Lantern Festival Thailand: Dates, Locations & Tips

Lantern Festival Thailand refers to two different festivals, namely Loi Krathong and Yi Peng. These festivals are the most captivating celebrated throughout the Country. Loy Krathong translates literally to “to float a basket”. People make small baskets, mostly from banana tree trunks, and float them into water beds like rivers or lakes. This festival symbolizes new beginnings and good fortune in the future. Usually, the celebration takes place on the first full moon of the 12th month, according to the Thai Lunar Calendar. So, the date is not fixed. However, according to the regular calendar, most of the day falls around November.

The Yi Peng Festival is celebrated by lighting colorful lanterns and flying them in the sky. The view of thousands of lanterns in the glittering night sky gives viewers a mesmerizing view. The meaning of Yi Peng is a second full moon, and it is celebrated to welcome the cool season and the end of the spring season.

When & Where is Lantern Festival Celebrated

The sky lantern festival Thailand is celebrated on a full moon day every year all over Thailand and nearby countries where Thai culture is followed. You can visit Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi, Kelantan, Kedah, and Xishuangbanna.

History And Origin of Lantern Festival Thailand

Loy Krathong is said to be rooted strongly in the Hindu and Buddhist cultures of praying gods. This festival dates back centuries to the Sukhothai Period, i.e. 1238-1438. Back then, the festival was celebrated to show gratitude towards the river goddess and pray for forgiveness for these lush waterbeds and water sources despite polluting the river. People used to follow a Brahmanic ritual to honor the goddess of the river, Mae Kongka. However, later, locals adapted Buddhism to worship.
Yi Peng originated from Chiang Mai and is known to be rooted in Lanna traditions. The main reason to celebrate is to let go of bad luck and be successful in life.

Traditions And Activities at Sky Lantern Festival

People today not only celebrate just out of being religious but also it becomes a time for Thai people to come together and spend some time with the close ones around nature and waterbeds and pray for their good fortune and well-being.  The tradition of releasing baskets or krathongs into canals, rivers, and lakes symbolizes the appreciation of nature’s offerings. Thai people believe that by doing so, they are letting go of all the negative thoughts, anger, hatred, and so on that they have been carrying throughout the year.

• Preparation Of Krathongs

People make sure that they use natural sources to make Krathongs, such as banana leaves, trunks, flowers, and organic candles. They are generally smaller in size and are beautiful to look at.

• Releasing Krathongs

When the full moon is visible, people head towards lakes, seashores, rivers, and canals. They release all the illuminated Krathongs into the water, and the whole water bed becomes enlightened by those Krathongs. Some also release personal items into the river through krathongs to let go of their sins.

• Cultural Programmes & Ceremonies at Temples

Several places host musical and cultural dance events to endure the festive environment during this festival. Loy Krathong is also celebrated at the Buddhist temples in the Country. Arrangements are made for the people to enter into the water bodies during this festival and pray.

• Lantern Lighting

People also perform Khom Loy, otherwise known as sky lanterns, which are released into the night sky. It is a sight to behold when thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky.

• Krathong Competitions in Lantern Festival Thailand

Krathong competitions are held at some of the places in the region where people take part in creating some of the most beautiful krathongs. In addition, other activities such as boat races, lantern processions, parades, and beauty contests are also held during this festival.

• Traditional Attires

Generally, people are dressed according to their culture, which makes it even more exciting to watch. Thousands of people are wearing traditional attire and celebrating the festival.

Places To Celebrate Lantern Festival Thailand

Chiang Mai

It is located in the Northern part of the Country. The Loy Krathongs and Yi Peng festivals are celebrated with the most vibes in Chiang Mai. It is a must-visit if you are looking for sky lanterns, parades, exhibitions, and fireworks. The opening ceremony for the festival takes place in the Three Kings Plaza, which is decorated with beautiful hanging lanterns. If you want to witness both water and sky lanterns, then you should experience them from Tha Phae Gate. This place also hosts cultural dance shows.

Sukhothai

It is said that the Lantern Festival of Thailand originated from this very place, i.e. Sukhothai. Here, the Loy Krathong is celebrated for five long days, and you can enjoy all the cultural programs for five days continuously.

Bangkok

People are already aware that Bangkok is filled with water beds, which makes it the prime location to float the krathongs. Some of the most anticipated locations in the city are Chao Phraya River, Lumpini Park, Benjasiri Park, and so on. If you want to explore more, you can check out the top places to visit in Bangkok and plan an unforgettable trip.

Phuket

Phuket is known for its exquisite beaches, and it is a scene to behold when thousands of illuminated krathongs are released into the seashore. Some places are Patong Beach, Nai Harn Lake and Suan Luang Park. You can also check out the other famous activities to try in Phuket. 

Tips for Visiting Flying Lantern Festival Thailand

• Do not wear inappropriate clothes to the temples or to the place where the festival is being celebrated. Respect the culture and behave accordingly.
• If you are willing to float a Krathong, always go for an organic or biodegradable one. Avoid the krathongs made out of plastic or styrofoam.
• Walk to the events during the festival; this way, you can enjoy the cultural vibe around the streets.
• Make sure you are recording because you will miss out if you don’t.
• It is also advised to check the best time to visit Thailand to have a hassle-free trip.

History of Lantern Festival in Thailand

Every year Thai people in northern Thailand, particularly those in Chiang Mai observe the traditional Lantern Festival which they call Yi Peng. The celebration began in the ancient Lanna Kingdom while being rooted in the Buddhist tradition. Yi Peng festival occurs during the full moon of the 12th lunar month that normally falls in November during the end of rainy season period. Throughout the festival people loose sky lanterns to mark their farewell to misfortune while they make aspirations for the upcoming days. The occasion of Yi Peng aligns with Loy Krathong which features people sending decorative water bouquets to float. It is famous for advancing sky lanterns that create an unforgettable sight.