What is Loy Krathong Festival?
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Loy Krathong is a significant festival occurring every year in Thailand; it is even popular in surrounding countries. Everyone celebrates it on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, November 28th, 2023. On this night, everyone goes to the closest river, lake, beach or swimming pool to release a floating offering, hoping for good luck in the coming year.
Loy Krathong is meant to thank and apologise to the water goddess for good luck, thanking her for using her water to grow crops and support all life year-round. It’s also a way to say sorry for making the water dirty. As a token of gratefulness and apologies, a small decorated round raft usually made of a banana tree trunk slice or bread decorated with flowers, nicely folded banana leaves, a candle and three incense sticks on top.
The Krathong is then floated in the water and taken away by the stream. Couples release one Krathong each, hoping they will drift away together, a sign of everlasting love. The wind often blows out the candles, though. In the old days, people also trimmed their nails and put a bit of hair in the Krathong, wishing that it would take the bad luck and illness away.
Where to see Loy Krathong in Phuket
In Phuket, Loy Krathong is celebrated on all beaches, at the Sapan Hin lake in Phuket town, at the Karon Lake, Nai Harn Lake and everywhere there is water, including most hotels swimming pools. You can also enjoy it at most of the piers around the island, such as Rawai Pier.
People also release flying lanterns on main beaches, illuminating the sky with hundreds of moving lights. It’s surreal and beautiful. As always, when there is an event, there is plenty of local food to enjoy in the street. Enjoy parties and games at the local fun fairs in every popular place for everyone to have fun.
Remember to buy Krathongs made from banana tree slices or bread dough. Fortunately, styrofoam is disappearing, but if you ever see these, do not buy them.
Loy Krathong Photos
Loy Krathong Map
More Events in Phuket
FAQs about Loy Krathong
Q. What is Loy Kratong?
a. Loy Krathong is a festival where Thai people are releasing small rafts, decorated with flowers, candles and incense to pay respect to the goddess of water.
Q. When is Loy Kratong?
a. Loy Krathong is on the night of the 12th lunar month (usually November).
Q. Where can I join Loy Kratong?
a. In Phuket, Loy Krathong is celebrated on all beaches, at Sapan Hin lake in Phuket town and everywhere there is water, swimming pools and rivers.
Q. Can I buy flying lanterns?
a. In previous years the sky was full of flying lanterns, but these have been limited due to safety issues.
Q. Where can I buy a Krathong?
a. You can find those floating raft everywhere on the island, especially near beaches, lakes and rivers.