How many days until Loi Krathong?

About Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong is one of Thailand's most beautiful and widely celebrated festivals, observed on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The festival's name means 'to float a basket,' referring to the custom of releasing small decorated floats called krathongs onto rivers, lakes, and canals. Traditionally made from banana tree trunks, banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense, krathongs symbolize letting go of negativity, expressing gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha, and welcoming good fortune. Because Loi Krathong follows the traditional Thai lunar calendar, its date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. It usually falls in November and is celebrated throughout Thailand, with particularly famous festivities in cities such as Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya. In northern Thailand, the festival often coincides with Yi Peng, during which thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky. Celebrations include floating krathongs on waterways, lighting candles and incense, making wishes, enjoying fireworks, cultural performances, beauty pageants, traditional music, dance, and local fairs. Families and friends gather near rivers and lakes to participate in the ceremonies, while many communities organize festivals that showcase Thailand's rich cultural heritage. A common misconception is that Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are the same festival. In reality, they are separate celebrations with different origins and traditions. Loi Krathong centers on floating decorated baskets on water, while Yi Peng is a northern Thai festival best known for releasing sky lanterns. When the two festivals coincide, particularly in Chiang Mai, they are often celebrated together, creating the iconic images associated with Thailand's festival season.

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