Loy Krathong 2025
Bangkok’s Most Beautiful Night
When the full moon of November rises and the Chao Phraya begins to shimmer, Bangkok falls silent for a moment. Across the city, the hum of traffic fades and a different rhythm takes over — the sound of water, music, and soft laughter.
On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, Thailand celebrates Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights — a centuries-old tradition that turns every river, lake, and canal into a sea of floating lanterns. In Bangkok, the experience is nothing short of magical.
For a single evening, the city becomes a mirror of its own beauty: candlelight dancing on the river, temples glowing in gold, and people — dressed in silk and serenity — releasing their krathongs into the water to let go of the past and invite good fortune.
What Loy Krathong Means
The word loy means “to float,” and krathong refers to a small lotus-shaped vessel made from banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense.
Each person releases a krathong to honour Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of the waters — asking forgiveness for daily use of the river and symbolically letting go of misfortune.
In ancient times, this was a purely spiritual ceremony. Today, it is both devotion and design — a night when tradition, community and aesthetics align. Across the city, temples hold gentle ceremonies while luxury hotels host candle-lit dinners on the riverbank. The beauty lies in the balance between reverence and style.
Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong 2025
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – The River’s Grand Stage
For over 140 years, the Oriental has been the city’s quiet witness to every Loy Krathong. Its Riverside Terrace dinner remains the most iconic setting: live Thai classical music, graceful dance performances and fine cuisine served under silk canopies as candlelight ripples on the river.
Address: 48 Oriental Avenue, Bang Rak
Reservations: Riverside Terrace Dinner – Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Modern Serenity
At the Chao Phraya Terrace, the atmosphere feels contemporary yet deeply Thai. Expect a refined set menu, minimalist floral décor and elegant lighting that frames the river like a living painting. Guests may craft and float their own eco-friendly krathongs from the hotel’s private pier.
Address: 300/1 Charoen Krung Rd, Yannawa, Sathon
Reservations: Loy Krathong Dinner – Four Seasons Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok – The View Across Time
Few perspectives on the Chao Phraya are as elegant as the Peninsula’s. From its riverside terrace, guests dine beneath the open sky while candlelight drifts past in silence. A classical khim (Thai dulcimer) ensemble plays in the background; the city lights answer softly.
Address: 333 Charoennakorn Rd, Khlong San
Reservations: Loy Krathong Riverside Dining – The Peninsula Bangkok
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – Where Culture Lives
The Anantara’s riverside lawns come alive each year with music, food and colour. Traditional dancers move beneath banyan trees, guests dine on Thai cuisine served family-style, and children learn to make bread-based krathongs that dissolve safely into the river.
Address: 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Rd, Thonburi
Reservations: Unforgettable Loy Krathong – Anantara Riverside
The Capella Bangkok – Intimate, Artistic, and Refined
A newer gem on the river, Capella curates an understated yet exquisite Loy Krathong evening at Phra Nakhon Restaurant. Expect an artisanal tasting menu inspired by the river’s heritage, paired with vintage Thai melodies and candlelit minimalism.
Address: 300/2 Charoen Krung Rd, Yannawa, Sathon
Reservations: Phra Nakhon Restaurant – Capella Bangkok
ICONSIAM River Park – Cultural Grandeur by the Water
The city’s landmark mall transforms into an open-air stage for the “Thaiconic Loy Krathong Festival 2025.” Expect live music, light shows, traditional crafts and a large eco-floating zone where visitors can release biodegradable krathongs.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong San
More Info: ICONSIAM Events & Activities
Asiatique The Riverfront – Lively and Photogenic
Asiatique’s broad boardwalk provides one of the most atmospheric public views of the festival. The Ferris wheel glows against the skyline while the river fills with light. Street performers, small bars and open-air dining make it ideal for strolling after dinner.
Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem
More Info: Asiatique The Riverfront
Wat Arun & Wat Pho – Where It All Began
Across from one another, the Temple of Dawn and Temple of the Reclining Buddha embody the spiritual heart of Loy Krathong. Locals light candles at the river’s edge; monks chant softly under moonlight. Watching from the opposite bank is one of Bangkok’s quietest and most moving experiences.
Address: Wat Arun – 158 Wang Doem Rd · Wat Pho – 2 Sanam Chai Rd
More Info: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Loy Krathong
Benjakitti Park & Lumphini Park – Urban Calm
If you prefer open space to riverfront crowds, Bangkok’s two central parks host smaller, beautifully organised ceremonies. Locals bring their families, releasing eco-krathongs on the lakes surrounded by trees and city lights. Peaceful, photogenic and deeply local.
Address: Benjakitti Park, Ratchadaphisek Rd · Lumphini Park, Rama IV Rd
Info: BMA Park Department
Private River Cruises – The City in Motion
For an unforgettable night, charter a dinner cruise and float between temples, hotels and candlelit bridges.
Manohra Luxury Cruises (by Anantara) – traditional teak boats with gourmet Thai menus.
Reservations: Manohra Cruises BangkokSupanniga Cruise – modern design and champagne pairings for small groups.
Reservations: Supanniga Cruise Bangkok
Understanding the Culture
Loy Krathong is not about spectacle — it’s about reflection.
The act of releasing a krathong symbolises forgiveness, gratitude and the letting go of one’s burdens. In recent years, the focus has also turned to sustainability: eco-friendly materials, biodegradable designs and organised collection systems ensure that the festival honours the river it celebrates.
The timing coincides with the 12th lunar month’s full moon, when the monsoon season ends and the water runs high and clear.
It is both a farewell to the rains and a welcome to calm — a metaphor that feels uniquely Thai: balance through beauty.
Good to Know
Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Best Time: 17:30 – 20:00 for sunset and first floating krathongs
Dress Code: Elegant evening wear in light fabrics; avoid bright red or neon tones
Transport: BTS Saphan Taksin → river boats or hotel shuttle piers
Eco Note: Use biodegradable krathongs (banana trunk, bread or coconut shell)
Reservations: Book early – riverside dinners and cruises often sell out weeks ahead
