Loy Krathong in Bangkok

Why Loy Krathong?

On the twelfth lunar month, Thais believe that all the elements are right for celebrating. The main rice harvest season has ended and it’s time to thank the Water Goddess for a year’s worth of her abundant supply. Many believe that this is the time to symbolically ‘float away’ all the misfortunes and illnesses they have encountered up until this point. Many people also use the occasion to pray for a healthy, prosperous future, as well as for a chance to find a perfect soul mate.

What is a Krathong?

There is no equivalent word in English for ‘krathong’. You may hear people referring to it as a small boat, vessel, receptacle, container, or a raft. The closest word would be a ‘small container’, as the purpose of a krathong is to store small objects, be it food, flowers, or coins.

In the past, krathongs were made from natural materials – usually a section from a banana tree trunk, crafted into a lotus shape by using folded banana leaves. Nowadays Styrofoam and craft paper are sometimes used for convenience sake although this is less environmentally friendly. More recently, Thais have become more creative in their craft and design the krathongs from coconut shells, flowers, baked bread, potato slices and you can even go online to ‘float’ your krathongs. Whichever materials you decide to use, make sure that your krathong floats well.

Where to float the Krathong?

Traditionally, Thais release their krathongs into rivers and small canals called ‘klongs’. Today, a pond or lake is also good. Many places host a string of cultural activities, such as ‘Ram Wong’ dance performances, krathong-making competitions and a beauty contest. But don’t expect to fly lanterns in Bangkok, as it is part of the ‘Yee Peng’ festival, which is more the custom of northern Thailand and Chiang Mai, although people fly lanterns in Phuket and Samui, too.

Many hotels in Bangkok host a Loy Krathong event at their swimming pool area (contact your hotel for more information). You can try your hand at Loy Krathong, or even the traditional ‘Ram Wong’ dance, without fighting your way through crowds of people outside the hotel grounds. Hotels located along the Chao Phraya River, such as The Royal City Hotel, Shangri-la Bangkok and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, provide exclusive access to the river, along which you can release your krathong.

If you are ready to try Loy Krathong the local way, head over to the Taksin Bridge or Saphan Phut. Try making your own krathong from banana leaves and trunk, then place a candle and three incense sticks in your krathong as a finishing touch. Ready-made krathongs will also be available for sale once you get near the Loy Krathong site. Expect a big crowd and long queues as you make your way to the riverbanks, but don’t be discouraged; you’ll get there in the end.

When it’s your turn, light the candle and incense sticks, make a wish and slowly release the krathong into the river. Now comes the moment of truth: will it float? Thais believe that if the krathong sinks or turns over upon release, your wishes may not come true. If that’s the case, no worries, you can always float another krathong. For dating couples, the krathongs that stick together side by side upon release implies that you two are just meant to be!