Loy Krathong is all about floating away all the bad things, but don’t float yourself away just yet. Here are the events on Loy Krathong you can attend in Thailand this year.
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most beloved and culturally significant festivals, taking place annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month in the Thai calendar, which usually falls in November. This year, Loy Krathong will be celebrated on Friday, November 15, 2024.
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Where and how to celebrate Loy Krathong all over Thailand this 2024
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Celebrate Loy Krathong at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok on Friday, November 15, 2024. The evening at the Riverside Terrace includes an extensive buffet featuring over 100 Thai, Asian, and Western dishes. Highlights include Whole Roasted Pig, Grilled Blue River Prawns, and Pomelo Salad. Guests can enjoy traditional Thai performances, craft their own krathong, and end the night with a fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River. The buffet runs from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, priced at THB 7,900 net per adult and THB 6,000 net per child (6-12 years).
Alternative dining options include a 5-course seafood dinner at Lord Jim’s (THB 6,000 net), a 7-course French menu at Le Normandie (THB 12,000 net), a Thai buffet at Terrace Rim Naam (THB 6,500 net), or an 8-course Thai dinner at Baan Phraya (THB 6,000 net).
The Loy Krathong Dinner will be available from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 15, priced at THB 7,900 per adult. Reservations are recommended.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
For an intimate Loy Krathong celebration along the Chao Phraya River, Chao Phraya Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok offers a unique riverside dining experience. On the evening of November 15, 2024, guests can enjoy a menu focused on farm-to-table ingredients and traditional charcoal grilling techniques, with dishes spotlighting the best of Thailand’s local produce. The experience includes a welcome drink and a handcrafted krathong for floating on the river.
Traditional Thai performances, including the Khon dance and live music, will set the mood throughout the evening, with a fireworks display lighting up the river at 8:30 PM.
The Loy Krathong Dinner will be served from 6:00 PM to 10:oo PM on November 15, priced at THB 5,400++ per person, with children’s tickets available at THB 2,200++ for ages 6-12. Reservations require a non-refundable deposit.
Shangri-La Bangkok
Shangri-La Bangkok is set to celebrate Loy Krathong with a variety of riverside dining options on Friday, November 15. At the Riverfront Poolside, guests can enjoy an international buffet, live Thai dance performances, and a fireworks display for THB 6,500 net per adult and THB 3,250 net per child. For a more relaxed evening, NEXT2 Café offers unlimited Canadian Lobster, Foie Gras, and international cuisine at THB 4,900 net per adult and THB 2,450 net per child.
For a traditional Thai experience, Salathip Thai Restaurant provides a semi-buffet with dance performances for THB 5,500 net per adult and THB 2,750 net per child, while the Shangri-La Horizon Cruise offers a scenic buffet dinner on the river for the same price. Alternatively, the Lobby Lounge provides a prime view of the fireworks with an à la carte menu and a minimum spend of THB 2,500 net per adult.
All events will be held on November 15, with varying prices. Prior reservations are recommended.
The Peninsula Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok invites guests to celebrate Loy Krathong with a riverside evening filled with tradition and entertainment. The festivities begin at 7:00 PM with the floating of krathongs. The evening features traditional Thai dance performances, the Miss Noppamas beauty pageant, and a fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River.
Guests can choose from a range of dining options: a Gala Dinner Buffet at River Café & Terrace priced at THB 6,900 net per person for indoor seating and THB 7,900 net for outdoor seating; a buffet on the Peninsula Lawn for THB 7,900 net per person; or a five-course Thai set menu at the Lobby Terrace for THB 7,900 net per person. Each guest will receive an eco-friendly krathong to float on the river.
The event runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 15, with a selection of room packages also available for those who wish to extend their celebration.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Flow Restaurant at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok is set to host a special four-hour buffet along the Chao Phraya River. Experience a mix of Thai and European dishes including Thai Wagyu Sirloin, BBQ Pork Ribs, Roasted Sea Bass, premium sushi, sashimi, and Seafood on Ice featuring King Crab, prawns and oysters. A curated cheese selection and a variety of desserts will also be available. Couples will receive a complimentary krathong to float on the river.
The Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner will be available from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 15, priced at THB 2,119 net for indoor seating, THB 2,950 net for outdoor seating, and THB 1,060 for children aged 6-11.
