Thailand, September 2025: On 5 November, Thailand's rivers, beaches, and lakes will glow with candlelight as the nation celebrates Loy Krathong, a beloved festival of gratitude, reflection, and renewal. For guests of The Luxe Nomad's villas in Phuket and Koh Samui, the occasion offers a rare cultural immersion through complimentary krathong-making workshops, where they can craft their own lantern floats before releasing them into the water under the full moon — each carrying away the past and inviting blessings for the year ahead.

The Symbolism and Tradition Behind the Krathong 

While the krathong — a delicately decorated float of banana leaves, flowers, incense, and a candle — is the festival's most recognisable symbol, its deeper meaning is often less known internationally. According to Thai tradition, strands of hair, nail clippings, or coins are sometimes placed inside the float as tokens of negative energy to be released from one's life. As the krathong drifts away, so too do the misfortunes, symbolising a fresh start. At its heart, the ritual honours Phra Mae Khongkha, the Hindu goddess of water, as Thais ask forgiveness from the river and express gratitude for life-sustaining waters.

A Festival for Generations 

The act of crafting and releasing a krathong is often shared with loved ones. Families gather by the water's edge to celebrate together, passing the tradition down through generations as they release their krathongs side by side under the moonlight.

Guests at beachfront properties like Villa Amarelo in Phuket and Baan Hinta in Koh Samui can float their hand-crafted krathongs directly on the shoreline, watching the candlelight across the waves. For those who prefer a more intimate setting, cliffside villas with private pools such as Koh Samui's Kelapa House and Baan Sang offer the same serene moment of release and renewal, right at home.

The Art of Traditional Krathong Making

The artistry of krathong-making is rooted in tradition and skill. Historically, the floats are crafted from the Tani banana tree, valued for its strong yet flexible leaves. Folklore even tells of Nang Tani, a spirit said to inhabit the tree, adding a layer of superstition to its use. Preparation is a meticulous process: leaves are softened overnight, then folded into intricate patterns such as Kleeb Paka (“floral petal”) or Kleeb Kulab (“rose petal”), and decorated with native blooms like marigolds, lotus, globe amaranth, and canna lilies.

Honouring the Festival of Light with The Luxe Nomad

Beyond its symbolism, Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most significant cultural events, celebrated nationwide and in Thai communities across the globe. It is both a personal ritual and a shared experience, blending artistry, spirituality, and togetherness. For this Loy Krathong on 5 November, guests staying at The Luxe Nomad's properties in Thailand can join exclusive complimentary krathong-making workshops led by locals — learning time-honoured folding and floral techniques while immersing in the Thai spirit of light and renewal. 

Discover The Luxe Nomad's curated collection of Thailand villas: https://theluxenomad.com/thailand/. 

Guests can now take advantage of Thailand's Endless Summer offer — book by 30 September 2025 to enjoy up to 25% off villas for stays from October to December 2025.

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ABOUT THE LUXE NOMAD

The Luxe Nomad is Asia-Pacific's largest luxury vacation rental management company. Under our portfolio we have an exclusive collection of private villas, chalets, and condo hotels, spanning over 1,400 rooms. Our curated selection can be found in idyllic destinations including Bali, Koh Samui, Phuket, Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano. With a mission to inspire unforgettable holidays, we help guests travel better through memorable stays and genuine hospitality. Taking the guesswork out of your holiday, we invite you to “Dream a little. Travel a lot.”

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