A Guide to Celebrating Loy Krathong in Bangkok and Beyond
Loy Krathong, a cherished tradition in Thai culture for centuries, is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. This festival involves releasing illuminated lotus-shaped floats, known as krathongs, onto rivers and waterways as a way to pay homage to the water goddess, reflect on past experiences, express gratitude, and make wishes for good fortune. With numerous events taking place across the country, there are many opportunities to immerse oneself in this beautiful celebration.
Shangri-La Bangkok
At the Shangri-La Bangkok, guests can experience the splendor of Thai culture through an extravagant feast. The Riverfront Poolside offers an international and local buffet dinner, complemented by performances such as The Legend Of Miss Noppamas. Guests can also enjoy raffle prizes and the floating of eco-friendly krathongs. At Next2 Café, a variety of international dishes await, while Salathip Thai Restaurant features live cooking stations showcasing the flavors of Siam alongside traditional Thai dance performances. The Shangri-La Horizon Cruise provides a romantic soirée under the moonlit sky with a traditional Thai puppet show.
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
River Barge Restaurant at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok hosts a krathong-making demonstration and contest. Entertainments include khon and modern dance performances by Sao-Thong-Hin Primary School, followed by a Thai puppet show by Joe Louis Theatre. A highlight of the event is a seafood and international buffet that promises to delight all guests.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
At the Mandarin Oriental, guests can savor the magic of the night at Riverside Terrace, where an international buffet awaits. Signature creations from Kinu by Takagi and Ciao Terrazza are available. The evening includes a traditional krathong floating ceremony accompanied by Thai classical dance and puppet performances, along with a live concert by Pure Ekkapan. Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie offers a seven-course menu and a Loy Krathong mille-feuille, while Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s presents a four-course menu and a banana mille-feuille.
Intercontinental Khao Yai
Celebrate the beauty of Thai tradition under the serene, moonlit skies of Khao Yai. On Loy Krathong, guests can float their worries away with a complimentary krathong on the tranquil waters of Swan Lake. Additional options include a three-course dinner set for two at Somying’s Kitchen, a 60-minute Thai or oil massage for two at Back On Track, or an Afternoon Tea Set for two at the Tea Carriage. Booking is available until Nov 30 for stays until Feb 28, 2026.
Le Du Kaan
Le Du Kaan will showcase the spirit of Thailand with a temple fair-themed event featuring various activities. Staff will wear classical Thai costumes, while guests can light a candle, make a wish, and release their krathong. Revellers can enjoy the Fairy Wheel Cocktail, an illuminated carousel carrying a sweet, fruity shot, or share the Color Of Joy bucket cocktail. Classic Thai temple fair games like balloon darts and a popcorn cart will be available for all ages.
The Crystal Grill House
The Crystal Grill House offers a choice of five appetizers and six main courses, including Patagonian toothfish and a prime pork chop from Chiang Mai. Australian steaks, such as Southern Ranges grass-fed Black Angus, Rangers Valley Infinite wagyu, or Black Opal Wagyu, are cooked to perfection on the Josper Grill. The Loy Krathong menu will be available from Nov 3-9, with the krathong ceremony staged on Nov 5. Minimum spending requirements apply for Nov 5.
Sirimahannop
Sirimahannop offers a curated à la carte menu from Nov 3-9, with options such as sous vide tenderloin beef and sea bass steak. Guests can choose from a Seafood On Ice Platter or a Thai-Italian creation of Pasta pad kee mao talay. The evening concludes with a choice of traditional Thai desserts.
Banyan Tree Krabi
Saffron will offer a Thai buffet dinner with live music and traditional performances. There will be family fun on Nov 5 afternoon, with an opportunity for guests to create their own krathong.
Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai will host a double celebration on Nov 5-6. An evening of magic will be staged at Mai The Sky Bar, featuring live music and fun ‘n’ games.
Banyan Tree Samui
The resort will host a beachfront celebration with guests joining resort staff in a hands-on cultural experience by making their own krathong using natural materials. There will be a traditional long drum parade, and Saffron will present a special set menu. Each dining couple will receive a complimentary krathong.
Glow Riverside Bangkok
Glow Riverside will offer a set dinner with live traditional Thai performances, and all diners will receive a complimentary krathong.
