As the crisp November air embraces Thailand, there’s a palpable excitement that resonates deep within—the anticipation of Loy Krathong.
Loy Krathong, the revered “Festival of Lights,” holds a special place in the heart of Thailand, blending ancient traditions with modern celebrations. Rooted in the rich cultural history of the country, Loy Krathong is a festival that pays homage to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and symbolizes the release of sorrows and misfortunes as candlelit krathongs gracefully float along rivers and canals. This year, on November 27th, 2023, as the full moon graces the night sky, Phuket prepares to join the nation in this luminous celebration.
In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the profound meaning behind Loy Krathong, shedding light on its cultural roots, historical importance, and the magical celebrations that await residents and visitors alike.
The origin of Loy Krathong
Dating back around 800 years to Sukhothai, Loy Krathong is a beautiful celebration of gratitude, dedicated to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. This ancient festival is intricately woven into Buddhist traditions, reflecting the centrality of waterways in Thai communities. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great’s devout Buddhism played a pivotal role in inspiring citizens to honor Buddha and the Goddess of Water through the creation and floating of krathongs.
Observed on the evening of the 12th lunar month, Loy Krathong encompasses a range of rituals, with the iconic krathong launch being the most significant. These floating lanterns, adorned with candles, joss sticks, and heartfelt wishes, symbolize good fortune. Streets across the country buzz with makeshift stalls selling these lotus-shaped floats, each laden with the potential for positive blessings. Families come together during the day to craft krathongs, adding personal items and coins to amplify their merit.
Amid environmental concerns, there’s a growing shift towards eco-friendly celebrations, rejecting non-biodegradable materials in favor of natural alternatives like banana leaves and coconut shells. I strongly encourage opting for a krathong made with these sustainable materials to minimize ecological impact. Notably, many local governments have placed nets in rivers and canals to catch krathongs, preventing their release into the ocean. If you choose to release your krathong in the ocean, ensure it is 100% biodegradable to avoid environmental pollution.
For me, Loy Krathong is more than a tradition; it’s a radiant journey of lights, love, and profound reflection. Having experienced this luminous spectacle in various corners of Thailand, each memory is etched in my heart, making this festival a cherished chapter of my life. Follow me to discover where to celebrate this magical festival in Phuket.
Where to celebrate in Phuket
Loy Krathong extends its magical celebrations across all of Phuket’s waterways, from its pristine beaches, lakes to the luxurious confines of hotels and resorts. Whether you seek the opulence of a hotel celebration or the authenticity of a local experience, Phuket has it all.
Witness the night sky come alive with the glow of flying lanterns on the main beaches, creating a mesmerizing and picturesque display. The festivities extend beyond the sky and waterways, featuring street food stalls, lively parties, and entertaining games at local fun fairs—an enjoyable experience for all.
Patong emerges as a vibrant hub for Loy Krathong events, boasting a diverse array of activities along its iconic beach. From traditional beauty pageants like “Nang Noppamas” to the prestigious “Most Beautiful Krathong” contest, Patong offers a lively atmosphere complemented by street food stalls and entertainment booths.
For those yearning for a more local and immersive encounter amid captivating performances, Saphan Hin Park and Suan Luang Park in Phuket Town provide an ideal setting amidst the festive crowds. Additionally, Karon Lake and Nai Harn Lake draw expats, travelers, and locals alike, creating a communal gathering to release krathongs while relishing traditional music and indulging in street food. However, it’s worth noting that the food options, primarily deep-fried and not authentically Thai, may not align with traditional expectations.
Explore the list below to discover hotels and restaurants offering a distinctive dining experience infused with Thai traditions.
Loy Krathong Night at Chanalai Hillside Resort
Embrace the radiance of the Loy Krathong Buffet with its delectable Thai dishes and BBQ spread, as well as special traditional performances. Mark your calendars for November 26, 2023, and join us in celebrating the wonders of the future. 
