The Loy Krathong Festival (ลอยกระทง) is an annual tradition that is celebrated throughout Thailand. Practiced since the Sukhothai Era, it is a ceremony where Thais come together near bodies of water to pay their respects to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา). Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ or the ‘Floating Lantern Festival’ – this tradition is celebrated during the full moon, especially around lakes, rivers, and ponds where people can gather during the evening to release their krathongs on the waterway.
Thais believe that by releasing your krathong into the water, you are letting go of the anger and bad luck you’ve been holding onto in the past thus welcoming good fortune that’s free of negativity in the coming year. Apart from the floating lanterns, many places also host a series of cultural activities, such as traditional Ram Wong dance performances (รำวง), krathong-making competitions, and a Noppamas beauty contest (ประกวดนางนพมาศ).
What is a Krathong?
The term “Krathong” (กระทง) translates to a basket or vessel and the word “Loy” (ลอย) means to float. Traditionally, a krathong is a beautifully-crafted basket made from natural materials, namely from a banana tree which can be found easily throughout Thailand.
Materials used to make a Krathong
- A slice of a banana tree stalk
- Banana leaves
- Scissors
- Wooden pins or toothpicks
- A candle and some incense sticks
- Decorative flowers
How to make a Krathong
- Cut or slice a banana tree stalk into a circle shape. This will be used as the base of the krathong.
- Cut and attach banana leaves to cover the base. Use long strips of banana leaves to wrap around the base and attach them together using wooden pins or toothpicks.
- Cut and fold banana leaves into a lotus petal shape to be decorated above the base. Use wooden pins or toothpicks to hold the leaves and base together.
- Decorate the krathong with flowers. Flowers that are commonly used to decorate krathongs include lotus, roses, marigolds, and orchids.
- Place a small candle and incense sticks in the krathong. You can connect the candle to the base by using a toothpick and directly piercing the incense into the base. Make sure that the candle and incense are standing straight up. If they are weakly attached, it can cause the krathong to lose balance, capsize, or even catch on fire.
- Personalize Your Krathong. You can add additional decorations like small pieces of colored paper, ribbon, or any other biodegradable materials to personalize your Krathong and to make it environmentally friendly.
When is the Loy Krathong Festival celebrated?
Every year, The Loy Krathong Festival falls on different dates depending on the moon but is fixed on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month of the Thai lunar calendar which is usually in November. This year, it will take place on Wednesday 5th November.
7 Locations to celebrate Loy Krathong in Phuket
Loy Krathong can be celebrated with friends, family members, and is also popular among couples. We highly recommend you go out and experience the beauty of Loy Krathong in Phuket, especially if it’s your first time. However, we do suggest that you only make or purchase one that is compostable and friendly to nature.
The festivities of Loy Krathong are celebrated along all waterways and beaches with many hotels hosting their own activities. But if you’re looking for a more local experience around Phuket Town, we recommend that you hop over to Saphan Hin Park during the evening. There most likely will be ready-made krathongs available for purchase. Other places that have gatherings include Patong Beach, Bang Maruan close to HOMA Cherngtalay and The Mining Museum. See the map below for the best spots across the island!
As the moonlight reflects upon the water, you’ll catch an array of glowing lights floating on the water’s surface, a truly romantic experience to remember. Before you join the celebration, make sure to watch a simple tutorial on how to make a krathong below.
Loy Krathong in Phuket at Saphan Hin Park
In Phuket, the heart of the festivities beats at Saphan Hin Park, conveniently close to HOMA Phuket Town, making it an ideal location for locals and tourists staying nearby to join in this age-old tradition. The highlight is the crafting and floating of krathongs – small, beautifully decorated floats made from banana leaves. As these krathongs gently drift on water, they carry away our troubles, symbolizing a cleansing of the past and a hopeful gaze towards the future. For those who prefer convenience, there most likely will be ready-made krathongs available for purchase, allowing everyone to participate in this meaningful tradition easily.
Floating Krathongs on water – Source: KKday
Cultural Etiquette: Participating with Respect
As a visitor participating in this sacred tradition, mindful behavior honors Thai culture:
Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially at temple-adjacent locations. Remove shoes when stepping onto ceremony platforms.
Observe before participating: Watch locals perform their rituals first. Notice how they hold their hands in prayer (wai gesture) before releasing krathongs.
Light your candle and incense at the water’s edge, not beforehand, to reduce fire risk. Some locations provide designated lighting stations.
Release your krathong gently, giving it a small push so it doesn’t immediately float back. Make your wish or prayer silently and personally.
Never step over someone’s krathong waiting to be released, this is considered very disrespectful.
Ask permission before photographing people during their prayers or release moments. This is an intimate spiritual practice for many.
Don’t drink excessively. While alcohol is available at some celebrations, maintain respectful behavior appropriate for a religious ceremony.
Supervise children carefully near the water’s edge. The excitement can make kids forget safety. Many Thai families have children participate by helping make the krathong while parents handle the water release.
🌕 A Night of Light, and Community
Aperitivo Special – Loy Krathong Pageant & Celebration
At HOMA, the spirit of Loy Krathong comes alive in a community setting. On Thursday, 6 November, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, guests are invited to dress in traditional Thai outfits, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, and take part in an evening filled with food and fun. The highlight of the night, the Loy Krathong Pageant. invites our female guests the chance to dress up, and celebrate Thai beauty with exciting prizes waiting to be won.
It’s a night to connect, and celebrate the traditions that make this festival so special with food, music, and the HOMA community vibe.
Your Invitation to Let Go
As the moonlight dances across the water, the scene feels almost magical, hundreds of glowing krathongs drifting slowly over the dark surface, turning the night into a river of stars. Couples stand hand in hand, grandparents whisper quiet prayers, and children watch as their little crafts join the stream. It’s one of those rare moments where everything slows down where people come together to release, and begin again.
Whether this is your first Loy Krathong or a tradition you return to every year, it’s a chance to release the worries, or fears you’ve been carrying. When your krathong floats out onto the water, joining hundreds of others glowing like tiny stars, take a deep breath and feel part of something larger.
The moon is rising. The water goddess is waiting. Enjoy this Loy Krathong Festival 2025 in Phuket and may HOMA be your retreat home.
