Loy Krathong is a mesmerizing festival celebrated each year on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. The festival derives its name from “krathong,” small floating vessels adorned with flowers and candles, which are released onto the water. This tradition symbolizes letting go of the troubles of the past year and embracing a new beginning with good wishes. In 2024, the Loy Krathong Festival will be celebrated on the evening of November 15.
Throughout Thailand, vibrant events take place across various cities. Major celebrations occur not only in popular tourist destinations like Pattaya and Phuket but also in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai. Each region brings a unique touch to the festival by showcasing its local traditions. Here are some details on how Loy Krathong is celebrated in different parts of Thailand.
Loy Krathong in Pattaya
Location and Date: November 15, 2024 – Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches
Pattaya, a lively seaside city known for its vibrant atmosphere year-round, offers a colorful celebration environment during the Loy Krathong Festival. In 2024, the main festivities will take place in central spots like Jomtien Beach and Pattaya Beach. Watching the krathongs float on the water, especially along the beaches, is a delightful experience. The city hosts fireworks displays, traditional Thai dances, and music performances throughout the festival. With Pattaya’s tourist-friendly nature, many international visitors join in the festivities, providing a blend of local traditions with modern entertainment.
Loy Krathong in Phuket
At Patong and Karon Beaches
Location and Date: November 15, 2024 – Patong and Karon Beaches
Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular islands, is a fantastic choice for celebrating the festival. Patong and Karon beaches are expected to be the most vibrant spots for the festivities in 2024. The sight of krathongs floating on Phuket’s crystal-clear waters, combined with the brightness of the full moon, creates a stunning view. Additionally, “Yee Peng” sky lanterns are released, providing visitors with an unforgettable scene. Various hotels and local businesses in Phuket host special Loy Krathong events, offering visitors a chance to experience a more intimate connection with the locals.
At Rawai Beach
Location and Date: November 15, 2024 (6:00 pm – 11:00 pm), Mixxmall Rawayana Shopping Center, Rawai Beach, Phuket
The event at Rawai Beach celebrates Southern Thai culture, featuring traditional performances, an international Kids “Nopphamat” beauty contest, live music, and a showcase of local cuisine.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok
At Phadung Krung Kasem Canal
Location and Date: November 13-16, 2024 (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm), near Bangkok Train Station (Hua Lamphong), Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, hosts one of the most magnificent Loy Krathong celebrations in the country. Events along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and Phadung Krung Kasem Canal attract significant attention. While many piers along the river host events, places like Asiatique Riverfront and Iconsiam shopping malls provide visitors with impressive views. Visitors can float their krathongs on the water and enjoy traditional Thai shows and musical performances.
At Wat Arun
Location and Date: November 15, 2024, Wat Arun, Bangkok
Join the Loy Krathong celebrations in traditional Thai attire at Bangkok’s iconic Wat Arun temple. The event includes multilingual renditions of the Loy Krathong song in Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, accompanied by Suntaraporn Band and famous Thai artists. It also features Isan folk music, traditional Thai group performances, and showcases Thai cuisine and traditional sweets.
Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai
Location and Date: November 14-17, 2024, Chiang Mai Municipal Areas, Chiang Mai
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai celebrates a separate festival called “Yee Peng” alongside Loy Krathong. During Yee Peng, sky lanterns are released, transforming the city into a sea of lights. Popular spots to watch the festival include the Thapae Gate and the Ping River area. Chiang Mai’s historical ambiance adds a unique depth to the festival, offering participants an unforgettable experience. The sight of thousands of lanterns ascending into the night sky during Yee Peng creates a dreamlike scene for all who witness it.
Loy Krathong in Sukhothai
Location and Date: November 8-17, 2024, Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Known as the birthplace of Loy Krathong, Sukhothai offers an unparalleled setting to experience the festival in its most authentic atmosphere. The events held within Sukhothai Historical Park pay homage to Thailand’s first kingdom era. Festival activities here include floating krathongs on the water, traditional music performances, folk dances, daytime parades, and mesmerizing nighttime fireworks displays. Celebrations in Sukhothai are ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the festival’s traditional ambiance.
Loy Krathong in Roi Et
Location and Date: November 14-15, 2024, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (Bueng Planchai), Roi Et
This event features a shared Loi Krathong ceremony with five ASEAN countries, offering a mesmerizing light and sound show on a water curtain, a krathong competition, and traditional Thai music and dance performances.
