Loy Krathong Festival of Lights: All dates for 2025

Anyone traveling to Thailand in November can enjoy a very special experience: The Festival of lights Loy Krathong! It is one of the most famous festivals in the country and is celebrated in all regions. In the north it is also known as Yi Peng Sky lantern festival known. The Festival of Lights takes place every year on the evening of the twelfth full moon according to the Thai lunar calendar. This year it falls on the 5th November 2025.

What is Loy Krathong and why is it celebrated in Thailand?

Loy Krathong means translated „floating raft“. The main activity therefore involves making small floating vessels - called Krathongs. The artistic boats are made from green Banana leaves, colorful flowers, candles and Incense sticks and set out on the water after dark. They float around and are meant to symbolically carry away all the misfortune and worries and give people a new lease of life. New luck for the coming year bring.

Where are the origins of Loy Krathong?

There are two theories about the history of the traditional event. According to one legend, the first origin goes back to the River goddess Mae Khongkha the goddess of water, who has been thanked for centuries through the offering of small boats and at the same time asked for forgiveness. The second story goes back to the then King Ramakhamhaeng who ruled the kingdom of Sukhothai more than 700 years ago. He once watched as one of his ladies-in-waiting launched a homemade boat on the royal lake. He was so fascinated by this scene that from that day onwards, he created a new holiday and introduced the newly invented tradition every year on the twelfth full moon continued. The festival spread over time and is now celebrated throughout Thailand.

How is Loy Krathong celebrated?

The event is often celebrated on a grand scale, in public parks, rivers or lakes with musical accompaniment and dazzling light displays. There is a festive atmosphere and the Thais put on their most beautiful, colorful costumes. traditional garments (called Chut Thai) to celebrate this day together. There is plenty to discover in the evening, both for locals and visitors: Parades, live music, krathong crafts and swimming, light shows, sound shows, performances and dances, competitions, workshops and much more. In historical sites such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, the temple ruins are illuminated particularly well on this day. The festival is usually celebrated with a large Final fireworks finished.

Even if Loy Krathong is an important cultural event for the Thais, this is a cultural event that is not a public holiday - Therefore, most stores and restaurants will remain open on this day.

All events at a glance:

Chiang Mai

In northern Thailand, Loy Krathong is celebrated together with the sky lantern festival Yi Peng in November.

• Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025 (Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival)
• Date: 05.11. - 06.11.2025
• Location:The CAD Cultural Center Lanna
• Activities:Krathong swimming, traditional dances, parades

• Heaven Lantern Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11.2025
• Location:Suan Sawan (The Garden)
• Activities:Parade, cultural performances, Krathong swimming, light & sound show, DIYs

• Sukhothai Light and Sound Show 2025
• Date: 27.10. - 05.11.2025
• Location:Sukhothai Historical Park
• Activities:: Historical re-enactments, Noppamas queen parade, light and sound shows, krathong competitions, traditional dances

Sukhothai

Ayutthaya

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11. - 06.11.2025
• Location:: At historic temple ruins (e.g. Wat Chai) and riverbanks
• Activities:Illuminated temples, lantern swimming, traditional dances

• THAICONIC Loy Krathong at ICONSIAM
• Date: 04.11. - 06.11.2025
• Location:ICONSIAM shopping center
• Activities:: Light shows, Krathong swimming, traditional dances

• Bangkok River Festival 2025
• Date: 04.11. - 06.11.2025
• Location:Chao Phraya riverbank
• Activities:: Light shows, illuminated temples, Krathong swimming, traditional dances and parades, fireworks

Bangkok

Pattaya

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025 @Pattaya Floating Market
• Date: 05.11.2025
• Location:Pattaya Beach / Lan Po Park (Na Kluea)
• Activities:: Krathong making, cultural performances, live music, fireworks

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11. - 06.11.2025
• Location:Pak Nam (Krabi town)
• Activities:Krathong swimming, cultural performances, traditional dances

Krabi

Phuket

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11 - 06.11.2025
• Location:Saphan Hin Park / Karon Beach - Nong Harn Lake Park / Ban Nai Han Park
• Activities:: Krathong competitions, street festivals, traditional music and dance

• Tak Loi Krathong Sai Festival 2025
• Date: 02.11 - 05.11.2025
• Location:Riverbank of the Mae Nam Ping River, near the Rattanakosin Memorial Bridge
• Activities:Krathong swimming, traditional music and dances

Tak

Udon Thani (Isaan)

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 06.11.2025
• Location:Nong Prajak Silpakom Park
• Activities:Krathong swimming, cultural performances, traditional dances

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11 - 06.11.2025
• Location:: on various lakes, riverbanks
• Activities:: Krathong competitions, street festivals, traditional music and dance

Khon Kaen (Isaan)

Nakhon Ratchasima

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 06.11.2025
• Location:: Riverbank Mekong River
• Activities:Krathong swimming, traditional performances and dances

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11.2025
• Location:Maeklong River - Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong Temple
• Activities:: Krathong competitions, street festivals, traditional music and dance

Samut Songkrahm

Chonburi

• Loy Krathong Festival 2025
• Date: 05.11.2025
• Location:: on various lakes, riverbanks
• Activities:Krathong swimming, cultural performances, traditional dances

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