Loy Krathong

Thailand · water festival · tradition · celebration

Floating decorated baskets. The festival's name means 'to float ritual vessel or lamp,' and people make special buoyant baskets called krathong filled with flowers, candles, and incense to float on rivers.

Honoring the water goddess. Many Thais use their krathong to thank Khongkha, the Goddess of Water and Rivers, showing respect to the waterways that are so important to their lives.

Ancient roots in Southeast Asia. The festival's traditions trace back to India and were first practiced during the Angkorian period of the Khmer Empire around the 11th and 12th centuries, long before the Sukhothai kingdom.

Spread across the region. Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand and in nearby countries that share South Western Tai cultures, making it an important festival across Southeast Asia.

Modern tradition created. After World War II, Loy Krathong became what historians call an 'invented tradition' that helped bring nationalism to Thailand and attract visitors from around the world.