Loy Krathong Festival 2025: Thai Tradition of Light & Water

The beautiful and charming Loy Krathong (Water Lantern Festival) is celebrated throughout Thailand every year. Thais gather to put floating lanterns into the river, which can pray for good luck and prosperity.

If you want to experience Loy Krathong traditions, you need to know where and how to celebrate, when is the best time to visit Thailand for the festival, etc. If you want to plan an immersive Thailand lantern festival tour, keep reading for inspiration.

What Is Loy Krathong Festival?

During the Loy Krathong Festival, locals will release krathongs (floating lanterns) on the water all over the country. Lighted candles are usually decorated on the floating lanterns. Therefore, the Loy Krathong Festival is Thailand's "Festival of Lights". It is also known as the Water Lantern Festival.

"Loy" means "to float" in Thailand, while "krathong" refers to "a floating basket or vessel".

It is a big event for Thai people. Tens of thousands of locals gather by the rivers and lakes to celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival. Releasing the krathong or sky lantern (in Northern Thailand) is a symbol of good luck and new beginnings. This is also a popular festival between couples who hope to success in love and have a happy marriage.

When Is Loy Krathong Festival 2025?

Loy Krathong Festival occurs on the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Thai calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, the date of Loy Krathong is usually in November, but the specific date changes every year.

Loy Krathong 2025 falls on November 6th. During and around the festival is the best time to visit Thailand to experience the Loy Krathong Festival.

Loy Krathong calendar for the next few years.

The Origin of Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong history remains uncertain, but it is generally believed that the Loy Krathong Festival originates from the Sukhothai Kingdom (13th century).

It is an old Brahmin festival when people honor the Water Goddess (Pra Mae Khongkha). Thais release water lanterns in the river not only to express gratitude for the rich resources she provides but also to pray for forgiveness and protection.

There is a famous legend of Loy Krathong. It is said that the first krathong was created by Nang Noppamas, the concubine of the King of Sukhothai. She made a delicate lotus-shaped lantern from banana leaves and placed candles and incense sticks in the center. The king was delighted and announced the release of krathongs on the full moon in December to celebrate Loy Krathong.

How to Celebrate Loy Krathong Festival?

1. Making Krathong

You can purchase water lanterns at most temples or riverside stalls. But why not try to make a one-of-a-kind floating lantern by yourself?

The main materials used to make floating lanterns are banana stems and leaves, with decorations including flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Put hair and nails in the floating lanterns to symbolize the elimination of bad luck. Coins are a symbol of offerings and merit.

Take a banana stem as the floating base and then cover it with the banana leaves. Traditional floating lanterns often imitate the shape of lotus flowers. Folding the leaves is the most important part. You need to fold the banana leaves and fix them to the edge of the base in multiple layers. Use your imagination to create a different krathong. Decorate it with colorful flowers. Stick a small candle and some incense sticks in the center.

Fix your floating lantern base and decorations when you make it to ensure that the floating lantern will not scatter in the water.

2. Floating Krathongs on Waterways

After the sun goes down, Thai locals and tourists gather around the rivers, lakes, or ponds. Many celebration venues have designated areas for floating lanterns. Light the candles and incense sticks on the floating lantern and release the adorned floating lantern into the river.

People make wishes when releasing floating lanterns. They believe that these floating lanterns will carry their good wishes along with the water. If the candle keeps burning until the lantern is no longer visible, the wish will come true. It is said that the longer a candle burns, the better the coming year will be.

3. Beauty Pageants & Cultural Performances

Traditional Thai dance and costume showcases are also integral parts of the Floating Lantern Festival Thailand, which can lead you to the heart of Thai culture.

The Noppamas Queen Contest is an annual beauty pageant held during the Loy Krathong Festival. Thai people hold the event to honor Nang Noppamas, who created the first krathong. Local women will wear Thai clothing. The Contest selects a woman based on her beauty, grace, and talent and awards her the title of "Nang Noppamas."

4. Fireworks Displays

Firework displays are often organized during Loy Krathong Day. If you experience the Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai, don't miss Sukhothai Historical Park's grand pyrotechnics over ancient ruins. During the day, you can explore the rich history of Sukhothai at the park. Stunning fireworks displays also happen on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

5. Local Market Experiences

During the Water Lantern Festival, street vendors and local markets in various cities are bustling with a variety of traditional Thai dishes and snacks. Chatuchak Market (Bangkok) and Mae Klong Night Market (Samut Songkram) are recommended markets for festive snacks and crafts.

Where Is the Best Place to Celebrate Loy Krathong?

You can find Loy Krathong Festival events in various parts of Thailand. However, if you want a stronger festive atmosphere and a grander celebration, you can visit the following best Loy Krathong destinations.

1. Chiang Mai: Sky Lanterns & Water Lanters

Besides the Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai will also hold the Yi Peng Lantern Festival on overlapping dates (Nov. 5-6). You can experience both in Chiang Mai. Parades and the release of floating lanterns and sky lanterns are the main Loy Krathong traditions.

