Loi Krathong, one of Thailand's most colorful and impressive festivals, is just around the corner. Here's a guide to where you can celebrate Loi Krathong throughout Thailand and even in Sydney, Australia.

On November 25th, people throughout Thailand float their krathongs (small, floating boats made from banana leaves) on a river or pond to pay respect to Lord Buddha and ask the water goddess for forgiveness for any offenses against her.

And last Saturday, Sydney's residents also joined in the festivities, as the banks of the Parramatta River shone with light, color and energy.

The festivities included traditional Thai demonstrations, exhibitions of exquisite handicrafts, enchanting Thai dance performances, and traditional Thai music groups. Visitors could choose from a variety of Southeast Asian dishes and enjoy the spring sunset in the Thai beer garden.

When Thailand came to Sydney at the weekend, Sydney residents participated in the sunset ritual of releasing candlelit krathongs into the river, wishing each other well, and admiring a spectacular fireworks and water fountain show.

The full moon night of the 12th lunar month falls on November 25th this year, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) encourages domestic and international tourists to visit Thailand to experience this vibrant spectacle of Thai culture.

Mr. Visanu Jaroensilp, Deputy Governor of the TAT for Tourism Products and Economy, said:

The Loi Krathong festival has been celebrated in Thailand for centuries and is a precious part of the kingdom's cultural heritage. It takes place during one of the most beautiful times of the year in Thailand, when there is a full moon and the weather is pleasantly cool. As part of our plans to raise its international profile, we have included Loi Krathong among Thailand's most impressive cultural events.

This year, the TAT has listed seven venues from different regions, each with its own distinctive style of Loi Krathong celebrations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkram and Ratchaburi.

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River takes center stage for the Loi Krathong celebrations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and various public and private organizations, is preparing the large-scale Loi Krathong event, which will take place from November 23rd to 25th, 2015, at several locations along the Chao Phraya River.

At Suan Nakarapirom in the Phra Nakhon district, visitors are transported back to the charming atmosphere of old Thailand as people in traditional Thai costumes participate in cultural activities from the Rattanakosin period. The highlight is the Loi Krathong ceremony in the old Thai style, scheduled to take place on the nights of November 23-25.

Simultaneously, various entertaining cultural activities for the Loi Krathong festival take place in the public park near the Rama 8 Bridge. For three nights, a procession of seven illuminated boats travels on the River of Kings from the Bangkok Bridge to the Rama 8 Bridge.

The River Festival 2015, organized by Thai Beverage, takes place at seven unique locations along the Chao Phraya River, including four temples – Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Wat Chetupon Wimonmangkhlaram, Wat Prayurawongsawas and Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan – and three riverfront attractions – Tha Maharat, Yodpiman Riverwalk and Asiatique the Riverfront.

Each venue showcases Thai lifestyle and cultural performances. Free charter boats are available on two routes: the Yodpiman Riverwalk – Asiatique route and the Yodpiman – Tha Tien (Wat Pho) – Tha Maharat – Wat Arun – Wat Prayurawongsawas route.

In addition, eight hotels on the riverbank will jointly organize an elaborate fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River between the Sathon Bridge and the Phra Pokklao Bridge on November 25th at 10:00 PM to make the evening unforgettable.

In northern Thailand, the TAT recommends Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Tak.

In Chiang Mai, locals celebrate Loi Krathong by, among other things, releasing the “Khom Loi” (illuminated lanterns) into the night sky.

In Sukhothai, the home of the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand, the Sukhothai Historical Park will be the largest venue for a spectacular light and sound show depicting the legend of this festival.

In Tak, locals celebrate the Loi Krathong festival by floating a chain of 1,000 glittering krathongs made from coconut shells on the river. The event creates a spectacular nighttime atmosphere near the 200-year-old Rattanakosin Bridge over the Ping River.

In central Thailand, the highlights are Ayutthaya, Samut Songkram and Ratchaburi.

The Ayutthaya Bangsai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival 2015 offers a colorful cultural program and many interesting competitions over five days.

Samut Songkram is famous for its unique Cape Kluai Mueang Mae Klong Festival, during which over 200,000 krathongs made from banana trunks are set adrift on the river. The festivities are accompanied by krathong competitions and processions with illuminated boats. In Ratchaburi, the Mon people celebrate Loi Krathong Si and Loi Krathong Sai Mon by lighting candles around the temple buildings (bot and viharn) and floating colorful paper krathongs on the water.

Further details about the festivities can be found at: Loi Krathong Festival 2015.