Our activities
– Experience making your own Krathong (1 table gets 1 free Krathong)
– Immerse yourself in traditional Thai dance
– BBQ party with sparkling lightsLet the magic of Loy Krathong, Thailand’s favorite festival, wash away all your worries. 
Location: Chanalai Hillside Resort
Google Maps: click here
Date: 26 Nov
Time: 18:30 – 22:00
Price: THB 499 Net/person
More Info: click here
Thai Manora Dance Loy Krathong at Issara
𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙞 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙮 𝙆𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮 27𝙩𝙝 & 𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮 28𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙖! 
𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤. 
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙖, 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙞 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 7 𝙋𝙈 𝙩𝙤 8 𝙋𝙈, 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚. 
𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘧 𝘕𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘭𝘢’𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱. 
𝘑𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘢. 
𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬! 
𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 27𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 28𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧! 
Location: Issara Restaurant & Bar
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 & 28 Nov
Time: 19:00 – 22:00
Price: A la carte menu
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner at Banyan Tree
Celebrate this auspicious festival of Loy Krathongwith us at The Watercourt where our talented team of Chefs have curated an exquisite buffet for you. Come, experience the festivity and be enthralled by a traditional Thai dance performance
Location: Banyan Tree Phuket
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov 202
Time: 18:30 – 22:30
Price: THB 2,200 net/person
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Festival at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park
Experience the Enchantment of the Loy Krathong Festival at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park! 
Join us for a mesmerizing evening filled with cultural celebrations, delectable authentic Phuket cuisine, and a Thai ambiance, as we celebrate this magical festival observed annually during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. In Thai culture, we express gratitude to the River Goddess by releasing Krathongs—small, lantern-lit vessels decorated with fresh flowers—onto the shimmering waterways
Venue: The Square Restaurant Highlights:
Workshop – Create your own Krathong
Release your own krathong and make a wish for good fortune Complimentary salad bar and dessert during dinner
Indulge in a feast of Phuket’s authentic signature set menu
Save the date and join us for an unforgettable Loy Krathong celebratio
Location: Novotel Phuket Vintage Park
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov 202
Time: 14:00 – 21:00
Price: contact the hotel
More Info: click here
Thai Festival of Lights at the Pavilions Phuket
Indulge in the flavors of Thailand at Firefly’s Thai Buffet Dinner, a highlight of this year’s Thai Festival of Lights!Date: Monday 27 November 2023BUFFET AND EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
Location: FIREFLY POOL & RESTAURANT
Time: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
(Entertainment 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Location: The Pavilions Phuket
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov 202
Time: 16:00 – 22:00
Price: THB 1,400++ (Food Only)
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner at Pullman Phuket Panwa
We invite everyone to experience one of the most popular traditional event in Thailand ‘Loy Krathong’. Savour the traditional Thai cuisine buffet from the Central, Eastern to the Southern menu as well as Krathong making, Thai performance show and many more activities.Venue; Aqua Restaurant
Location: Pullman Phuket Panwa
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov 202
Time: 18:00 – 21:30
Price: THB 1,250 Net/adult (50% for children 6 to 12 yo / free under 6 yo)
More Info: click here
Magical Loy Krathong Celebration at Surin Beach Club
Surin Beach Club invites you to embrace the enchanting traditions of Loy Krathong on November 27th. As the sun sets over the pristine shores, we’ll gather to create beautiful memories together.
