Thailand's most beautiful festival, Loy Kratong, is just days away. Here's what you need to know about the 2024 celebrations:
Worth knowing: Loy is also spelt Loi and Krathong is also spelt Khratong.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the main festivals to be held in the country.
The festival is celebrated in every town and village in the kingdom on the full moon of the 12thᵉ month of the Thai lunar calendar.
The official day of Loy Krathong this year takes place on the full moon, Friday 15 November, but festivals are held all over the country on different dates.
See : Loy Krathong, Thailand's Festival of Lights
Known as the "festival of lights", Loi Krathong brings people from all over the country together around lakes, rivers, canals and beaches to honour the goddess of water.
Participants float beautifully decorated krathongs adorned with candles and flowers, a gesture that is supposed to dispel misfortune and invite good fortune and positivity.
The Loi Krathong festival is one of the seven unique themes of Thailand's winter festivals, which take place from November to December.
This series highlights Thailand's cultural and creative assets, consolidating the country's position as a leading global events destination.
Main venues for Loy Krathong 2024 celebrations
Sukhothai Loy Krathong and Candle Festival
The Loy Krathong and Candle Festival in Sukhothai. Photo: TAT.
8-17 November 2024, Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
The Loy Krathong and Candle Festival in Sukhothai celebrates an age-old tradition steeped in Thai history, inspired by the inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng and the tale of Nang Nopphamat.
Held in Sukhothai Historical Park for almost 50 years, the festival illuminates the ancient city with thousands of lanterns, casting a golden glow over the ruins, complemented by moonlight and candlelit krathongs floating on the ponds.
This celebration is truly unforgettable, with vibrant parades during the day and breathtaking fireworks at night.
Loi Krathong Festival at the Phadung Krung Kasem canal in Bangkok
Loy Krathong at the Phadung Krung Kasem canal in Bangkok. Photo: TAT News.
13-16 November 2024 (16.00-22.00 Hrs.), Canal Phadung Krung Kasem, near the former Bangkok main railway station (Hua Lamphong), Bangkok
Celebrated under the theme "The Incredible Night of Lights: Loi Krathong Festival", this event at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal offers visitors an enchanting experience from 13 to 16 November, with extended hours until midnight on the night of the full moon.
Highlights include a night-time illumination show featuring five of Thailand's unique Loi Krathong traditions:
- The Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai;
- The Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip of Roi Et ;
- Loy Krathong Kap Kluai Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram ;
- Loy Krathong and the Sukhothai Candle Festival;
- The Loy Krathong Sai Lai Prathip 1000 Lanterns of Tak.
The event includes biodegradable krathong-making workshops, Thai cooking stations, traditional music and dance performances and krathong floating on the canal.
Eco-friendly activities are also supported by modern technology, with interactive krathongs and online Loi Krathong experiences in the Metaverse.
Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip in Roi Et
14-15 November 2024, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (Bueng Planchai), Roi Et
The event includes the participation of 5 ASEAN countries in a joint Loi Krathong ceremony, a spellbinding sound and light show on a water screen, a krathong competition and captivating performances of traditional Thai music and dance.
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
Celebration of the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai. Photo: TAT News.
14-17 November 2024, around the Chiang Mai municipal areas, Chiang Mai
The Yi Peng Festival is a vibrant celebration that takes place throughout Chiang Mai:
The great krathong competition, the traditional Lanna lantern competition and the krathong sai ceremony - floating lanterns downstream symbolising freedom from misfortune.
The town will be illuminated by lanterns and phang prathip candles, creating a spellbinding cultural spectacle.
Loi Krathong Kap Kluai in Mae Klong
15-17 November 2024
The festival programme includes traditional, cultural and environmentally-friendly activities.
In line with TAT's responsible tourism initiatives, which include the floating of Krathong Kap Kluai or banana stem cups on the Mae Klong river, cultural shows and parades.
