Loi Krathong Sawan at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Celebrate Loi Krathong Sawan at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, where glowing lanterns and a serene setting create a magical cultural experience.

The festival of Loi Krathong celebrates Mother water. It retains particular importance outside the cities, where farming families deeply appreciate that the water is a source of life, providing irrigation for rice fields, orchards and other food crops. A sense of obscurity surrounds the history of Loi Krathong. There are two origin myths, one Buddhist and one Hindu as well as a hark back to animist practices.

As the full moon reflects majestically on the water, communities gather and pay respect to the river. Local people gently release ‘krathongs floating baskets traditionally made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers, candles and incense. The party lasts for a few days with ‘Miss Krathong’ beauty contests, giant krathong contests, performances, food, dancing, and these days a lot of fireworks!

People throughout Thailand look forward to Loi Krathong, however it has taken on a different meaning in cities such as Bangkok where people live apart from the river. The full moon evening and krathong floating activity is celebrated there more these days as a festival of love. Couples release krathongs together with the belief that their love life will then last for a long time. There is also a belief throughout Thailand that releasing the krathong’s is a way of asking forgiveness for misdeeds and wrong doing.

This Loi Krathong join in the festivities along at Nong Chong Kham, various entertainments and a contest of large krathongs are held near the central pond. Lamps and candles are lit all around the area. At Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, there is a ceremony to release candle-lit krathongs bound to balloons (known as “Loi Krathong Swan“) to the evening sky. The beauty and the spectacle is something not to be missed!