Loy Krathong in Samut Songkhram
Location and Date: November 15-17, 2024, Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong and King Rama II Memorial Park, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram
The festival program aligns with TAT’s sustainable tourism initiatives, offering traditional, cultural, and environmentally friendly activities. Krathong Kap Kluai, made from banana trunks, will be floated on the Mae Klong River. The event includes cultural performances and parades, showcasing local heritage in an eco-friendly way.
Loy Krathong in Tak
Location and Date: November 15-18, 2024, 200th Anniversary Rattanakosin Memorial Bridge, Tak
Tak’s Loy Krathong celebration, known as “Loi Krathong Sai Lai Prathip 1000 Lanterns,” takes place along the Ping River. It features a royal lantern parade, traditional boat processions, and a grand fireworks display. Each night, offerings illuminate the river with 1,000 floating lanterns, creating a spectacular view. Other activities include dance performances, a string instrument competition, the “Rising Star Luk Thung” folk music contest, lively local markets, food stalls, and traditional krathong crafts.
Loy Krathong in Mae Hong Son
Location and Date: November 10-15, 2024, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son’s celebration is unique, reflecting the mountainous region around Doi Kong Mu. Since there are no rivers, krathongs are released into the sky instead of the water. This adaptation, introduced over 50 years ago by former abbot Phra Khru Anusarn Sasanakorn, symbolizes the release of misfortunes into the heavens.
Loy Krathong in Khon Kaen
Location and Date: November 13-15, 2024, Si Than Lake, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen
Formerly known as the “Si Than Festival: Bun Somma Nak,” the Sithan KKU Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, highlighting Khon Kaen University’s role as a center of Isan wisdom. The festival aims to elevate the celebration to an international level with various events showcasing Northeastern Thai culture.
Loy Krathong in Suphan Buri
Location and Date: November 13-15, 2024 (5:30 pm – 10:00 pm), Wat Sanam Chai, Suphan Buri
Held within the historical ambiance of Wat Sanam Chai, the festival in Suphan Buri offers a rich cultural experience. Highlights include DIY workshops, folk performances, band music, krathong making with natural materials, and a local market featuring over 50 street food vendors.
Loy Krathong in Chon Buri
Location and Date: November 14-15, 2024, 80th Birthday Memorial Park, Laem Chabang, Chon Buri
The Loy Krathong Festival at Laem Chabang celebrates Thai heritage in a lively coastal setting with over 200 market stalls, traditional painting competitions, the Nopphamat beauty pageant, handmade krathong making, and fireworks displays.
Loy Krathong in Krabi
Location and Date: November 15, 2024, Krabi Provincial Administrative Building, Krabi
Float your krathong online with LED-lit wishes displayed on screens, or enjoy the festival along the river. At the Lanta War Ship Museum, LED krathongs and light displays offer an environmentally friendly festival experience, with eco-friendly prizes.
Loy Krathong in Ayutthaya
Location and Date: November 15-17, 2024 (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm), Japanese Village, Ayutthaya
Experience Loy Krathong in Ayutthaya’s Japanese Village, set in a serene Japanese garden along the Chao Phraya River. Visitors can enjoy impressive performances, live music, and traditional krathong floating ceremonies.
Loy Krathong Festival in Surat Thani
Location and Date: November 13-15, 2024, Nathon Pier, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
Additional Location and Date: November 15, 2024, Bang Bai Mai Floating Market, Surat Thani
The Loy Krathong festivities in Surat Thani include traditional celebrations at Nathon Pier on Ko Samui and a floating festival at the Bang Bai Mai Floating Market, offering both locals and tourists a unique festival experience.
The Meaning and History of Loy Krathong
The Loy Krathong Festival symbolizes spiritual cleansing and renewal in Thai culture. A krathong is a small raft shaped like a lotus, decorated with flowers, incense, and candles. When released into the water, it is believed to carry away bad luck and the negative aspects of the past year. In some regions, “khom loy,” or sky lanterns, are also released, with participants making wishes as they ascend.
Important Considerations During the Festival
Loy Krathong is an event that emphasizes respect for Thai culture and nature. Visitors are encouraged to use biodegradable krathongs to avoid harming the environment. Additionally, showing polite and modest behavior around temples and festival areas is important to honor the local traditions.
In Summary
The Loy Krathong Festival offers a culturally enriching and spiritually meaningful experience for those visiting Thailand. Celebrations in cities like Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, and Sukhothai provide varied experiences, showcasing the diverse ways the festival is celebrated across the country. The illuminated waters and sky throughout Thailand create a magical sight for all who witness it.
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