Loy Krathong, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular festivals in Thailand. Originally a ritual to honor and seek forgiveness from the Goddess of Water, the festival is celebrated across the kingdom, illuminating entire rivers with candlelit krathong.

The event is held annually on the night of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, this year falling on November 5th, 2025, coinciding with Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Festival.

In Thai, the word loy means “float” and krathong means “container, boat, or vessel,” hence people float a krathong decorated with candles and flowers onto rivers and canals (or anywhere with water!).

Phra Mae Khongkha: Goddess of Water

Believed to have originated in the ancient Sukhothai era (🇹🇭), Loy Krathong is closely tied to Buddhism. Due to Thailand’s traditionally agrarian society, waterways play a vital role in the lives of the Thai people. Thailand’s rivers are like the veins of the country, connecting communities and sustaining the kingdom’s crops and commerce.

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (🇹🇭), known to be a devout Buddhist, proposed that his people pay tribute to Buddha and the Goddess of Water, known in Thai as Phra Mae Khongkha. It is also believed that as the krathong drifts away, it carries your sorrow and misfortune with it.

In one of the many legends surrounding the festival, the King’s consort, Nang Noppamas (🇹🇭), was the first to create a krathong. In awe, the King decreed that every citizen should celebrate the day with a decorated basket in the same fashion. In homage to the legend, Nang Noppamas is now the title bestowed upon the winner of Loy Krathong beauty pageants.

Modern Loy Krathong celebrations

Although celebrated nationwide, the festival is not considered an official public holiday in Thailand. In addition to the tradition of assembling and floating krathong, the festival is also known for its spectacular Thai dance, historical plays, and concession stands—the hallmark of any Thai festival.

With environmental concerns at an all-time high, Thais are now rejecting the use of Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials in making krathong that could pollute marine ecosystems. Festival-goers have called for a return to natural materials, such as banana leaves, banana stalks, and coconut shells.

Nonetheless, the popularity of the festival has led to rivers and canals choked off by the sheer number of krathong. Some Thais have elected to float a single krathong for the whole family, observe the tradition in their own homes, or use a Loy Krathong app to pay their respects online, eliminating their waste entirely.

Where to celebrate Loy Krathong

Loi Krathong celebrations across Thailand are taking place this year with a tone of remembrance, honoring Her Majesty the Late Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Many festivities include candlelighting ceremonies, while some have adjusted or simplified programs out of respect for the national mourning period.

• Sukhothai (Now – November 5th): The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 continues at Sukhothai Historical Park. This year’s celebration includes nightly candlelighting tributes at 21:21 hrs to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. The festival features traditional Sukhothai-style fireworks, though the Noppamas beauty contest has been canceled.
• Saraburi (Now – November 5th):  The Loi Krathong Festival at Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, Saphan 12, in Tha Lan Subdistrict Municipality runs. Visitors can enjoy the sight of candlelit krathongs drifting on the water, along with local food and warm community hospitality.
• Nonthaburi (Now – November 5th): Wat Prang Luang in Bang Yai District hosts traditional Loi Krathong rituals reflecting Nonthaburi’s cultural heritage, accompanied by local food stalls.
• Nakhon Ratchasima (AKA Korat) (November 1st to 9th): Central Korat’s event plaza will host celebrations, featuring beautifully decorated krathongs, cultural activities, food, and local crafts in a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Tak (November 2nd to 5th): The Loi Krathong Sai Festival in Mueang Tak District takes place at Rim Sai Than under the Rattanakosin Celebration Bridge. Hundreds of illuminated coconut shell krathongs will float along the Ping River, creating a captivating river of lights. The event also includes a traditional market and local performances.
• Ayutthaya (November 2nd to 6th): Maha Loi Krathong @ Ayutthaya runs at Wat Phra Ram within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The event will feature candlelighting ceremonies to honor The Queen Mother, with festivities appropriately toned down for the mourning period.
• Phitsanulok (November 3rd to 5th): Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and Chom Nan Chaloem Phrakiat Park will host the Phitsanulok Loi Krathong Festival, featuring krathong floating, cultural performances, and local food stalls.
• Bangkok (November 3rd to 5th): The Bangkok River Festival runs across nine piers along the Chao Phraya River, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun, ICONSIAM, and Asiatique. Visitors can enjoy river parades, traditional performances, and local cuisine.
• Roi Et (November 4th to 5th): The Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip Festival will be held at Bueng Planchai. The celebration includes floating lanterns, river activities, and local cultural performances.
• Samut Songkhram (November 4th to 6th): Amphawa District will host the Mae Klong Banana-Trunk Krathong Festival (also, “Loi Krathong Kap Kluai Mueang Mae Klong”) at Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong and King Rama II Memorial Park. The event celebrates banana-trunk krathongs, reflecting sustainable traditions and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.
• Lampang (November 4th–6th): The Long Sapao Chao Lakon Festival takes place at the Clock Tower Intersection in Mueang District. The event features floating lanterns, cultural shows, and local food stalls in a lively festive setting.
• Surat Thani (November 5): The Pracharat Floating Market in Bang Bai Mai Community will host the Ruang Rong Khlong Roi Sai Festival. Visitors can experience the beauty of glowing krathongs floating along the waterways, alongside local crafts, performances, and southern-style cuisine.

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