By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival is one of the world’s most well-known celebrations, and it takes place in major cities across the country. The grandest Loy Krathong Festival is held in Sukhothai, an ancient capital with a history of 700 years.
Don’t miss the historically richest Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai (Photo / Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office)
While many regions in Thailand, including Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, host their own versions of the Loy Krathong Festival, making it a nationwide event, the festival actually originated from Sukhothai—the 700-year-old ancient capital and Thailand’s first capital. That’s why you can experience the most historic and traditional Loy Krathong celebrations here!
Loy Krathong is also considered Thailand’s Valentine’s Day for young couples, where they pray for a bright future together (Photo / Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office)
During the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival, locals craft colorful lotus-shaped lanterns from banana leaves. As dusk falls, they gently release these lanterns onto the water, letting them float away with the current. From a distance, the dark river is dotted with glowing krathongs that resemble a starry sky—absolutely breathtaking!
Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival (Photo / Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office)
Beyond the various krathongs, fireworks, and light shows, the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival also features rich Thai cultural elements, such as traditional folk dances, musical performances, and a grand parade of large krathongs from 17 provinces in northern Thailand. There are also krathong design competitions, beauty pageants, and cultural parades showcasing the lifestyle of Sukhothai residents. The opening ceremony dazzles with giant and small krathongs, lanterns, hanging lamps, betel nut boat decorations, and floral arrangements—a truly lively and spectacular event.
Thailand received numerous travel awards in 2018 (Photo / Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office)
The 2018 Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival took place from November 16 to November 25. This 10-day celebration not only offers stunningly romantic krathong ceremonies but also lets you immerse yourself in local culture and daily life. While attending the festival, don’t forget to visit Sukhothai’s historic landmarks to gain a deeper understanding of the ancient capital’s long history. Plan a journey that combines the Loy Krathong Festival with a historical tour of Sukhothai!
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