Celebrate Loy Krathong Festival 2024 in Thailand: Top activities, locations, and traditions

Every year, on the night of the full moon of the 12th lunar month, one of Thailand’s most enchanting festivals, Loy Krathong or Festival of Lights, takes place in 2024. Here’s all the information you need to make sure you don’t miss anything.

This festival, which also symbolises the end of the rainy season, is undoubtedly one of the most poetic and charming rituals to be witnessed in South-East Asia. It is a very popular festival, and the entire population has been taking part throughout the country since the 13th century.

What is a Krathong?

Whether it’s on the Chao Phraya, the khlongs, the little rivers, the lakes or even the swimming pools, on the evening of Loy Krathong, everyone will be twinkling with little lights. Tradition dictates that everyone should place a Krathong in a river. In Thai, ‘Loy’ means ‘to float’ and Krathong refers to the shape of the object. It is in fact a small boat reminiscent of a lotus flower, with a candle, incense and flowers at its centre.

Symbolic Meaning of Krathongs

The first Krathong was originally made by the concubine of the King of Sukhothai, Ramkhamhaeng. It was made from banana leaves and all-natural materials. Today, many different materials are used in its construction.

Plastic was used for a few years, but the authorities discouraged the use of this material, which is too polluting and often flammable. Loy Krathong was originally celebrated to thank and honour the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.

Plastic or polystyrene krathongs were therefore more polluting than honouring. As a result, traditional materials such as coconut have reappeared. New ones have also appeared, such as the surprising ice cream cones or large lettuces, or cakes made from meringues, etc.!

Loy Krathong Festival : ritual and symbols

As with all rituals, the act of putting on a Krathong is more than just a gesture; it also has a symbolic and belief-based significance.

Some Thais place coins on the Krathong to attract good fortune, while others place hair or pieces of fingernail on the Krathong so that the coming year will be synonymous with good health and good omens. For young couples, it’s the hope of eternal love if their krathong manages to escape the traps of the shore…!

Rising lanterns

At the same time as the krathongs are launched, charming lanterns take to the air. They are made of coloured paper (mostly orange) with a candle in the centre (hot-air balloon effect). This practice is much more common in certain regions, such as Chiang Mai. In Bangkok, the risk of fire is too great, so the authorities have restricted the areas. It’s also possible to fly one in Pattaya (but there’s no festival there).

Chiang Mai and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

What to expect from Loy Krathong 2024 in Thailand?

Loy Krathong is celebrated in every town, village and island in Thailand. It’s a national festival that unites the Thai people. Floating candles on the water in the middle of the night are a unique sight wherever you are. However, some cities have developed practices and ways of doing things that set the event apart. Here’s a short list of cities that have that little bit extra.

Top Locations for Loy Krathong Celebrations in Bangkok

Every year, many people flock to launch a krathong. What makes Bangkok so special is undoubtedly the choice of krathong on offer. There’s something for every budget, from the largest to the smallest, from the most traditional to the most eco-friendly. The other plus of the capital is the profusion of places to launch your krathong.

Loy Krathong boat on the Chao Phraya

Experience Loy Krathong in a different way! Board the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat for an evening cruise along Bangkok’s famous river. Admire panoramic views as you pass iconic sites such as ICONSIAM and Wat Pho, and set down your krathong in front of the majestic Wat Arun.

Bangkok parks to celebrate Loy Krathong

A large number of parks in the city centre will be open. All bodies of water will be used (see the official list below):

Other places in Bangkok

For anyone not far from Khao San Road, the 2 best places are :

• Phra Athit pier
• Santi Chai Prakan Park. Beware of the crowds.

Generally speaking, all the piers overlooking the Chao Pharya are excellent promontories for launching krathongs.
To launch a krathong in the Chao Phraya, many people go to Saphan Taksin. There are lots and lots of people.

A must-see for Loy Krathong in Bangkok

There are also the Khlong (traditional canals), the most recent of which was recently restored: the Ong Ang khlong.
This is the khlong that demarcates the Indian Quarter (Pahurat) and the Chinese Quarter (Chinatown).

Bangkok hanging out, Khlong Ong Ang and Walking Street

The restoration of the Ong Ang khlong began in 2018. Since then, one can discover along a walking-street both Chinatown and the Indian district of Bangkok. Perfect for a night out.

Top Spots to Celebrate Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai

To launch your krathong, simply walk along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge, a popular spot for Chiang Mai locals. A little outside the square, many go along the Mae Khan canal. Many temples are open late and some have a few watering holes, so it’s a good time to go for a walk and explore the city on this unique night.

Sukhothai’s Historic Loy Krathong Festival

Each year, the cradle of the loy krathong tradition offers a special evening around the old moat or pond in the national park.
This year the festival will be held from 8 to 17 November 2024.
To find out all about the festival, you can view the programme here.

Ayutthaya and its ancestral traditions

In Ayutthaya, several festivities are organised each year, including historical shows and the launching of the Krathong around the royal city.

Loy Krathong in Tak

Although rarely visited by tourists, the town of Tak nevertheless offers a colourful celebration. The krathong are launched into the majestic Ping River. But, Tak celebrates Loy Krathong in its own way. We celebrate Loy Krathong Sai [ลอยกระทงสาย]. This is an ancient tradition in which hundreds of krathongs made from coconut shells are tied together to form a long chain that forms a floating line of light.

Other festivals and events in Thailand

Festivals and Key Events in Thailand - November 2024

November in Thailand is a month dedicated to honoring the country’s ancient traditions, like Loi Kratong, and embracing regional festivals, including the Surin Elephant Festival. It’s also a time for dazzling fireworks in Pattaya, the iconic Bangkok Marathon, Gallery Night, and much more.