- Full moon of the 12th Thai month
- Usually November
- Thailand, Laos, Myanmar
Where it began
Loy means to float, and a krathong is a small raft, often made from a slice of banana trunk wrapped in banana leaves. It holds flowers, a candle and incense. People make a wish and set it on the water.
Many people say the festival honours the river goddess and gives thanks for water. A popular legend links it to Nang Noppamas, a lady of the old Sukhothai court said to have made the first krathong, though historians think this tale was written much later.
How it grew over time
Old times
Floating lights on water at the end of the rainy season was an old custom in the region.
Sukhothai era
Thai tradition places the festival's beginnings in the Sukhothai kingdom, and the old city still holds a grand celebration.
19th century
Royal ceremonies of floating lights were held in Bangkok and the custom spread among the people.
Today
Millions of people take part across Thailand, and many now choose krathongs of bread or banana leaf that are kind to the water.
How it is celebrated in different places
Sukhothai
The historical park hosts light and sound shows, lamps and dancing among the old temples.
Chiang Mai
Loy Krathong meets the northern Yi Peng festival, and thousands of paper lanterns rise into the night sky.
Bangkok
Crowds gather along the Chao Phraya River and in parks with lakes to float their krathongs.
Loy Krathong moments
Loy Krathong today
Families and friends make or buy krathongs in the afternoon. In the evening they light the candle, say a wish or a quiet thank you, and float it on the water. Couples often float one together for good luck.
There are fairs, beauty contests, fireworks and folk dances in towns big and small.
