Please check the sidebar to the right for the current years date for Loy Kratong
Definitely the most romantic of the Thai festivals, Loy Kratong is a must-experience for those visiting the land of smiles. Held on the night of the 12th full moon, Loy Kratong falls in November, check the sidebar to see what day it falls on this year. Although the influx of western culture has brought with it Valentines Day on February 14th, Loy Kratong is Thailand’s original festival for lovers.
Originating as a Brahmanical festival adopted by Thai Buddhists during the reign of Rama IV in1863, Loy Kratong is a ceremony that venerates the Lord Buddha by offering floating trays laden with flowers, candles and incense. Loy translates to “float” in Thai, while Kratong pertains to a tray made from banana leaves. The light from the candle honors Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or any tarnishing of one’s character. It is a way for a person to make amends and start afresh.
In addition to this, most Thais also float their kratong to honor the goddess of the rivers and waterways, Mae Nam, who they believe will bring good luck. This ties in with the romantic element of Loy Kratong which stems from a legend about Nang Nopamas, who was a royal consort to King Ramkhamhaeng (founder of Sukhothai).
According to legend, Nopamas made the original Loy Kratong to appeasen Mae Nam, and set it afloat in the palace canals so that it would pass by her lover, the King. The King was enchanted by this creation and by Nang Nopamas forever after, hence the belief that if two lovers set a kratong into a waterway and it stays afloat until it has left sight, their love will last forever.
During Loy Kratong you’ll see men and women dressed in beautiful cultural outfits. If you can only make it to Thailand and witness one festival this is the one not to miss!
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Hello – I am confused. The article above states that Loy Kratong for 2009 is 24 November; however, the calendar to the right of the home page indicates that is on the 2nd of November. Can you help me. I will be in BKK and Pattaya in November don’t want to miss the celebration. Thank You
The calender on the right is the correct date for Loy Kratong 2009. This article was written in 2007.
Where is the best place to watch Loi Kratong celebrations?
Chaophraya Dinner Cruise is doubling their price just for that night, is it better to see the festival from there or is there a park or place near Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok where we could enjoy the festivities?
Bev
Rats, I am arriving 11/2, I was thinking that although I had missed Halloween I’d at least be there for Loy Kratong. Now I find it it’s like Easter. Last year I was in Pattaya and Loy Kratong was in the middle of November. Well I’m staying in Bangkok this time so maybe I can get something in within two hours. TGF seems to be looking forward to it but I hope she understands AM and PM. Last trip she waited for me from noon until I arrived at midnight. I told her she misunderstood me as I told her I’d see her in 24 hours (calling from the airport in Chicago). Then she proceeded to correct me that ‘no, you tell me wrong’. I figured that the smart thing was to just leave it at that.
Does anyone know the date for the 10,000 Khom Loy release at Maejo University? I was told it is usually held on the Saturday before the actual date of Loy Krathong (1st&2nd Nov ’09), so should it be 31st October ? There are some forums that gives 24th October as the date for the event at Maejo. Any thoughts?
Bev, I wouldn’t do the dinner cruise. I would want to be in the middle of the action with everyone launching kratongs and having fun. I’d have to look because I’m not sure of the best places to go in Bangkok but I think several parks and along the Chayo Phraya river is wheere you’d want to be. Let me look around and I’ll get back to you on where the best spots in Bangkok are.
It’s in November this year.. I may be able to make it. Sounds like a great festival.