BANGKOK – Under the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, the Chao Phraya shimmers with candles and quiet hopes. Loy Krathong, Thailand’s famed festival of lights, fills the capital again, inviting people to release handmade floats of banana leaves, flowers, and incense.
On 6 November, time-honoured rituals meet fresh ideas, from drone light shows to eco-first designs, showing Thailand’s lasting bond with water and the night sky.
With roots in Brahmanical and Buddhist customs, Loy Krathong, which means to float the krathong, dates back more than eight centuries to the Sukhothai era. Tradition credits a royal consort for shaping the practice as a gentle apology to river spirits.
In Bangkok, the festival becomes a bright citywide celebration where modern life meets rustic charm. Thousands of glowing krathongs drift like tiny lilies, offering a rare pause for shared reflection.
This year carries extra meaning. A revived city energy follows the pandemic, and climate groups push greener choices. Organisers across Bangkok are backing biodegradable krathongs made from natural fibres, leaving polystyrene in the past.
“We are not just sending out lights, we are setting a standard for caring for the river,” says festival coordinator Naree Srisuk. Her team has handed out more than 50,000 eco-krathongs across the city.
Best Riverside Spots: Where the Night Comes Alive
For the classic Loy Krathong moment, head to the riverbanks and khlongs. The Chao Phraya, the city’s central artery, stages the largest gatherings, with the spires of Wat Arun mirrored on the water.
Icon Siam’s Riverside Extravaganza leads the modern showpiece list. From 6 p.m., the Thonburi-side complex bursts into light. A pop-up floating market recalls old river trade, with silk-dressed vendors selling krathong kits decorated with orchids.
The Siam Philharmonic blends khim melodies with electronic rhythms, and a 9 p.m. fireworks display pairs with drones painting naga shapes above the river. Families crowd the lawns, children launch tiny krathongs in calm pockets, and long-tail boats glide past. Arrive early for the raised decks. Entry is free, with premium seats from 500 baht.
Across the water, Asiatique The Riverfront brings a fairground mood. The Ferris wheel spins, grills sizzle with squid, and vendors pound som tam to order. From 5 p.m., the main pier turns into a krathong launch zone, twinkling under strings of LED lanterns.
Beauty pageants crown the Noppamas, a tribute to a Sukhothai-era muse. Elevated walkways give sweeping views as floats drift towards the Gulf of Thailand. Stalls here offer custom krathongs with LED lights for that standout photo.
Temples of Tradition: Sacred Spaces in Soft Light
A temple visit deepens the spirit of the night. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, anchors the city’s spiritual heart. On the west bank, its porcelain-clad tower rises above the river, framed by lanterns. At dusk, monks lead merit-making chants.
Barefoot worshippers release krathongs from the steps, often with a lock of hair or nail clippings to symbolise a fresh start. Jasmine incense fills the air. Take the ferry from Tha Tien pier. It gets busy, but the sight of glowing krathongs against the temple’s spires is worth the wait. Food trucks nearby serve khao tom haeng, a simple festival favourite.
For a quieter scene, Wat Traimit in Chinatown offers close-knit community charm. Home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, the temple hosts hands-on workshops where families weave lotus petals into buoyant baskets.
At 8 p.m., a small procession winds through Yaowarat’s neon lanes, ending with a group release at the temple pond. It feels like real Bangkok life, with elders sharing stories of Phra Mae Khongkha as teens snap photos. Entry is free, with donations going to restoration.
For a greener take, Benjakitti Park becomes an urban sanctuary. The former industrial site, wrapped around a 2.5-kilometre lake, runs Loy Krathong Goes Green from 4 p.m.
Gentle yoga starts the evening, then friendly races for biodegradable krathongs, with prizes for the farthest float. The city skyline rises behind the water, giving a fresh frame to an old rite. It is perfect for picnics, so bring a mat.
Beyond the Floats: A City in Bloom
The festival touches every corner of Bangkok. In Sukhumvit, EmQuartier fills its atrium with safe indoor lantern releases for wet weather. The Dusit Palace grounds host royal-themed parades with stately elephant processions. Along smaller canals, including in Bang Kapi, neighbourhood groups run low-noise zones without fireworks, good for families with pets.
The glow also invites honesty. Rising seas put pressure on the river we honour. Local projects, like the Chao Phraya Cleanup Crew, collect debris after the night’s events. “Loy Krathong reminds us that what we set free can come back,” says environmentalist Dr Lalita Boonmee.
New tools like the Krathong Tracker app let people follow their float’s path, which helps build care and responsibility.
As dawn softens the last sparks, the river carries hundreds of thousands of wishes for love, good fortune, and forgiveness. In a shifting world, Loy Krathong keeps us steady, a floating tribute to hope and renewal. Whether you grew up here or you are new to the city, step to the water’s edge and join the flow. The river spirits are listening.
