The History and Meaning of Loy Krathong: Thailand’s Festival of Lights

Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is one of Thailand’s most enchanting and picturesque festivals, celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, which usually falls in November. In 2026, Loy Krathong will take place on Monday, 23 November. The name “Loy Krathong” literally means “to float a basket”, and the festival is known for its stunning sight of thousands of candlelit “krathongs” floating peacefully on rivers, canals, and ponds across the country. For an overview of other important Thai festivals, check out A Guide to the 10 Most Popular Festivals in Thailand.

The Origins of Loy Krathong

The exact origin of Loy Krathong is still debated, but most historians believe it dates back more than 700 years to the Sukhothai Kingdom, Thailand’s first capital. You can read more about this intriguing era in A History of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

It was originally held to honor and give thanks to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, for providing life and abundance throughout the year. The act of floating the krathong also symbolizes letting go of anger, grudges, and misfortunes, allowing people to start anew with a pure heart.

Over time, the festival has also come to include Buddhist influences; people float their krathongs to pay respect to the Buddha and to seek forgiveness for polluting the waters.

What Is a Krathong?

A krathong is a small floating vessel traditionally made from banana tree trunks, banana leaves, and flowers, decorated beautifully with candles, incense sticks, and coins.

Today, many krathongs are crafted from eco-friendly materials, such as bread or paper, to protect the environment. The candle represents light and wisdom, the incense symbolizes respect, and the floating act represents releasing negativity and bad luck.

How Loy Krathong Is Celebrated

As night falls and the moon shines brightly, people gather by rivers, lakes, and ponds to float their krathongs while making silent wishes.

In many cities, the event is accompanied by fireworks, traditional dance performances, and krathong beauty contests.

In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong coincides with Yi Peng, the famous lantern festival where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the sky, creating one of Thailand’s most magical and photographed scenes. For the best places and ways to experience unique festivals, see Thai Holidays in 2026: The Best Festivals for Travelers.

Regional Differences: Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand but with notable local twists. In Sukhothai, the festival is a grand affair with light and sound shows at historical sites, while in Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng lantern release is the main highlight. In Bangkok and central Thailand, riverside parks and temples become the heart of celebrations, and in the south, smaller ceremonies are often more focused on waterway processions. These regional differences add richness to the festival, so visiting different provinces offers new ways to experience Loy Krathong’s beauty each year. To explore more fascinating destinations, see The 10 Must-Visit Provinces for your Thai Travel in 2026.

The Symbolism and Spirit of the Festival

Loy Krathong is more than a beautiful sight; it reflects Thailand’s deep respect for nature, gratitude, and renewal. It’s a time to appreciate water, cleanse one’s spirit, and express hope for the future.

Whether you are Thai or a visitor, participating in Loy Krathong is a truly heartwarming experience that connects you to the peaceful and spiritual side of Thai culture.

To understand the broader importance of water festivals, read about Top 5 Songkran Destinations in Thailand, Thailand's other iconic festival celebrating water and renewal.