Who hasn't been captivated by photos of thousands of paper lanterns lighting up Thailand's night sky? Do you know the meaning behind these mesmerizing images and which festival, Loy Krathong or Yi Peng, is the most anticipated?
This article delves into Thailand's lantern festivals, offering an authentic experience. Discover the origins, deep symbolism, and tips to fully enjoy these magical November celebrations. With our guide, you'll appreciate the enchanting magic of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals.
Good to know: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are completely separate festivals. Loy Krathong involves floating krathongs on rivers across Thailand, while Yi Peng features lantern releases and is mainly celebrated in the north of Thailand.
>>>> Read more: Thailand's Top Cultural Festivals and Activities in November
Coins are added as a symbol of merit, and personal items like hair and nails are placed in the krathong to represent the release of negativity. It’s believed that this act helps guide souls to a better place. Traditionally, wooden pins are used to secure the elements, though toothpicks are a more modern alternative.
Everyone makes their own krathong, often attaching a piece of paper with their wishes written on it. Once on the water, they symbolically carry away the participants' negative aspects of life. Some even include hair and nails, a purification ritual to rid themselves of past mistakes and harmful thoughts.
The celebration is brought to life with fireworks, Ramwong dances, and live music. And with food stalls offering local delicacies like grilled seafood, it’s easy to see why Loy Krathong is such a memorable festival.
>>> Good to know: Celebrate Loy Krathong sustainably by using biodegradable krathongs made from banana leaves or bread, avoiding Styrofoam and sky lanterns, and joining local cleanup efforts to protect waterways and wildlife.
Sukhothai, the birthplace of this festival 600 years ago, is known for its ancient temples and traditions. Residents dress in traditional costumes and perform ritual dances. At Wat Mahathat temple, they light candles in paper bags and release them on the rivers, a symbolic act for luck and prosperity.
In Chiang Mai, the Loy Krathong festival is celebrated with a unique blend of traditions and spectacular displays. The city becomes a hub of activity with parades showcasing intricate floats and traditional Lanna folk dancers. The Ping River lights up with countless krathongs, creating a magical atmosphere.
The festivities also include lively night markets, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts.
In Bangkok, the festival takes to the streets with parades of elaborate floats and folk dancers, while the krathongs illuminate the majestic Chao Phraya River. There are also boat races and fireworks displays.
Ayutthaya, one of Thailand's oldest cities, follows this tradition as well. Here, locals release "floating umbrellas" into the waterways instead of krathongs. These umbrellas are often decorated with flowers or lights, depending on the desired level of elaboration for this ritual of wishes.
In Chiang Mai, the stronghold of Lanna culture, houses and temples are adorned with colorful lanterns announcing the festival. "Yi" means "two," and "Peng" means "full moon" in the Lanna language. The name "Yi Peng" translates to "Full Moon of the Second Month."
Like the Loy Krathong festival, the Yi Peng festival takes place during the full moon of the 2nd Lanna month, corresponding to the 12th month of the Thai calendar.
Often referred to as the "Lantern Festival" or the "Festival of Light," Yi Peng's main highlight is when participants release paper lanterns, known as khom loy, into the sky.
During the Yi Peng festival, participants release silk paper lanterns called Khom loi, or "floating lanterns" in Thai, into the sky. A khom loi is made of thin silk paper with a crossed base that supports a wax heat source. Breaking the wax before lighting it maintains the flame. Releasing these lanterns at night symbolizes letting go of past misfortunes and hoping for future prosperity.
For Buddhists, making a wish during this act can make it come true.
Lanterns light up the night sky, drawing photographers and travelers, while parades, dances, concerts, craft workshops, fireworks, and firecrackers keep local traditions alive.
This article delves into Thailand's lantern festivals, offering an authentic experience. Discover the origins, deep symbolism, and tips to fully enjoy these magical November celebrations. With our guide, you'll appreciate the enchanting magic of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals.
Good to know: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are completely separate festivals. Loy Krathong involves floating krathongs on rivers across Thailand, while Yi Peng features lantern releases and is mainly celebrated in the north of Thailand.
1. When is Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival?
The Thai lantern festivals, also known as the festivals of lights, encompass two major celebrations: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. In 2025, the Loy Krathong festival will take place on November 15, and the Yi Peng festival will be held from November 15 to 16. While simultaneous, these two festivals differ in their symbolism.2. Loy Krathong Festival: The Floating Lantern Festival
2.1 The meaning of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) means “floating basket.” The Loy Krathong festival is held on the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. In 2025, it will occur on November 15. "Loy" means to float, and "Krathong" refers to small baskets made of banana leaves decorated with flowers, candles, and incense sticks. These offerings are dedicated to the water goddess Pra Mae Khongkha.>>>> Read more: Thailand's Top Cultural Festivals and Activities in November
2.2 What is a Krathong made of? How to Make a Traditional Krathong
Wrapped in banana leaves, a krathong begins with a slice of banana trunk as its base. During the Loy Krathong celebration, traditional flowers like lotus, rose, and marigold are carefully pinned to the base. Three joss sticks and a candle are placed on top to honor the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. To enhance its visual appeal, some people may also add a small flag or sparkler (Fai Yen).Coins are added as a symbol of merit, and personal items like hair and nails are placed in the krathong to represent the release of negativity. It’s believed that this act helps guide souls to a better place. Traditionally, wooden pins are used to secure the elements, though toothpicks are a more modern alternative.
