Loy Krathong Festival – Let Your Problems Float Away
Loy Krathong is one of the most celebrated and anticipated festivals of the Thai calendar year. A time where anyone can release their bad energy and troubles and start anew.
A typical krathong decorated with flowers
Loy Krathong, sometimes referred to as Loi Krathong or Loy Gratong, can be translated as “floating decoration” which refers to the small decorated floats that are released into the sea and on local waterways.
These small boats are traditionally made from banana leaves, local flowers, a candle and three incense sticks. Some people like to personalise them even further by adding a few coins and in some cases a lock of hair or some nail clippings.
Just to make things more romantic it will be held on the same night as Yi Peng the lantern festival where thousands of floating lanterns are released into the skies above Thailand.
Taking place during the first full moon in November (the twelfth month of the modern Thai calender) Loy Krathong is a ceremony steeped in tradition.
Releasing krathongs is seen as a way to bring good luck to a person and a symbolic way of letting go of all grudges, anger, and negative thoughts so they can start their life fresh on a better foot. A type of mental spring cleaning.
What is Loy Krathong?
Rooted firmly in Indian mythology, where more than 700 years ago, it was a festival to worship the gods Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
The Loy Krathong festival was adapted by Thai Buddhists, during Bangkoks early period, to pay homage to the Buddha and ask for forgiveness from the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.
It is a time to both pay respect and ask for forgiveness. It is believed that the krathongs will bring good luck while floating away all the bad. The candles represent light of the Buddha while the float is a way of ‘letting go’.
The Loy Krathong festival is held at a time in the year when the rainy season is ending and the rivers are at full flow.
Beauty contests and fireworks are not uncommon during festival time. The beauty contests are in celebration of the first woman to ever make krathongs and fireworks are …well awesome.
The Best Place to Be…
If you’re in Hua Hin for Loy Krathong then the best place to be is down on the beach either on the main Hua Hin beach or Khao Takiab beach.
Weather permitting and with a bit of luck with the tide you’ll get a chance to see your krathongs float gently out to sea.
Failing that anywhere there is a river, tributary, lake or body of water you ‘ll find people releasing their krathongs.
Khao Tao, just south of town, is holding a festival at the local reservoir so if you’re in the area go check it out.
Loy Krathong Song
There’s even a special song associated with Loy Krathong. Here’s the translated version.
November full moon shines,
Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong,
and the water’s high in the river and local klong,
Loy Loy Krathong, Loy Loy Krathong,
Loy Krathong is here and everybody’s full of cheer,
We’re together at the klong,
Each one with his krathong,
As we push away we pray,
We can see a better day.
Where to get a Krathong
Around Loy Krathong you’ll find plenty of stalls selling krathongs in town especially around the beach area. Normally expect to pay around 100 – 150 baht.
How to Make Your Own Krathong
Many people, especially kids, like to make their own krathongs
Although you can buy a krathong many people like to build their own. After all it is your own problems that you are letting go of so why not put your heart into creating it yourself.
Firstly you’ll need a stable base that floats. Although there are many materials you can choose from for this it is best to choose a natural substance that will degrade safely into the environment. Typically a slice of banana trunk is used as the float and you’ll need a piece around 2-3 cm thick.
Cover the base with banana leaves. You can do this in two layers using either pins or a staple gun to hold the leaves in place. Then add a small candle, three incense sticks and finally some local flowers to decorate it.
If you would like some more in-depth instruction then watch our how to make your own Krathong video.
Protect the Environment
If you are going to partake in Loy Krathong then try to be environmentally friendly and not go polluting the waterways with artificial krathongs such as those made from synthetic plastics such as Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene). Instead either go for something a little more biodegradable such as the more traditional banana tree floats or those made out of bread that have been appearing more and more in recent years.
