Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village. They typically take the shape of a lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), or the Mount Meru of Buddhist mythology. However, krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are the most popular.

Loi Krathong traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution, and there are plenty of interesting regional variations to be seen. In the northwestern province of Tak, for example, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously. They then appear as long chains formed by hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the name Loi Krathong Sai.

The ancient tradition of setting adrift a raft of simple krathong floats hand-crafted from sections of the banana tree called kaab kluay disappeared from the Mae Klong riverside community for over fifty years, and was only revived by local residents four years ago. The Loi Krathong Sai Kaab Kluay Mae Klong is now an annual event.

Unlike the krathong floats found in other parts of Thailand, the Mae Klong krathong kaab kluay float is made from the fibrous layer of the ‘trunk’* of the Kluay Nam Wa banana plant, a native species found in great abundance in the numerous orchards, plantations and farms dotted around Samut Songkhram.

The trunk is cut into sections measuring eight to ten inches. Each fibrous layer is then peeled away to form individual krathong floats. An incense stick is coated with oleo-resin extract then dried in the sun. This process is repeated two or three times before the incense is ready for use. To ensure balance, the incense stick is positioned centrally in the krathong float so it pierces or partially pierces the surface. In some cases, the incense stick is also pierced through the centre of a dao rueng flower (marigold). This provides a better anchor for the incense. Some also like to decorate the krathong with other fresh flowers.

One of the best things about a krathong kaab kluay float is its charming simplicity — a reflection of the traditional folk wisdom and core values embraced by local people. These are: to be thrifty and wise in spending, always keeping within ones means; to keep things simple; to ensure that things are just right — not too much and not too little; and to achieve balance in all things.

The krathong kaab kluay float is symbolic of the virtues of adopting a simple but balanced approach to life.

A raft of 100,000 of these floats with incense sticks slowly burning is a majestic sight to behold. They form a golden carpet of flickering lights drifting down-river into the dark veil of night, leaving onlookers marveling at the sheer ingenuity of the Mae Klong ancestors. Loi Krathong has become a source of pride for the locals, giving them an excellent reason to keep alive this unique tradition.

*Note: A banana tree is not really a tree because it does not have a wooden trunk. What appears to be the trunk is actually formed from the bases of overlapping leaves. The banana tree is a herbaceous plant native to the tropical region of Southeast Asia. Banana plants are of the family Musaceae. As the plant is mainly tall, upright, and fairly sturdy, they are often loosely described as trees. The main upright stem is called a pseudo-stem, literally meaning a fake stem. Some species can grow up to eight metres in height.

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Samut Songkhram
Tel: 0 3475 2847-8
Fax: 0 3475 2846
E-mail: tatsmsk@tat.or.th