One of the most marvelous Thai festivals is Loy Krathong. It is a true blessing to be in Thailand during this time. It is observed in Thailand, Laos, and Southeast Asia.

Loy Krathong festival isn't a public holiday in Thailand; however, it is prevalent and occurs at night due to using candles and lanterns.

The meaning of Loy Krathong is in its name: "loy" (Thai: ลอย) means "to float," and Krathong (Thai: "กระทง") is a slice of the trunk of a banana plant adorned with flowers and banana leaves. A candle and incense sticks are stuck into the Krathong.

The festival has been about floating this stunning, skillfully handcrafted Krathong on rivers and waterways since its beginning.

The Loi Krathong festival takes place on the evening of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Although the dates change yearly due to the moon, they usually fall in October/November.

Sukhothai, considered the festival's birthplace and where the ‘Light & Sound Fireworks Show’ takes place, is an extra special place for Loi Krathong.

Chiang Mai is also a great place to visit and experience the Loi Krathong Festival. Due to their Lanna heritage, they also celebrate the festival of Yi Peng or Yee Peng, where thousands of flaming sky lanterns are released. It is truly a magnificent sight!

The Origins of Loi Krathong Festival Thailand

According to written history, the Loi Krathong Festival originated in Sukhothai. The written account states that during the 14th century, a stately lady called Nang Noppamas, a companion of the King of Sukhothai, created the first decorated Krathong and presented it as a gift for the King.

Noppamas is described as the daughter of a Brahman priest. The written account details her adapting an ancient Brahman tradition by sculpting banana leaves into the shape of a lotus flower and placing a candle and incense sticks atop her creation.

Noppamas presented it to the King, who lit the candle and the incense sticks and floated the Krathong on one of the many waterways that encircled the city of Sukhothai. Thai people consider this ancient account of Noppamas and the King a very romantic tale, and Loi Krathong is a much-loved festival among them.

Even today, the story of Noppamas is revered and remembered by provinces holding Noppamas Beauty Queen Competitions, whereby local females adorn traditional Thai Costumes and partake in a beauty pageant-style contest.

The meaning of Loi Krathong in Thailand

‘Loi’ or ‘Loy’ means to float, and a ‘Krathong’ is a small raft or basket. Traditionally, Krathongs do not just floate in the river. Thai people will take a small strand of their hair, clip their fingernails, and place some coins atop the Krathong to wash away the negative energy built up during the year. Thai people light candles and incense and make a wish before pushing the Krathong into the river. This ceremony is somewhat of a fresh start, with the Krathong carrying away bad luck or karma. Loi Krathong also coincides with the end of the monsoon period, and many scholars believe that homage is being paid to the water goddess ‘Mae Kongkha,” which means ‘Mother of Waters.’ Scholars surmise that the Krathongs are an offering to the ‘Mother of Waters’ as she brings life to the community and enables crops to grow and sustain growth.

Materials Used to Make Krathongs in Thailand

Traditionally, Krathongs were only made using natural materials, including banana leaves, the trunk of the banana plant, and flowers. However, in modern times, some plastics and polystyrene have been used.

Most Thai people have made a Krathong at least once in their life. However, nowadays, most people don't make them; they buy them.

On the festival's first day, krathong sellers set up tables near the rivers and other waterways and sold their handmade Krathongs for a small amount.

The price of Krathongs usually is 40 to 100THB. Children in schools across Thailand will have special activities, and students typically make a Krathong at school to float in the river with their families.

The team at Kids English Thailand likes to make Krathongs from bread; this way, the krathongs will hopefully be consumed by the fish in the river.

Sukhothai-The Home of the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand

The Loy Krathong festival is significant in Sukhothai, the first capital of unified Thailand, over 800 years ago.

Sukhothai's celebrations include cultural performances like dancing and parades, a light and sound show, and unforgettable fireworks. As the home of the Loi Krathong Festival, Sukhothai has fantastic events across the province.

The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where all the activities occur. Fantastic productions by the local Sukhothai community are put on for people from all over Thailand and the world. All the dancers and performers are students from the local high school and drama school.

Experiencing Loi Krathong in Sukhothai and witnessing the Light & Sound Show is an experience of a lifetime. You will not be disappointed!

North Thailand During Loi Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong Festival has an unmatched appeal and character, whether observed on a grand scale in a significant city or quietly in a small village. However, for a truly breathtaking experience, the north of Thailand is considered by Thai people to be the place to be! Experiencing Loi Krathong Festival in the provinces of Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, or Tak will bring a smile to your face and instill memories for years to come!

Krathongs, Parades, and Sky Lanterns

The Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai is called the Yee Peng Festival.

The three main activities of the Chiang Mai Loy Krathong or Yee Peng Festival festivals nowadays are the floating of Krathongs, various street parades, and the lighting and floating of sky lanterns. The floating of Krathongs is the oldest activity. Before the 1960s, Loy Krathong was celebrated by floating Krathongs on rivers and waterways. 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced parades in the 1960s. Floating sky lanterns, made from paper and bamboo and known as Khom Loi in Thai, became popular during the 1990s. 

Where to Experience Loy Krathong

Loi Krathong festivities in 2020 are being reported as commencing on Friday, October 23rd, with the festival’s climax occurring on October 31st/November 1st to coincide with the full moon. October 2020 is a “Blue Moon” month with two Full Moons. The first full moon was on October 1st. The second, a “Blue Moon,” occurs on October 31st. 

We recommend web searches for your local area so you don’t miss any special events. You can also talk with your Thai colleagues at school or Thai friends to get the most up-to-date information on 2020’s events.

From all the Staff at Kids English Thailand, we wish everyone a Happy & Safe Loi Krathong.

Related

1. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read the guidelines for a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.

2. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/savankhet-laos-thai-visa-application-form-guidelines to read the guidelines for completing the visa application form.

3. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog//understanding-thai-visa-categories-employment-document-process to read about the various categories of Thai visas and information for teaching in Thailand.

4. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.

5. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/lantern-festival-loy-krathong-lamphun-thailand to read about Teacher Olga’s experience in Lamphun Province Thailand during Loy Krathong Festival 2022.

6. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.

7. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about Thailand's school year and how it differs from most other countries.

8. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/loy-krathong-lantern-yipeng-2022 to read about Loy Krathong and Yi-Ping/Ye-Peng Festivals in Thailand.

9. Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to Thai and Alphabet languages.

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