Loi Krathong Sai Festival in Tak
15-18 November 2024, 200th anniversary of the Rattanakosin commemorative bridge, Tak
Held along the Ping River, the Loi Krathong Sai Lai Prathip 1000 Lanterns de Tak festival will include:
- A royal procession of lanterns;
- Parades of traditional boats;
- Fireworks galore;
- Night alms;
- A breathtaking spectacle of 1,000 floating lanterns illuminating the river.
Other highlights include
- Dance performances ;
- String music competitions;
- The 'Rising Star Luk Thung' folk music competition,
- The lively local markets, food stalls and traditional krathong crafts.
Other places where Loi Krathong is celebrated
Law Krathong Sawan
10-15 November 2024, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son
Loy Krathong Sawan is a unique celebration adapted to the mountainous region of Doi Kong Mu, where there are no rivers.
Instead of floating the krathongs on the water, participants release them into the sky, symbolising freedom from misfortune.
Initiated over 50 years ago by the former abbot Phra Khru Anusarn Sasanakorn, this adaptation has become a much-loved annual tradition, combining spiritual reverence with a link to the natural world.
Festival Sithan KKU 2024
13-15 November 2024, Lake Si Than, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen.
Formerly the Si Than 'Bun Somma Nak' festival, the new Sithan KKU 2024 festival marks the 60ᵉ anniversary of Khon Kaen University, celebrating its role as Isan's centre of wisdom.
The aim of this event is to raise the festival to an international level, offering a variety of activities that showcase the vibrant culture of the North East.
Loi Krathong Festival at Wat Sanam Chai
13-15 November 2024 (17.30 - 22.00 Hrs.), Wat Sanam Chai, Suphan Buri
Set in the historic setting of Wat Sanam Chai temple in Suphan Buri, this festival offers visitors a rich cultural experience.
Highlights include craft workshops, folk performances, brass bands, krathong making from natural materials and a local market with over 50 street food vendors.
The festival's unique location adds to its authenticity and appeal.
Loi Krathong Festival in Laem Chabang
14-15 November 2024, 80th Birthday Anniversary Commemoration Park, Laem Chabang, Chon Buri
Join the Loi Krathong festival in Laem Chabang for a vibrant celebration with :
- Over 200 market stalls;
- Traditional painting competitions and a Nopphamat competition;
- Handcrafted krathongs.
- Fireworks celebrating Thai heritage in a lively coastal setting.
Loi Krathong Festival at Wat Arun
Wat Arun in Bangkok during the festival of lights, Loy Krathong. Photo: At Bangkok
15 November 2024, Wat Arun, Bangkok
Celebrate Loi Krathong in traditional Thai dress at Bangkok's famous Wat Arun.
This event includes a multilingual rendition of the Loi Krathong song in Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Spanish, performed by the Suntaraporn Band and accompanied by renowned Thai artists.
Other activities include Isan folk music, concerts by traditional Thai groups and demonstrations of Thai cuisine and traditional sweets.
Loi Krathong "Southern Lifestyles" Festival
Loi Krathong Festival "Lifestyles of the South".
15 November 2024 (18.00 - 23.00 Hrs.), Mixxmall Rawayana, Rawai Beach, Phuket
Held at Rawai Beach, this event celebrates southern Thai culture with traditional performances, an international children's competition 'Nopphamat', live music and delicious local cuisine.
Krathong Law @ Krabi
15 November 2024, Krabi Provincial Administration, Krabi
Float your krathong online with wishes displayed on LED screens or enjoy the festival in person along the river.
With check-in points equipped with LED krathongs, illuminated displays at the Lanta Royal Ship Museum and eco-friendly prizes, this celebration in Krabi offers an eco-conscious approach to the festival.
The event also includes a children's show 'Nopphamat', a krathong competition, local food and handicrafts.
Night of Loi Krathong in the Japanese village of Ayutthaya
Night of Loi Krathong in the Japanese village of Ayutthaya.
15-17 November 2024 (16.00 - 20.00 Hrs.), Japanese Village, Ayutthaya
Discover Loi Krathong in the Japanese village of Ayutthaya, with a serene Japanese garden along the Chao Phraya River, captivating shows, live music and traditional floating krathong ceremonies.
Source: TAT News
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