Festival of Lights

Loi Krathong is also known as Festival of Lights or Lantern Festival. It happens in mid November. “Loi” means “float” and “Krathong” means “little boat made of cork and banana leaves”. Each Krathong contains a candle, a flower, three incense sticks and few coins. Loi Krathong is one of Thailand’s oldest and originally best-preserved traditions. Loi Krathong is celebrated throughout whole Thailand and is thought to be the most beautiful festival. In the evening when the moon begins to rise people take their krathongs /or lanterns/ lit the candle and place the krathong on water of the nearest river, lake, or klong and leave it to float away.

The krathong is given as an offering to Mae Khongka or “Mother of the Waters”. Thai people believe that the krathongs will carry away their sufferings and bad luck along with them. Usually people make wishes for happiness and success in love to their spouse. In addition to setting the krathongs adrift there is a cultural happening with traditional Thai songs and dances and impressive fireworks.