Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong also known as Festival of Lights. It is coincided with Yi Peng Lantern Festival or Sky Lantern Festival, which celebrates in the ancient capital of the former Lanna kingdom (1259~1317) in Chiang Mai every year.

Yi (Yee) means Two and Peng is Full Moon. Yi peng means the full moon night on the 2nd of the Thai Lunar (derived from Old Lanna Calendar) Calendar.
Where, floating lanterns in the sky (miniature hot-air balloons), river, lake, pond, canal and all sorts of waterways. Also, lantern lights hanging from trees, lamp pole, buildings and walls.

Loy Krathong in Thai literally means “to float ritual lamp”, is a Thai festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and in nearby countries with significant South Western China DAI cultures including Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi and Xishuangbanna.

It is called “Tazaungdaing festival” in Myanmar, “Il Full Moon Poya” in Sri Lanka, “Bon Om Touk” in Cambodia
and it is known as “Lantern Festival” in China. In Northern Peninsular Malaysia of Kelantan, especially in Tumpat area. The ministry of tourism in Malaysia recognizes it as a tourist attraction.

During Loy Krathong Festival, people also gather around lakes, ponds, rivers, and canals to release illuminated lantern boats in various shapes, made of banana leaves, loaf of bread or modern styrofoam plastic material, with flowers and incense sticks, onto waterways, to pay respect to the Goddess of Water and the Buddha.

The tradition can be traced back to Sukhothai Kingdom period (1238~1438). And recent studies conclude that Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand could be derived from 1. Bondet Bratib of Khmer Empire, 2. Water Lantern of China and 3. the festival of Kartik Purnima in India.

Loy Krathong possibly originated from Angkor in Khmer Empire. Walls of Bayon, a temple in Angkor Complex built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, depicts scenes of Loy Krathong.

Date of Loy Krathong Festival changes based on the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Which is in the evening of the full moon of the 12th month, usually in the month of November.

Some well-known Hot-spots in Thailand Celebrate Loy Krathong every year

Chiang Mai

It is usually called Yi Peng Lantern Festival in the Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun and Phayao.

From Tha Phae Gate of the ancient city, to Narawat Bridge across Ping River in Chiang Mai, and the vicinity are the center of celebration. Particularly along Kotchasarn Road, where almost unlimited water can be obtained from the canal outside the ancient wall.

Sukhothai

Not only one of the most popular destinations to celebrate Loy Krathong festival, Sukhothai is also known for its historical value, where Loy Krathong festival can be traced back to the old Sukhothai period. Usually the celebration starts few days earlier than other places, and last for a week or more. Together with cultural parade, dance, sound, light and firework shows, and Miss Noppamas contest. Make it probably the most lively and grand Loy Krathong celebration in Thailand.

The Historical Park particularly the area in front of Wat Mahathat is the main focus for activities.

Bangkok

Shopping Mall such as Asiatique, temples – particularly Wat Saket and hotels along Chao Phraya river are the popular celebration hot-spots in Bangkok. Floating processions and firework shows are among the events many visitors will not want to miss.

Ayutthaya

If you like explore outskirt of Bangkok during Loy krathong festival, Ayutthaya could be a good choice. Along Pasak River and Chao Phraya River is the main water front people float the Krathong in the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Popular hotspots such as Chankasem National Museum, Srisuriyothai Pagoda and Pridi-Thamrong Bridge.

Phuket

Loy Krathong is celebrated everywhere there is water in Phuket. Including Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach and some of the Piers such as Rawai Pier where people can enjoy delicious seafoods together with the celebration.

Pattaya

Along Pattaya Beach Road is the hot-spot to celebrate Loy Krathong in Pattaya. Music and Arts Festival combines both Asian and Western cultures. Famous live music performance on stage, along the beach road as well as popular bars at Central Pattaya Road and Pattaya Sai Song Road area.

Koh Samui

Chaweng Lake is the popular place celebrating Loy Krathong in one of the tourist popular island in the gulf of Thailand.