Sparkling Night of Loi Krathong Festival

Every year, when the full moon falls in the 12th month of Lunar calendar, Loi Krathong festival, a celebrations of water under the moonlight, will be held throughout of Thailand.

Loi Krathong is a ceremony of gratitude to thank Mae Kongka or Mother of Water for her scarification in giving us water to live on and generosity in forgiving us when we have ruin her water.

Loi is to float, and Krathong is a boat/raft, so the word Loi Krathong literally means to float a boat/raft into river. Krathong was originally a small cup made from bamboo or banana leaves, however, they are now transformed in to a flat slide of banana-tree trunk and decorated with colorful leaves and flowers. On the top, a candle and incense sticks are inserted. Some coins may also be added in hope to return gratitude to the Mother of Water and let go bad lucks and sufferings, but these can become a prey to boys in search for treasure.

Many Thais make their own Krathong for temselves and family members, however, a number of people find it more convenient to buy a ready-made Krathong selling along the riverside. The prices are ranging from 20 and upwards. If you look closely, you can find a stall that have Krathong made of bread and ice cream cone for sell which can be alternative way to join the ceremony and feed the fishes in the river.


At the time of launching, light the candle and incenses. Before placing it in the stream, make a silent prayer, ask for forgiveness, make a wish, and then gently float the Krathong into the river, to let the flickering light joins the march of other thousands Krathong.

Tips to join Loi Krathong Festival

1. Apart from its beautiful and sparkling event, Loi Krathong festival is a celebrations of light. So many people enjoy playing fireworks which some times go out of control.
2. To avoid the danger derived from fireworks, wear long sleeve shirt and long pants, possibly shoes that covers your feet.
3. Always be careful when dealing with fire.
4. Say "No" to Krathong made of polystyrene foam. Help save the earth and reserve the water resource by using a Krathong made from natural materials.