1. Cut or slice a banana trunk – this will be the kratong's base. The banana trunk is commonly recommended because it easily serves as the kratong's natural floating base.
2. Attach some leaves of banana around the sliced banana trunk. Make sure that the leaves are pointing upward. Use small pins to hold the leaves into place.
3. Attach another layer of banana leaves onto the sliced banana trunk. This time, have the leaves appear alternately with the first layer.
4. Cut the lower parts of the banana leaves. Perform this process within the bottom surface line of the sliced banana trunk.
5. Polish the other side of the sliced banana trunk. This step will make the kratong appear clean. Accomplish this by attaching enough flower onto the banana trunk.
6. Beautify your kratong. Embed some flowers on it. One popular choice among kratong makers is the purple amaranth globe. Commonly, you can attach these pieces by pricking them into half with small sticks (toothpicks will commonly do the trick). Attach amaranth globes until only a small space is left to where you can place candle sticks.
7. Finish the loi kratong boat by placing a small candle, flowers, three incense sticks, and some coins. Betel nuts are optional additions. The candle stick will serve as its light because the ceremony is celebrated at night. Candles and incense sticks are used to drive away bad spirits that are believed to influence the people in harming the bodies of water. The coins symbolize the urge of prosperity. Betel nuts serve as food offering to the goddess. Letting the loi kratong float freely on the river s associated with letting go of anger, grudges and other feelings.