Loy Krathong in Phuket, November 23, 2018

Loy Krathong is a very important yearly event in Thailand, even popular in surrounding countries. It occurs on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which is November 23rd this year. On this night, everyone goes to the closest river, lake or beach to release a floating offering hoping for luck in the year to come.

Loy Krathong is meant to thank and apologize the water goddess as well as for good luck. Thanking her for using her water to grow the 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 or bread is decorated with flowers, nicely folded banana leaves, a candle and three incense sticks.

The Krathong is then floated in the water and taken away by the stream. Couples release one Krathong each, hoping they will float away together, a sign of everlasting love. The wind often blows away the candles though…In the old days people also trim their nails and put a bit of hair in the Krathong, wishing that it will take the bad luck and illness away.

In Phuket, Loy Krathong is celebrated on all beaches, at the Sapan Hin lake in Phuket town, at the Karon Lake and everywhere there is water.

On main beaches people release flying lanterns, illuminating the sky with hundreds moving lights. As always when there is an event, there is plenty of eating in the street. Enjoy party and games at the local fun fairs set in every popular place for everyone to have some fun.

Where to see Loy Krathong (apart from all the beaches)