What you should do for Loy Krathong 2023
The History of the Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong, meaning “floating basket,” is a Thai holiday in which people congregate along the kingdom’s waterways to release decorated floating relics. Krathongs are traditionally built of banana trunks and are adorned with flowers, candles, incense, and personal objects. Loy Krathong is thought to have started in the ancient city of Sukhothai, which is around five hours from Bangkok. Though the celebration is not strictly religious, many people pray to and thank the goddess of the waters, Phra Mae Khongkha. As they release their Krathongs, they also plead for forgiveness for polluting the lake and using too much water.
Furthermore, many people think that floating Krathongs represent the washing away of ill luck, the release of grudges and wrath, and the cleaning of misfortunes or wrongdoings of the past to start with a clean slate and be free of negative sentiments. It is said that if you keep your candle burning until you can no longer see your Krathong, you will have a good year.
Top places to join in with Loy Krathong 2023
Chiang Mai
The Loy Krathong festivities in 2023 will take place from November 27th to November 28th in Chiang Mai. There will be several festivities going place across the city, mostly at the Three Kings Monument and Tha Pae Gate. The tradition of Loy Krathong in Thailand holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This time-honoured festival, which translates to “float the krathong,” is marked by the release of beautifully adorned banana leaf rafts onto the tranquil waters of the Ping River.
Float your Krathong on the Ping River
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly when people gather to float their krathong into the Ping River, symbolizing letting go of negative energy and making wishes for the future. Head to the banks of the Ping River to float your Krathong alongside the locals. The best spots to release are Nawarat Bridge and the Iron Bridge along the Ping River. You can find special Krathongs for sale or make your own with materials like flowers, candles, and incense. Dining in a riverside restaurant to watch the krathong floating by during dinner is also very nice.
Enjoy the Giant parade
The Giant Parade is another main highlight of the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. It typically starts when the sun is setting and takes place into the evening, featuring a vibrant procession of illuminated floats, performers, musicians, and dancers. As the procession moves through the streets of Chiang Mai, you can witness traditional performances, cultural displays, and various forms of artistic expression. To get the best view of the Giant Parade in Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, the best locations are the Pae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, Thapae Road, and along the river banks.
Light Oil Lamps at Wat Phan Tao
If you don’t like large rowdy crowds and battling with others to get the perfect view, a temple might be a better place to experience. This is a much more respectful festive atmosphere and takes place at Wat Phan Tao (just west of Tha Phae Gate). At Wat Pan Tao, you will see monks giving a blessing and releasing lanterns in front of a Buddha statue. The temple will be decorated with hundreds of oil lamps and lanterns making the garden glow in numerous colours.
Bangkok
Chao Phraya River
One of the most popular spots to float krathongs is along Bangkok’s renowned river, Chao Phraya River. During the Loy Krathong Festival, many riverbank hotels, parks, and temples host special activities, creating a lovely background for your floating experience. Krathongs are generally released, prayer processions, donation rituals, candlelight processions, blessings, Thai traditional dance, and a magnificent firework show are all part of the festivities.
During Loy Krathong, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River may be an excellent way to celebrate the holiday. It provides a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience by allowing you to eat a tasty dinner while viewing the lit riverfront and floating krathongs. Reservations should be made in advance to ensure a place.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a vibrant shopping and entertainment centre on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. The Loy Krathong Festival transforms into an energetic gathering place for floating Krathongs. The area is decorated with lanterns and traditional decorations to create an inviting atmosphere. You can buy a Krathong from one of the booths or bring your own.
Asiatique has specific spots along the river for releasing your krathong. Special events and performances, including traditional Thai music, dance shows, and cultural exhibits, are held at the complex, adding to the cheerful mood.
Lumpini Park
Located in the bustling heart of Bangkok, this centrally-located park provides a serene and picturesque venue for the timeless tradition of floating Krathongs during the enchanting Loy Krathong festival. Its calming ambience serves as a magnetic draw, uniting both residents and curious tourists who come together to partake in the festivities, creating a vivid memory of this cultural celebration. Lumpini Park serves as a retreat from the loud streets of Bangkok compared to the peaceful lakeside paths going through the wooded areas.
Phuket
Patong Beach
On the picturesque island of Phuket, one of the liveliest hubs for Loy Krathong celebrations is Patong, a town rich in tradition. Here, Patong Beach comes alive with an abundance of celebratory events, and the enthusiasm is tangible. Awe-inspiring performances, the esteemed “Nang Noppamas” beauty pageant, and the legendary “Most Beautiful Krathong” contest which never fails to stun and inspire are just a few of the enthralling activities that await visitors.
Amidst the bustling streets of Patong during this festival, the aromas emanating from the street food carts tempting patrons with mouth-watering native flavours are irresistible. Booths with a bright spectrum of traditional and modern entertainment enhance the experience even further, allowing visitors and residents alike to fully immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere. Patong is a sensory extravaganza and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Thai culture during Loy Krathong.
Phuket Town
For those seeking an authentic local experience, Saphan Hin Park and Suan Luang Park in the heart of Phuket Town are the favoured choices among the locals for celebrating Loy Krathong. These parks come alive with a dynamic blend of cultural traditions and modern festivities, making them a true reflection of the island’s spirit.
As you walk through these vibrant venues, you’ll find yourself immersed in an abundance of jubilant locals, all eager to partake in the traditions of the festival. Saphan Hin Park and Suan Luang Park offer a more intimate setting for those who relish the atmosphere of communal celebration, complete with typical Thai foods and captivating live performances. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to experience a genuine, unfiltered experience of Loy Krathong in Phuket.
Loy Krathong 2023 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, three of the nation’s most famous locations, is expected to be a magnificent celebration of Thai culture and tradition. Every place offers a different and remarkable experience, from the bright sight of lit Krathongs on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to the calm beauty of Chiang Mai’s parades and the lively street celebrations of Phuket.
Thailand comes alive with the warm glow of lanterns and the melodious tunes of celebration during Loy Krathong, whether you select the majesty of the capital, the ethnic diversity of the north, or the beach appeal of the south. It’s a time to celebrate the enchantment, customs, and harmony that make Thailand’s Loy Krathong celebration a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There are a multitude of festivals that one can celebrate in Thailand. Find out all of the other festivals that you do not want to miss HERE!
