1 · The short answer

Loy Krathong is held on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, which usually puts it in November. People set a small basket, the krathong, afloat with a candle, incense and flowers, to thank the water spirits and let go of the year's grudges. The exact date moves each year, so check the Tourism Authority of Thailand for this year's night and for the programme of events.

In Bangkok the night is built around the Chao Phraya River and the city's parks and lakes. Piers and riverside spots fill up after dark, and the phone has to cope with a dense crowd, a map, a ride app and a camera at once.

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2 · What happens on the night

Families, couples and groups of friends gather at the water around sunset and early evening, buy or bring a krathong, light the candle and set it on the surface. Many temples and parks hold their own events, with food stalls, music and performances. Local organisers change the venues and the programme from year to year, so use the Tourism Authority of Thailand listings rather than an old article.

Traditional krathong are made from banana trunk and leaves and break down in the water. Choose one of those over foam, and follow any signs about where to launch.

3 · Getting to the river and around

  • ✓BTS Skytrain: Saphan Taksin station links to the river pier at Sathorn, and it is the simplest way to reach the water without a road queue. Expect long lines to get back on the train late in the evening.
  • ✓River boats: Chao Phraya Express boats and cross river ferries run between the piers, which are packed on the festival night. Go early and keep a plan for the way back.
  • ✓Roads: Streets near the popular riverside spots slow to a crawl after dark. Walking the last stretch is often faster than any car.
  • ✓Grab: Grab works across Bangkok for cars and motorbike taxis. Walk a few streets away from the pier before you book, because pick up points near the crowd are hard for drivers to reach.

4 · What your phone has to do

A packed riverbank is a hard place for a mobile network. Messages and maps usually go through, while video uploads can stall; send them from the hotel instead. Download Bangkok in Google Maps offline before you leave, and save your hotel's address in Thai so a driver or a boat staff member can read it.

Keep your phone near water in a strap or a pouch, and carry a power bank, since a night of photos and ride requests drains a battery. Thailand is largely cashless in malls and at hotels, but street stalls and krathong sellers usually want small notes, so bring some cash as well.

5 · Apps worth having

  • ✓Grab: Rides and food delivery, with card payment inside the app.
  • ✓Google Maps: Good for BTS, MRT and walking routes; the offline map covers weak signal.
  • ✓LINE: Thailand's main messaging app, used by many hotels and tour operators; WhatsApp also works.
  • ✓Tourism Authority of Thailand site: The place to confirm the night, the venues and any changes.

6 · Which plan covers the trip

Ringo Light's Thailand plan covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the islands and every road in between with unlimited data at full speed. If you carry on to Vietnam, Cambodia or other countries, the Global plan covers the whole route on one eSIM.

7 · Frequently asked questions

When is Loy Krathong in Bangkok?+
It falls on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in November. The exact night changes each year, so confirm it with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Where can I launch a krathong in Bangkok?+
Along the Chao Phraya, in parks with lakes and at many temples. The official venues and programme change by year, so check the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Will Grab work near the river on the night?+
Yes, but pick up near the crowded piers is slow. Walk a few streets away before you book.
Will my phone have signal in the crowd?+
Usually enough for messages and maps. Large uploads can stall, so keep an offline map and post later.
How do I install Ringo Light?+
It arrives by email and installs in one scan. No app is needed.

8 · Sources

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