Every year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month—usually November—Thailand celebrates Loy Krathong, one of its most beloved traditional festivals. Locals float krathong lanterns on water to pray for good fortune. It’s not just for Thais; the rich cultural vibe makes it a unique draw for international visitors, with crowds from around the world joining in each year.
Here’s my experience from this year’s Loy Krathong—highly recommend trying it yourself at least once!
#ThailandLoyKrathong2025 falls on November 5
Table of Contents
Krathong Styles & Costs
Every year brings fresh krathong designs. Traditionally, they’re crafted from fresh flowers into a floating lantern, topped with three incense sticks and one candle. Some temples even give out free bowl-shaped krathongs.
Prices range from 30 to 250 THB per krathong.
Street-side krathong for sale (~70 THB)
Free bowl-shaped krathong from a temple
Krathong vendors everywhere on the streets
DIY Thai Loy Krathong Lanterns
Thailand’s krathongs are true works of art. Traditional ones are crafted from natural materials like banana leaves, stems of the dragon claw flower, or coconut shells (see video 1 below). Modern versions get creative—using biodegradable materials like bread, crackers, or even fish food (see video 2 below).
Once assembled, you add incense sticks, a candle, and fresh flowers as decoration—done!
DIY Loy Krathong – Exquisite Handcrafted Version
DIY Loy Krathong – Kid-Friendly Simple Version
The Meaning of Loy Krathong Festival
Held every year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November in the Gregorian calendar), floating a krathong symbolizes letting go of bad luck and negativity.
Some people place coins inside as an offering to the heavens.
Families, couples, and friends gather along rivers to release their krathongs together—watching hundreds drift across the water is a breathtaking, romantic sight.
Loy Krathong Festival Locations
Loy Krathong isn’t a national holiday in Thailand—no day off work or school—but it’s one of the country’s biggest celebrations. Most schools have students craft their own krathongs, and local governments host competitions, so you’ll find grand events in cities nationwide.
Basically, anywhere with a river or large body of water comes alive for the festival—just head to the nearest spot! In Bangkok alone, there are over 10 prime locations (click the links to see photos from each):Kasetsart University、Lumphini Park、Rama VIII Bridge Park、ICONSIAM Shopping Center、Asiatique The Riverfront、Wat Saket、Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)、Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus)、Phadung Krung Kasem Canal (near Hua Lamphong)、Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep (Sathorn area).
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😎 About Me
I have been stationed in Thailand for many years (seeAbout me), speak Thai, and serve as your local insider guide. Feel free to join my Facebook Page:LiangYu in Thailand - Eight Years as an Expat in Thailand, Firsthand Insights into Thai Life, where we can share experiences about work, life, travel, and business in Thailand.
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