Celebrating Loy Krathong: A Thai Festival of Lights on Koh Samui

“It is one of the most picturesque festivals in Thailand. The sight of thousands of Krathongs, their flickering candles sending a thousand pinpoints of light far into the horizon is a truly magical sight, and you can get involved with the festivities.!” 🪷✨
- Misty Dowling

Introduction:

Thailand’s calendar is dotted with festivals that paint its culture with vibrant colors and rich traditions. Loy Krathong is one such festival, celebrated under the light of the full moon, illuminating the country with a magical glow. While this festival is cherished all over Thailand, we're about to take you on a journey to Koh Samui, where Loy Krathong becomes a unique island experience.

It is one of the most picturesque festivals in Thailand. The sight of thousands of Krathongs, their flickering candles sending a thousand pinpoints of light far into the horizon is a truly magical sight, and you can get involved with the festivities.

The Festival of Lights

Loy Krathong, which could be charmingly translated as "to float a ritual vessel or lamp," revolves around Krathong – beautiful lotus-shaped rafts. These are meticulously crafted, adorned with flickering candles, incense, and vibrant flowers. As the moon rises, these little vessels are gently released onto the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It's like thousands of stars descending to grace the water's surface, paying homage to the goddess of water.

There are plenty of places in Thailand as well as on the island of Samui where you can get involved with the festivities.

When Does the Magic Happen?

Loy Krathong's date varies in the Western calendar but usually falls in November, this year it will fall on November 15th to be exact. It's a time for gratitude and forgiveness. The harvest season draws to a close, and Thais thank the Water Goddess for her abundance while apologizing for any pollution. Beyond that, it's a time to symbolically release anger and grudges. Some even place a fingernail or a lock of hair on their Krathong, letting go of negativity.

The history behind the festival is complex, and Thais celebrate it for many reasons. As the main rice harvest season ends, it’s time to thank the Water Goddess for a year’s worth of her abundant supply, as well as an apology for polluting the waters. Some believe that this is the time to symbolically ‘float away’ all the anger and grudges you have been holding onto, and including a fingernail or a lock of hair is seen as a way of letting go of a dark side of yourself, to start anew free of negative feelings. If your candle stays alight until your Krathong disappears out of sight, it means a year of good luck.Traditionally, Thais release their Krathong into rivers and small canals called klongs. Nowadays, you'll find people release their Krathongs onto ponds or lakes too. Many places host a string of cultural activities, such as Ram Wong dance performances, Krathong-making competitions, and more.

The Unique Traditions on Koh Samui

Koh Samui puts its spin on Loy Krathong. You can experience the festivities on the island just like on the mainland, but with a touch of tropical paradise. The lush landscapes and serene beaches of Samui provide a captivating backdrop for the festival.

In the days leading up to Loy Krathong, you'll discover stalls and shops brimming with Krathongs. You'll find them in all shapes and sizes, from the common lotus shaped krathongs to the most extravagant creations of Dragons with incredible detail.

But a (maybe even more) fun activity is to create them yourself, and really immerse yourself in the culture and tradition, shaping your vessel, and becoming part of a beautiful tradition. It's especially fun with children. Participating in the creation of your own Krathong can be a rewarding experience and many local communities organize workshops where participants can learn the art of Krathong-making. This hands-on approach allows individuals to infuse personal touches into their creations, fostering a deeper connection to the festival.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations

In the spirit of keeping our waters clean and respecting the environment, consider the materials of your Krathong. Opt for natural materials like banana tree trunks, which decompose and don't harm marine life. Many commercially sold Krathongs are not eco-friendly, as they're made from non-biodegradable materials. It's a conscious choice for a sustainable celebration.

What to Expect on Koh Samui

Koh Samui's Loy Krathong celebration is a feast for the senses. Be ready to immerse yourself in local dance performances, Krathong-making competitions, and more. You'll be a part of a community that comes together to celebrate under the tropical sky.

Loy Krathong vs. Yee Peng

The festival of Loy Krathong is sometimes mistaken for the Yee Peng festival, which is a festival celebrated only in Northern Thailand and is known for the releasing of lanterns into the sky. The reason for the confusion is that both festivals take place at the same time, but again, not in all parts of Thailand.

Whether you're gently releasing your Krathong onto a calm lake in Samui or watching lanterns grace the northern skies, Loy Krathong is about coming together, forgiveness, and the ethereal beauty of Thai traditions. Koh Samui welcomes you to be a part of this magical festival – a memory that will shimmer in your heart forever.

Also read our blog: Rainy season on Koh Samui - what to expect