Event Details:
Start to Welcome Guests: 5-6 PM
Thai Food Package Menu: 999 THB
Our Normal Menu Will Also Be AvailableAcoustic Set Music by Cole Ley
Cultural Dance Show (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Get a Krathong and Lantern for Free
Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Loy Krathong at our beachside oasis. Create your own Krathong with fragrant flowers and candles, then release it onto the shimmering waters, making a wish as it floats away.At 9 PM, join us to release the Krathong and lantern together, adding a touch of magic to the night.Afterward, it’s time to keep the celebration going! Our DJ will take over, and the party kicks off, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Location: Surin Beach Club
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: From 17:00
Price: THB 999 Net/person
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Festival at Dusit Thani
oin us for a memorable Loy Krathong celebration Dive into the spirit of this traditional festival by crafting your own Krathong in our workshop. Indulge in an authentic Thai dinner at Laguna lawn, and as the moon rises, release your Krathong at the Lotus Lagoon. The Thai dinner is available at THB 1,400++ per person. Don’t miss this enchanting experience
Location: Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: starting at 13:00 until late
Price: THB 1,400++/person for The Thai Dinner Set
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Moonlight Buffet at JW Marriott
Join us for a radiant Loy Krathong buffet. Delight in a sumptuous dinner at our Lotus Pavilion, featuring delectable Thai street food specialties. As you release you Krathong onto the lotus pond, let go of the worries from the past year.
Location: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: 18:00 -23:00
Price: THB 1,588++/person
More Info: click here
Loy Krathong Festival at Sinae Phuket
Join us in celebrating the enchanting Loy Krathong Festival and savor a delectable Thai buffet and enjoy in delightful festivities and games!Price: THB 999++ per person
DM us for more information
Location: Sinae Phuket
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: from 17:00
Price: THB 999++/person
More Info: send a DM here
Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner at Amatara
Experience the magic of Loy Krathong with an exquisite, mouthwatering buffet dinner while enjoying the backdrop of Andaman Sea. Indulge yourself and your loved ones to enjoy our buffet dinner, live cooking stations and experience the excitement of Thai traditional dance and boxing show.
Location: Amatara Welleisureᵀᴹ Resort
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: 18:00 – 22:00
Price: THB 1,190++/person and THB 500++ for kids aged 5-11 yo
More Info: contact 076-318 888 or fb@amatara.com
Loy Krathong Pool Party at Kee Pool Bar
Loy Krathong Festival Pool Party
27.11.2023 | 1.00 – 5.00 P.M. | THB 799 / Person
Free–Flow cocktail tower
Thai Traditional BuffetEntertainment BY DJ
Games & Activities
– Beer drinking competition
– Water Volleyball
– Muay Talay (Boxing on a beam over water)
– Balloon Darts
– Lucky watermelon game
– The Noppamat Queen contest {beauty queen contest}
– Free floating Krathong
Location: The Kee Resort & Spa
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Price: THB 799 Net/person
More Info: please contact
fb@thekeeresort.com or call 076 335 888
Loy Krathong Dinner at Nap Patong (plastic free)
– PLASTIC FREE EVENT – Join us for an enchanting evening as we celebrate Loy Krathong with a special 4-course dinner set menu. Immerse yourself in this beautiful tradition while enjoying a delightful culinary experience. 4-Course Loy Krathong Dinner Set Menu Inclusive of a COMPLIMENTARY Krathong
Location: Nap Patong
Google Maps: click here
Date: 27 Nov
Time: 18:00 – 22:00
Price: THB 627 Net/person or THB 1,127 Net/couple
More Info: Call us 076-343111 or email at nap@thenappatong.com or click here
As the magical festival of Loy Krathong approaches, I’m eagerly gearing up for another celebration, not too far from my home at Nai Harn Lake.
I invite you to join me in this personal journey of lights and love. Let’s release our krathongs with intentions of kindness, compassion, and a shared commitment to nurture the world we inhabit. May the gentle glow of our wishes illuminate not just the waters but also the hearts of all who partake in this beautiful festival. Here’s to Loy Krathong—a celebration that transcends the ordinary and invites us to connect with the extraordinary.
I wish everyone a wonderful and joyous Loy Krathong. Feel free to share your experiences and where you plan to celebrate this year in the comments below.
A friendly reminder to opt for Krathongs crafted from banana tree slices or bread dough. Fortunately, the use of Styrofoam is dwindling, but should you come across any, kindly refrain from purchasing them.
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