Experiencing Thailand's Loy Krathong: A traveler's guide

MANILA, Philippines — According to booking platform Airbnb, Thailand was the no. 1 most visited country in Southeast Asia last 2022, with Bangkok being the most visited city in the country.

As the country gears up for its annual Loy Krathong, or Festival of Lights, celebration, a huge inflow of tourists is expected to happen before the month of November ends, thus solidifying Thailand’s hold on the top spot on the list of the most popular destinations in Asia. Airbnb has already seen a 17% surge in international guests searching for a stay in Thailand, and the searches cover Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Koh Pha Ngan and Krabi.

Many more are flocking to "The Land of Smiles: for the end-of-year holidays, with Airbnb seeing an approximately 88% spike in searches by China travelers for November to December travel to Thailand, and an over 15% increase in searches by Australian guests for the same period.

But, first, Loy Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights, which is one of Thailand’s most colorful and picturesque festivals. To celebrate the water goddess Phrae Mae Khongkha, millions of Thais float (loy) a little raft (krathong) commonly made from banana trunk and topped with flowers and candles. The krathongs carry the hopes, wishes, and gratitude of individuals, and represent the act of letting go of the old and ushering in the new.

Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide every year, on the night of the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. The festival is a special occasion for both Thais and travelers who flock to the country for this dazzling festival.

If you’re thinking of visiting Thailand to experience Loy Kathong, make it one to remember. Airbnb recommends the following best destinations and places to stay to experience Loy Krathong:

Renowned for its mountains and lush forests, Chiang Mai in the north is home to the traditional Lanna culture. Loy Krathong celebrations are marked by large ceremonies and illuminated temples and are held at the same time as the Yee Peng Festival, where Thais release thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) into the night sky, thus making for a truly incredible sight.

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