In Chiang Mai, you can also release sky lanterns at night during the Yi Peng Festival in addition to water lanterns. You can also try the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, where you can see Chiang Mai's mass lantern release - thousands of sky lanterns light up the sky. Mae Jo University is one of the most representative locations for large-scale sky lantern releases.

Chiang Mai's Old City is the center of the Loy Krathong Festival activities. You can begin at Tha Phae Gate and stroll along Ping River. The Iron Bridge and the Nakorn Ping Bridge are popular places where the crowd is concentrated. A large group of people releases sky lanterns here. Lantern parades are held outside Chiang Mai's Old City from November 5 to November 7, 2025.

Learn more about another Thailand lantern festival: Yi Peng Lantern Festival.

2. Bangkok: Riverside Magic

In Bangkok, you can expect many celebratory events. The Chao Phraya River is the main site for the Loy Krathong Day ceremony. At night, the banks of the Chao Phraya River become a dreamlike world of light. A boat ride is one way to enjoy the Chao Phraya River views during the festival. You can see fireworks, illuminated temples, and thousands of lighted krathongs floating on the river from the boat.

Bangkok's temples, like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, have ceremonies with live music and krathong contests. Wat Arun, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is known for its gorgeous spire structure. You can visit several famous temples, which is a good opportunity to experience Buddhist culture and immerse yourself in festival vibes.

As a popular night market, Asiatique the Riverfront offers bustling bars, food stalls, and shopping spots. You can also appreciate firework displays, live music, and dance performances. If you want to get away from the crowds, Lumphini Park and Benjakiti Park can provide a place for you to catch your breath. There are fewer people here, which allows you to quietly release floating lanterns.

3. Sukhothai: Birthplace of Loy Krathong

Sukhothai was once the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and has preserved many historical relics. As the birthplace of Loi Krathong, Sukhothai becomes a perfect place to experience Loi Krathong with a celebration from November 8th to 17th, 2025. You have plenty of time to enjoy.

Traditional parades, light shows, and cultural performances are features of the Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai. Although the lantern festivals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are more lively, Sukhothai can help you avoid a large number of tourists.

Sukhothai Historical Park is a World Heritage Site in Thailand. During the annual Water Lantern Festival, the park holds large-scale water lantern events. There are 5-day celebrations at Sukhothai Historical Park. Thai people wear Thai clothes and celebrate this grand festival in a traditional way. You can make your own water lantern and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the floating lanterns.

4. Phuket's Beachfront

With its tranquil beaches and calm waters, Phuket provides a unique coastal backdrop for the Thailand Lantern Festival. Phuket's celebration events have fewer people than those in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, giving you a more peaceful experience.

You will find many Loy Krathong Festival activities along the coast, especially at Patong Beach and Nai Harn Lake. Local people release their floating lanterns by the sea, which creates a beautiful scene. You can arrive early to get a good spot so that you can enjoy the dance performances and beauty pageant. Kata Beach and Saphan Hin also allow you to participate in an authentic Loy Krathong with many local Thai people.

How to Participate in Loy Krathong Traditions

1. Making Your Own Krathong

Use eco-friendly krathongs to reduce environmental impact. Instead of plastic and styrofoam, you can use traditional natural materials, such as banana stalk, banana leaves, and flowers. New bread krathongs are also suggested because they can be eaten by fish.

2. Cultural Respect

3. Safety

4. Booking Tours and Accommodation

As a famous lantern festival in Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival attracts a large number of tourists every year. You need to book your accommodation well in advance as hotels near popular attractions are fully occupied quickly. You can book a guided Loy Krathong festival tour with Hi Five Trip for hassle-free experiences. We offer secure accommodations and event tickets.

5. Budget-Friendly Tips

FAQs about Loy Krathong Festival

1. Is Loy Krathong a public holiday?
No, Loy Krathong Festival is not a public holiday.

2. What's the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival?
Loy Krathong Festival is a nationwide Thailand lantern festival, but Yi Peng Lantern Festival is celebrated in northern Thailand. Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon of the 12th month according to the Thai Lunar calendar. Yi Peng Lantern Festival falls on the full moon of the 2nd month according to the Lanna calendar.

3. Can I bring my own krathong?
Yes, making your own krathongs is also a way to participate in Loy Krathong Festival. You can make them with biodegradable materials to protect the environment. Remember to check local regulations. For example, Bangkok restricts large krathongs near bridges.

4. Is Loy Krathong romantic?
Yes. Loy Krathong is one of the most romantic festivals in Thailand. Couples often release lanterns together.

5. How to say Happy Loy Krathong in Thai language?
สุขสันต์วันลอยกระทง /sùk-săn wan loi grà-tong/

Experience Loy Krathong Festival with Hi Five Trip

Experiencing Thailand lantern festival is a tour centered around Thai culture and traditions. The Loy Krathong Festival allows you to experience unique and charming Thailand through fascinating lights, lively celebrations, and traditional customs. Whether you are flying sky lanterns and floating lanterns in Chiang Mai or visiting ceremonies in temples in Bangkok, you can leave with unforgettable memories.