Fusion Suites Phuket Patong
The Sino-Portuguese resort will offer their dining guests a complimentary krathong set.
Devasom Khao Lak
On Nov 5, the resort offers a Loy Krathong celebration inspired by 1950s Bangkok. The evening features refined Luk Krung and jazz melodies, a culinary showcase of regional specialties from Thailand’s four corners, and a spread of fresh seafood and charcoal-grilled delights. Guests can craft their own lanterns and krathongs. On Nov 8, ancient tales will be brought to life through rhythmic movement, song, and costume, accompanied by an outdoor cinema screening of a Nora documentary and handcrafted cocktails from the beachfront bar. On Nov 9, at Takola Lawn, join local masters for a workshop exploring Nora-inspired movements. At Takola Thai Restaurant, two signature set menus will be offered.
Away Bangkok Riverside Kene
Sarin Café and River Terrace will offer glowing white lanterns, romantic live music, an international buffet dinner, a complimentary krathong for every guest, a lucky draw, and a costume contest.
Holiday Inn Bangkok
Holiday Inn Bangkok’s Ginger will host a Buffet Dinner offering Braised fish maw soup, Red curry with roasted duck, and an array of fresh international and local salads. These can be enjoyed alongside offerings from the poolside BBQ and carving stations. Diners will be serenaded by a live solo guitar, and each table will receive an eco-friendly krathong.
The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront
The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique The Riverfront is hosting the ‘Flavors Of The Moonlight’ for Loy Krathong. Guests who crave fresh seafood can discover the Mixed Ocean Menu, which features whole barramundi fish in a choice of three styles; fresh river prawns and Lay Lanta squid; and a choice of four Chonburi oysters with spicy chilli paste, fried shallots, and fresh chilli-lime dressing or half a kilogramme of Samut Songkhram cockles. The Mixed Farm Menu comprises half a local chicken, baby back ribs, and six-hour smoked beef brisket in a choice of four timeless Thai cooking styles. These delicacies will be accompanied with mixed satay skewers, spicy green papaya salad, and steamed sticky rice with tamarind and dried chilli sauce and roasted rice. A buffet-style Thai Dessert Station ends the meal. These menus are being offered from Nov 3-9. For a romantic experience, six Fine de Clair Marennes-Oléron oysters are also on offer.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Indulge in riverfront dining with a lavish Loy Krathong Seafood Buffet overlooking the Chao Phraya River on Nov 5, at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. The buffet showcases a harmony of Thai and international flavors. Highlights include Som tum with grilled river prawn, Miang kham bua luang, Tuna larb tartare with crispy rice, and a seafood-on-ice selection featuring jumbo oysters, NZ green mussels, and blue swimmer crab. Guests can also enjoy freshly prepared sushi and sashimi at the Japanese station, before finishing with Mango sticky rice with coconut cream espuma and a medley of Thai desserts from the sweet live station.
Asiatique Ancient Tea House
Asiatique Ancient Tea House on the banks of the Chao Phraya River will present an à la carte menu of seasonal cuisine, accompanied by signature drinks and timeless rituals, immersing every guest in the spirit of the festival. Guests will be invited to float their lotus candle in a heartfelt ceremony. They can then share dishes that blend Thailand’s rich Chinese heritage with local, seasonal, and premium imported ingredients. À la carte delicacies include handcrafted Steamed dim sum, specialty noodles, and rice dishes. A selection of chef’s recommendation specialty dishes include BBQ pork ribs with Chinese peppercorn and hoisin braising jus, marinated jellyfish, and whole abalone with Sichuan dressing, and stir-fried crispy tiger prawns with salted egg yolk sauce will also be on offer. A minimum spend of B1,000++ per person is required.
The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa, Phuket
The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa, Phuket will offer an evening of reflection and quiet beauty by the sea. At Eest, guests can enjoy a Thai buffet featuring regional dishes and traditional desserts. The experience includes a handcrafted krathong provided for each table to float on the pond. Guests can also enjoy seven days of culinary highlights, available across the resort’s signature venues – Seasonal Tastes, Prego by the Beach, Mix Lounge, Horizon Pool and Prego Pool – with a new reason to dine each day.
