Loy Krathong is one of the most beautiful and picturesque festivals in Thailand where the lakes, canals and rivers all come alive with a sea of flickering lights as people gather together near waterways to float their Krathong.
The most elaborate celebrations happen in Sukhothai and Chiang Mai with people flocking to both locations to see the array of uniquely created Krathong each year.
In Chiangmai, you will find many hotels, restaurants, especially those in the Three Kings Monument, Saun Dok Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Ancient House Chaingmai, Wat Lok Moli, Nawarat Bridge and more! will host special firework displays and opportunities for families to gets together.
Events will include traditional Thai dinners, dance performances and workshops for kids to create their own Krathong to then float into the river. Schools will host mini celebrations for the kids to dress up in national costumes and make their own small Krathong to float either in small paddling pools especially set-up for the festival or in some cases into the river, if they are lucky enough to have one nearby.
Whichever way you decide to celebrate it, you will get to see Thailand as its best and brightest.
About Loy Krathong
The Loy Krathong festival is held once a year on the night of the full moon and this year it falls on Monday, 27 November so Chiang Mai will be especially busy.
This gracious festival is an integral part of Thai culture. Although the festival has deep historical origins, the prime focus is the floating of the Krathong (offering). A Krathong is a lotus shaped float that is usually made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers and incense sticks. ‘Loy’ in Thai means to float and the principal belief is that while floating your Krathong away, this will also float away any misfortunes or bad lack. The celebration is also a time where gratitude is offered and prayers are recited for good luck.
Where to Buy
The festival has become more commercialized over recent years with Krathongs being made from bread and waffle cones in the shapes of animals and cartoon characters. Many small shops offer children the opportunity to make their own Krathong allowing their imaginations to run wild!
A great place to see and buy Krathong in Chaing Mai is at the iconic Ton Lam Yai Market they open on weekday market with a covered section selling flowers, produce & household goods. Located next to the equally famous Warorot Market, this market is open 24 hours a day but the best time to come and visit is during the early morning’ Moreover you can find Krathong in general shops, merchants will bring Krathongs to sell. you an be purchased easily near the river or temple.
Where to Watch
If you want to take your children to experience the more traditional celebration, the best place to experience this is along the Nawarat Bridge (Ping River) where Chiang Mai official Loy Krathong festivities. And if anyone likes taking photos, we recommend going to Saun Dok Gate. There are the place will be decorated with beautiful colorful lanterns, perfect for taking family photos. Also don’t miss with Tha Phae Gate Yi Peng traditional festival procession Loy Krathong Chiang Mai 2023 will have parade of large krathongs competing for the royal trophy The Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival Festival for the year 2023 will take place on November 28, 2023, starting from From Tha Phae Gate area to in front of the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Check-out this great list of family friendly Loy Krathong celebrations.
Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai Parks
- Ping River
Location : The Ping River, along with the Nan River, is one of the two main tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. It originates at Doi Thuai in the Daen Lao Range, in Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai province.
Open 24 hours. - Khlong Mae Kha
Location : 9 Sridonchai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/HgNUc73HoTB7YGRf9
Open everyday at 3 pm – 10pm - Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan
Location : Thanon Rop Mueang Nai, Nai Mueang, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun 51000
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/td2Bqd2YU7GGctyQ8
Open everyday at 6am – 9pm. - Three Kings Monument
Location: Phra Pok Klao Road, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50200
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/RxnejuVM6qqTRZSQ9
Open 24 hours. - Ancient House Chaingmai
Location : 95 Charoen Prathet Road, Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50100
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/UJ5PWCSyrcfVeSARA
Open Every day 09:30–19:00 hrs. - Saun Dok Gate
Location : Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50200
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/ZYSnZR5XoDH778LA7
Open 24 hours. - Tha Phae Gate
Location: Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50200
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/eEyrPAYPvUC4mJgo9
Open 24 hours. - Nawarat Bridge ( Ping River)
Location : Charoen Mueang Road, Wat Ket Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50000
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/qhFTpsPZsLUrWZCQ9
Open 24 hours. - Khua Lek (Iron Bridge)
Location : Loi Kroh Road, Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50100
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/V9dShU15UiCCE7WK8
Open 24 hours. - Wat Lok Moli
Location : 298/1 Maneenopparat Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District 50200
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/ZWxmk3AcgMkctBVy7
Open every day 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Lanna Dhutanka
Location : Nong Han, San Sai District, Chiang Mai 50290
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/AAxhcSaRjTkJqw1b7
Open 24 hours. - Wat Chai Mongkhon
Location : 133 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/79Aj4n6JAXdJiyRD8
Open Every day 5am – 6 pm - White Chedi in front of Chiang Mai Municipality
Location : Wang Sing Kam Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300
Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/d4U7ZQDbyqriP8fR6
Open 24 hours.