Everyone makes their own krathong, often attaching a piece of paper with their wishes written on it. Once on the water, they symbolically carry away the participants' negative aspects of life. Some even include hair and nails, a purification ritual to rid themselves of past mistakes and harmful thoughts.
2.3 Historical background
Loy Krathong is steeped in ancient tradition, serving as a tribute to the water goddess (Phra Mae Khongkha). This festival is a poignant reminder of humanity's connection to nature, especially water, and is a time for seeking forgiveness for pollution caused throughout the year.2.4 The Festivities
On the evening of the Loy Krathong festival, Thais flock to the shores and canals across the country. At nightfall, they light the candles and incense on the krathongs before gently placing them on the water. The illuminated rafts create a magical spectacle in the cities.The celebration is brought to life with fireworks, Ramwong dances, and live music. And with food stalls offering local delicacies like grilled seafood, it’s easy to see why Loy Krathong is such a memorable festival.
>>> Good to know: Celebrate Loy Krathong sustainably by using biodegradable krathongs made from banana leaves or bread, avoiding Styrofoam and sky lanterns, and joining local cleanup efforts to protect waterways and wildlife.
2.5 Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong?
While celebrated nationwide, the Loy Krathong festival has a special charm in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Bangkok (Click to see the destinations), and Ayutthaya.Sukhothai, the birthplace of this festival 600 years ago, is known for its ancient temples and traditions. Residents dress in traditional costumes and perform ritual dances. At Wat Mahathat temple, they light candles in paper bags and release them on the rivers, a symbolic act for luck and prosperity.
In Chiang Mai, the Loy Krathong festival is celebrated with a unique blend of traditions and spectacular displays. The city becomes a hub of activity with parades showcasing intricate floats and traditional Lanna folk dancers. The Ping River lights up with countless krathongs, creating a magical atmosphere.
The festivities also include lively night markets, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts.
In Bangkok, the festival takes to the streets with parades of elaborate floats and folk dancers, while the krathongs illuminate the majestic Chao Phraya River. There are also boat races and fireworks displays.
Ayutthaya, one of Thailand's oldest cities, follows this tradition as well. Here, locals release "floating umbrellas" into the waterways instead of krathongs. These umbrellas are often decorated with flowers or lights, depending on the desired level of elaboration for this ritual of wishes.
Tips for Attendees
- Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, confirm the exact date before planning.
- Chiang Mai hosts the most famous Loy Krathong celebration, though it can be crowded. Smaller towns offer the same charm with fewer people.
- Take part by buying or making your own krathong, an essential part of the Loy Krathong tradition.
- As Loy Krathong is a revered cultural event, wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially near temples.
3. Yi Peng Festival: The Sky Lantern Festival
3.1 The Symbolism of Yi Peng
The Loy Krathong festival is a national event, while the Yi Peng festival is an ancient tradition of the former Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand.In Chiang Mai, the stronghold of Lanna culture, houses and temples are adorned with colorful lanterns announcing the festival. "Yi" means "two," and "Peng" means "full moon" in the Lanna language. The name "Yi Peng" translates to "Full Moon of the Second Month."
Like the Loy Krathong festival, the Yi Peng festival takes place during the full moon of the 2nd Lanna month, corresponding to the 12th month of the Thai calendar.
Often referred to as the "Lantern Festival" or the "Festival of Light," Yi Peng's main highlight is when participants release paper lanterns, known as khom loy, into the sky.
During the Yi Peng festival, participants release silk paper lanterns called Khom loi, or "floating lanterns" in Thai, into the sky. A khom loi is made of thin silk paper with a crossed base that supports a wax heat source. Breaking the wax before lighting it maintains the flame. Releasing these lanterns at night symbolizes letting go of past misfortunes and hoping for future prosperity.
For Buddhists, making a wish during this act can make it come true.
3.2 How Yi Peng Unfolds
The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai is known for its stunning light displays honoring the Buddha. Temples and streets are lit with "pang prateep," small clay pots holding candles. The three-day festival begins with community events on the first two nights, culminating in a city-wide celebration on the third.Lanterns light up the night sky, drawing photographers and travelers, while parades, dances, concerts, craft workshops, fireworks, and firecrackers keep local traditions alive.
