Thailand for Loy Krathong. It is a powerful experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Local festivities

Beyond its spiritual rituals, Loy Krathong is also a popular celebration, featuring street food markets, local crafts, performances and parades in traditional dress, or even dance and beauty contests. Each Thai city celebrates in its own way: Bangkok, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and even Phuket offer different atmospheres, blending local culture with modern festivities.

Traveling with our local agency ÔDASIE during this special time guarantees immersive experiences at the heart of Thai culture.

The Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand is a beautiful celebration, filled with tradition, spirituality, and charm. It is an unforgettable experience that offers a deep insight into Thai culture and leaves magical memories for all who take part.

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When and where to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Loy Krathong, in Thailand?

Here are the upcoming dates when you can celebrate Loy Krathong:

November 5, 2025
November 25, 2026
November 14, 2027

Loy Krathong is one of Southeast Asia's major festivals, celebrated nationally throughout Thailand, but some provinces like Chiang Mai organize truly spectacular festivities. We recommend:

Bangkok, with its rivers filled with krathongs and animated streets,
Chiang Mai, for its stunning sky lantern release,
Krabi or Phuket, for a glowing beachside atmosphere.