Experience Love and Magic During Loy Krathong in Thailand

A girl holding a decorated raft and wearing a Chut Thai for Loy Krathong” — Loy Krathong remains one of the most magical and romantic festivals in Thailand. Source: Q000024, CC0 1.0 via Pxhere

You see a river illuminated by lights of all shapes and sizes, some glowing brighter than others. Though each is unique, they all represent heartfelt wishes for the year ahead.

Welcome to the Loy Krathong festival, one of Thailand's most beloved annual events. It is a time to let go, ask for forgiveness, and allow yourself a gentle restart in life.

More than a celebration, Loy Krathong is an opportunity for new beginnings, memorable connections, and enduring love in Thailand.

What is Loy Krathong?

The literal translation for “Loy Krathong” is “to float a basket.” This tradition symbolises letting go of the past, rediscovering love, and wishing for a prosperous new year for yourself and the people you care about.

According to the Thailand Foundation, the festival is a way to thank the Goddess of Water, known as Ganga in Hinduism and Phra Mae Khongkha in Thailand. According to legend, she blesses the land and helps it stay fertile.

Loy Krathong is usually celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month of the lunar calendar, with top destinations including Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Bangkok.

Though Loy Krathong 2025 was a solemn affair in deference to the recent passing of Queen Sirikit, many visitors from around the world still visited Thailand to honor the tradition and fall in love with the country's culture and people.

For solo travelers, the festival offers a range of opportunities to connect and participate. Joining group tours or local meetups can provide you with a structured way to enjoy the festivities with others and maybe even find a date to celebrate with.

Why the Loy Krathong Festival Is Perfect for Singles

Loy Krathong is also a wonderful time for singles to meet people in a natural and meaningful way.

The atmosphere is warm and hopeful, making it easier to approach someone new and feel confident doing so. For those attending the festivities, consider joining group krathong releases or pre-festival workshops. These events are excellent opportunities to meet others and engage in conversation.

Some easy topics include asking about people's krathong designs or sharing favorite festival experiences. By taking part in these communal activities, you'll find it easier to make lasting connections.

Loy Krathong is also known for its beauty pageant, the Noppamas Queen Contest, which attracts many spectators each year. The goal of the pageant is to crown the woman who best represents Nang Noppamas, a concubine of a Sukhothai king who is believed to have created the first floating lantern as an offering to the gods.

Because of this pageant, venues for Loy Krathong are often filled with beautiful women dressed in elaborate traditional attire as they join parades and cultural events leading up to the competition.

Many singles release their krathongs, hoping to start fresh or find new connections. Similarly, couples also release krathongs together to strengthen their bond and wish for another year of love and connection.

Whether you are starting a relationship or hoping to deepen one, the symbolism is meaningful and heartfelt.

Happy Loy Krathong!

From a simple act of gratitude to the gods to a sincere way of letting the past go, Loy Krathong offers a beautiful opportunity to meet someone special and allow new connections to flourish.

Though Loy Krathong 2025 has already concluded, there is no need to worry. Celebrations for 2026 have already been scheduled, giving you plenty of time to plan and choose the activities that feel right for your own journey.

This is your chance for a fresh start, surrounded by light, hope, and the gentle magic of Thai romance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Loy Krathong" literally mean in Thai?

The literal translation is "to float a basket." This act symbolizes letting go of past mistakes, thanking the Goddess of Water (Phra Mae Khongkha), and wishing for prosperity and new connections in the coming year.

When is the Loy Krathong festival celebrated each year?

Loy Krathong is held on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar. This typically falls in November of the Western calendar, but the exact date changes annually.

Where are the best cities in Thailand to celebrate Loy Krathong?

Top destinations include Chiang Mai, known for combining the festival with the Yi Peng sky lantern release; Sukhothai, for its historical park celebrations; and Bangkok, for vibrant riverside events.

What are the floating baskets (krathongs) traditionally made from?

Krathongs are traditionally made from natural, biodegradable materials such as a slice of banana tree trunk, beautifully folded banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and a candle.

Is Loy Krathong a good time for a solo traveler to meet people?

Yes, the festival's warm, hopeful atmosphere makes it ideal for meeting people. Joining group tours for krathong release or pre-festival workshops are great ways to engage with locals and other travelers.

What is the Noppamas Queen Contest during the festival?

The Noppamas Queen Contest is a beauty pageant held during Loy Krathong to crown the woman who best represents Nang Noppamas, who is believed to have created the first floating lantern.

When will Loy Krathong be celebrated in 2026?

Loy Krathong 2026 is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, November 25th. The dates are based on the full moon and can vary, so it is best to check closer to the time of travel.

References

“Loy Krathong Festival – All You Need to Know.” n.d. Thailand Foundation. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://thailandfoundation.or.th/loy-krathong-festival-all-you-need-to-know/.