The celebration of the Loy Krathong Festival is not as huge in Phuket compared to Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Phuket is a great place to go, where you can combine a relaxing beach holiday with the beautiful cultural experience of Loy Krathong.
When is Loy Krathong celebrated in Phuket?
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar, this usually falls in November. In 2024, Loy Krathong in Phuket will be held on the 6th of November, 2025.
What is Loy Krathong Festival?
Loy Krathong, or the Thai Light and Lantern Festival, is one of the most important and anticipated festivals celebrated in Thailand every year. Loy is the Thai word for "float" and a Krathong is a piece of banana trunk decorated with flowers, banana leaves, a candle, and incense sticks.
During Loy Krathong, millions of people gather at waterways and lakes in Thailand to pay respect to the water goddess and apologize for any contamination of water in the past year.
The sending off of krathongs symbolizes the release of bad luck from the previous year and allows participants to make a wish for good fortune in the coming year.
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Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong 2024 in Phuket
Loy Krathong is celebrated on all of Phuket's waterways, beaches, hotels, and resorts.
1. Patong Beach
Patong is traditionally one of the busiest centers of events on the island of Phuket for Loy Krathong. There might be many celebration activities along Patong Beach, such as performances, the traditional "Nang Noppamas" beauty pageant, and the renowned "Most Beautiful Krathong" contest. There might be street foods stalls and booths showcasing local entertainment for people to enjoy.
2. Phuket Town
Locals typically celebrate in Saphan Hin Park and Suan Luang Park in Phuket Town. If you're keener on a more local experience with treats and performances and don't mind the crowds then these locations are for you.
3. Hotels with Celebrations
If this isn't ideal for you perhaps a smaller scene is; most hotels will host their own celebrations for travelers using either swimming pools or helping guests launch their krathongs out to sea. Here are a few hotels for your reference:
The Vijitt Resort
- Contact: +6676363600 or fbm@vijittresort.com
JW Marriott Phuket
- Contact: +6676338000 or diningexperience@marriotthotels.com
Pullman Panwa Beach Resort
- Contact: +6676602500 or info@pullmanphuketpanwa.com
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang
- Contact: +6676625555 or hktnb.restaurant@marriott.com
Banyan Tree Phuket
- Contact: +6676372400 or fb-phuket@banyantree.com
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa
- Contact: +6676396433 or HKTHI.FB@hilton.com
How to Celebrate Loy Krathong in Phuket
1. Make your krathongs
Building your own krathongs is a great way to put a more personal touch into the ceremony.
Traditional krathongs are made from a slice of banana tree, banana leaves, and flowers. You'll also place a lit candle and incense stick in the center as an offering to Buddha and the water goddess. People often add coins, and maybe hair and nail clippings, hoping for good luck and casting off bad luck.
You can consider taking a krathong-making class at Phuket Town or a hotel that offers DIY Krathong program. See how to make a krathong.
2. Release your floating lanterns
Once night falls on Loy Krathong, all of Thailand's people head to the waterways to start releasing their krathongs. It is the highlight of the festival.
If you have not made a krathong, you can buy one. You'll notice many makeshift stalls selling krathongs along the streets of Phuket, several hours before sunset. Remember only to buy Krathongs made from banana tree slices or made of bread dough.
3. See the performance and contests on Patong Beach
There are a variety of celebrations on Patong Beach. Don't miss the traditional "Nang Noppamas" beauty pageant, and the renowned "Most Beautiful Krathong" contest.
Tips to Celebrate Loy Krathong in Phuket
1. Book hotels early!
Loy Krathong is the busiest time of year to visit Phuket. The small city receives many tourists traveling to enjoy the lantern festival hotel rooms sell out rapidly!
2. The release of sky lanterns is prohibited in most areas of Thailand.
Loy Krathong coincides with the Yi Peng Festival which features paper Khom Loi lanterns released into the sky. In the past, on main beaches, people were allowed to release flying lanterns. Nowadays you need to be careful letting lanterns go unless you are sure it's allowed. It is banned in most areas of Thailand. If you want to experience it, head to Chiang Mai which is the best place for Yi Peng Festival. See How to Best Experience Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai.
3. Celebrate it in an eco-friendly way.
It is important to make sure that your Krathong is made completely from biodegradable materials before releasing it into the waterways.
Experience Thailand with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Thailand. Whether that includes experiencing Loy Krathong, Yi Peng, another festival, or just some time relaxing on the beach. Check out some of our example itineraries below for inspiration!
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