Goji Kitchen + Bar, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Goji Kitchen + Bar is celebrating Loy Krathong with a special buffet dinner on Friday, November 15, 2024. Guests can enjoy a wide range of authentic Thai street food dishes, including sizzling pork, beef, chicken, and seafood from a live grill. The spread also features E-san sausage, grilled marinated squid, tamarind-glazed meatballs, crispy oyster cakes, and puffy rice sheets. For dessert, the lineup includes a live Thai coconut pancake station, coconut waffles, bua loy nom sod, mango sticky rice and an ice cart with various toppings.
The Loy Krathong Buffet Dinner will be available from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM on November 15, priced at THB 2,399++ per person.
Asiatique The Riverfront
This year, enjoy Loy Krathong by the Chao Phraya River with a selection of dining experiences at Asiatique, curated by Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. On Friday, November 15, guests can choose from three unique venues: Sirimahannop, The Crystal Grill House, and the Asiatique Ancient Tea House.
At Sirimahannop, a reimagined tall ship, guests can enjoy seafood platters and live stations featuring Thai and International dishes, complemented by a live DJ. Every table receives a complimentary krathong. The live station buffet is priced at THB 1,899 net per person, with an optional free-flow drinks package available for THB 2,000++.
For a more refined experience, The Crystal Grill House offers a special menu featuring premium steaks like the Rangers Valley wagyu striploin, and dry-aged ribeye, alongside chargrilled jumbo tiger prawns. Each reservation receives a complimentary krathong. Alternatively, at the Asiatique Ancient Tea House, guests can enjoy an à la carte menu paired with Loy-Krathong-themed cocktails.
All events will be held on November 15, with varying prices. Prior reservations are recommended.
Official Bangkok Loy Krathong festival at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal
Every year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand organises the official Loy Krathong festival. This year, it’s at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, located just a short walk away from Hua Lamphong station, featuring Thai celebrity Yaya Urassaya as the main attraction in their Loy Krathong parade. On all days, expect food stalls, traditional music and dance performances, and workshops on making biodegradable krathongs to float away at the canal.
The event is held from 13-16 November, 4-10pm, while the parade with Yaya Urassaya will be on 15 November.
Loi Krathong and Candle Festival at Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai’s big Loy Krathong celebration is held annually at the Sukhothai Historical Park, now for nearly 50 years, and this year is no different. A golden glow is casted over the historical ruins as the ancient city is illuminated with thousands of lanterns overhead, as candlelit krathongs float along the lake.
The event is held until 17 November. Entry is free of charge.
Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip Mueang Roi Et
Roi Et’s celebration sees the joining of five ASEAN countries and their cultures celebrating Loy Krathong in Thailand. Expect food stalls, a grandiose krathong contest, live traditional Thai music and dance performances, light and water shows, and much more.
The event will is held at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park (Bueng Planchai), Roi Et from 14-15 November. Entry is free of charge.
Tak’s Loy Krathong Sai Festival
The Ping River provides a wonderful setting for Loy Krathong. Guests will be enthralled by everything going on, including traditional boat parades, fireworks displays, over a thousand lanterns illuminating the night sky, and traditional krathongs being crafted before your eyes. Be sure to arrive hungry, because there will be a vibrant array of food stalls, plus cover dance and folk music contests to watch.
The event will be held from 15-18 November 2024, at 200th Anniversary Rattanakosin Memorial Bridge, Tak. Entry is free of charge.
Krathong workshop and luxurious Thai dinner at Banyan Tree Samui
Arguably one of the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong in Thailand is Koh Samui, with bodies of water nearby, and so many things to do after. Banyan Tree Samui is offering guests to float away their worries with homemade krathongs, as well as Thai food either at the buffet at The Edge restaurant or in a more sophisticated setting at Saffron Restaurant.
The event will be held on 15 November 2024 at Banyan Tree Samui.
What is Loy Krathong and Why is it Celebrated?
The festival’s name translates to “float a basket,” reflecting the core tradition of the event where people release beautifully decorated baskets, or krathongs, onto rivers, canals, or other bodies of water. Traditionally, krathongs are made using natural materials like banana stems and leaves. The stem is cut into a circular shape to form the base, while banana leaves are cut and folded into rectangular pieces to adorn the outer edges. Finally, flowers are placed as decorative offerings on top, alongside candles and incense sticks, creating a stunning display.
The tradition of Loy Krathong dates back centuries, rooted in paying homage to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, to express gratitude for her blessings and seek forgiveness for polluting the waters. The festival also symbolises the act of letting go of past grievances, misfortunes, or negative thoughts, allowing participants to begin anew. The sight of thousands of candle-lit krathongs floating on the water creates a serene atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful celebrations in Thailand.
This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand, and has been updated for content.
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