As the full moon shines bright in the sky, Thailand gets ready to celebrate one of its most enchanting and magical festivals – Loy Krathong! The purpose of this event is to throw your problems into the water and start over. People gather around rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water to set krathongs, which are small boats with candles, flowers, and incense, on the water. If you plan to visit Thailand during this event, you’re in for a truly unique experience that celebrates community spirit, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Loy Krathong in this blog post, from where to find it in Thailand to how to make your own Krathong boat.
What is Loy Krathong?
One of the most important holidays in Thailand is Loy Krathong. People get together at this time, which is called the “festival of lights,” to honor the goddess of water and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings they may have done during the year.
Most of the time, the holiday takes place in the twelfth calendar month, which is usually November or December. During this time, you’ll see thousands of krathongs moving down rivers, lakes, and canals, lit by lights that flash and bounce off the water.
Krathongs are usually made from banana leaves or bread dough, and flowers, incense sticks, and candles are used to decorate them. Putting them in the water is a sign of letting go of bad things and starting over. This is a very important idea that is deeply rooted in Thai society.
Loy Krathong is a unique way to learn about Thailand’s rich cultural history and a chance for both locals and tourists to get together and celebrate.
How to celebrate Loy Krathong
Thailand has a beautiful holiday called Loy Krathong to enjoy the full moon of the 12th lunar month. It’s a time to honor the water goddess and ask for forgiveness if you’ve done anything bad to the water.
Making your own krathongs or getting them from street sellers is the best way to enjoy Loy Krathong. A krathong is a small boat made of banana leaves and covered with flowers, candles, and incense sticks.
After sunset, go to a river or canal in Thailand and float your krathong on the water while making a wish. Some people put hair or nail pieces in their krathongs to show that they are letting go of bad feelings.
During Loy Krathong celebrations, it is also usual to send khom loi (flying lights) into the night sky. The light inside these rice paper lanterns is a sign of letting go of fears and bad luck.
For Loy Kratong, connecting with nature and showing respect for it is important. It’s something you won’t ever forget!
Where to find Loy Krathong in Thailand?
Loy Krathong holiday is best when it is held in Thailand. This holiday is celebrated all over the country, and each place has its own way of doing it.
Bangkok is one of the most famous places to celebrate Loy Krathong. You can see a traditional Thai party if you go to Wat Saket, which is also called the “Golden Mount.” Every year, this temple has a fair with food booths, carnival games, and amazing fireworks shows.
Chiang Mai is the place to go if you want to do something out of the ordinary. Here, you can see krathongs floating down rivers and thousands of lit lanterns rising up into the night sky at the same time.
Sukhothai Historical Park is another great place to go on Loy Krathong. People think that Loy Krathong began in this old city more than 700 years ago! People come here all the time now to see the historical park lit up with fairy lights, which is a sight to remember.
Other popular places to go are Phuket Island and Ayutthaya City, where there are many things to do, like light shows and cultural acts, that give visitors an authentic Thai experience while they enjoy both the natural beauty and the celebrations that people have made.
How to make Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is one of the most popular events in Thailand, and both Thais and people from other countries come to see it. It’s a time to honor the goddess of water and make wishes for the future. There are many ways to enjoy this event, such as dropping krathongs into rivers or ponds or watching fireworks shows.
If you want to get the most out of Loy Krathong, you shouldn’t just watch the celebrations. Instead, you should learn how to make your own krathongs. The only things you need to make a Krathong are banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks.
First, fold each side of four banana leaves so they meet in the middle but don’t touch. Then, use toothpicks or wooden sticks to hold them together. Fill your Krathong with candles and incense sticks, as well as flowers like marigolds or lotuses.
When you’re done, go to a nearby river or pond where other people will also be letting go of their krathongs. Light the light and make a wish as you watch it float away.
To sum up, Loy Kratong is an amazing holiday that brings together people from all walks of life in Thailand, both locals and tourists, who want nothing more than to pay their thanks by moving these beautiful boats along Thai rivers under a full moon night sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Loy Krathong in 2023?
Loy Krathong is usually marked in November, during the full moon of the 12th month on the Thai lunar calendar. Loy Krathong is likely to happen on November 22, 2023, but the date could change because it is based on the Chinese cycle.
Where is the best place to celebrate Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is enjoyed all over Thailand, but Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai are three of the most popular places to take part. Each place is different, but no matter where you choose to celebrate, you can expect a lot of people and a lot of party spirit.
What’s a krathong?
A krathong is a small basket made of banana leaves that floats on water and is decorated with flowers, candles, and incense sticks. During Loy Krathong, people throw their krathongs into rivers, canals, and other bodies of water to get rid of bad energy and start over.
Can I make my own Krathong?
During Loy Krathong, people do like to make their own Krathong. You can get the materials at local stores or go to classes to learn how to make them yourself. Many hotels and spas also teach their guests how to make krathongs.
Is Loy Krathong a religious festival?
Loy Krathong comes from Buddhist and Hindu practices, but in Thailand, it has become a neutral holiday that people of all faiths and backgrounds enjoy. But many Thai people still think of Loy Krathong as a way to honor the goddess of water and ask for forgiveness for any bad things they may have done during the year.
What other activities can I expect during Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is a time for music, dancing, eating, and letting go of krathongs. You can expect to see cultural acts, parades, and light shows during the event. Many temples also have special rituals, like lighting candles and incense sticks, making gratitude gifts, and getting blessings from monks.
Is it safe to release lanterns during Loy Krathong?
During Loy Krathong, many people like to let go of lights, but it’s important to do so carefully. Make sure you buy lanterns from a reputable store and carefully follow the directions. Also, it’s important to let the lights go in an open area, away from trees, buildings, and other things that could be dangerous.
What should I wear to Loy Krathong?
Thailand is hot and humid, so you should wear clothes that are light and airy. People often choose to wear traditional Thai clothes, like a skirt or a shirt and pants that flow. Don’t forget to wear shoes that are comfy, since you may have to walk or stand for a long time.
How can I be respectful during Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is a time to enjoy, but it’s also important to honor the local norms and practices. Don’t wear clothes that are too showing or act in a bad way. When you let krathongs and lanterns go, think about other people and throw away any trash or other trash properly.
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