Today is Loy Krathong and across Thailand people are honouring Lord Buddha with a spectacular festival of light. Thailand has many wonderful festivals and Loy Krathong takes place on the twelfth lunar month and is by far one of the most captivating.

‘Loy’ means to float and a ‘Krathong’ is a small handmade raft carrying candles and incense symbolising the letting go of grudges, problems and anger so that one can start life afresh – a cleansing tradition of sorts.

In Phuket, you need not go far to see the island come alive by candlelight and it will certainly become one of your fondest memories of this beautiful Kingdom. 

HOW TO MAKE A KRATHONG & CREATE YOUR OWN LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

You will need: 

1. A slice of Banana trunk or you can use a paper bowl

2. Banana leaves (cut into narrow strips: approximately 4” x 6”) or you can use other indigenous green leaves

3. Pins

4. Flowers of your choice 

5. Incense sticks

6. Candle 

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR KRATHONG: 

1. Cut or slice your banana trunk – or place your paper bowl in front of you – this will be the Kratong’s base. The banana trunk is commonly recommended because it easily serves as the Kratong’s natural floating base but of course these are not widely available outside of tropical countries such as Thailand. 

2. Shape your leaves into triangles since they will form a coronet around the base of the Krathong. 

3. Attach the leaves around the sliced banana trunk or bowl. Make sure that the leaves are pointing upward. Use small pins to hold the leaves into place. You should now have something that resembles a crown. 

4. Attach another layer of banana leaves onto the sliced banana trunk or bowl. This time, have the leaves appear alternately with the first layer. 

5. Finish the Kratong boat by placing a small candle, flowers, three incense sticks, and some coins.

HOW TO PARTAKE IN THE FESTIVAL 

If you’re new to this celebration, the first thing you will need to do is find an open body of water, which of course is super easy in Phuket. You will then need to light the incense sticks and candle. You, your friends and family should then proceed to hold each Krathong. Once you’ve done that, you should all make a wish, and then place the Krathong on water and give it a gentle push. 

Your troubles will be carried away, while your wishes and prayers will be offered up with the incense and glowing candle. It’s as easy and as magical as that! 

Now that you have an insight into this impressive cultural celebration, you’ll be able to forge unforgettable Loy Krathong memories with your family and friends.