Loy Krathong 2026 falls on the full-moon night of 24–25 November, and it's probably the most beautiful night of the year in Thailand. Most calendars mark Wednesday the 25th as the main night, although some official sources schedule events from the 24th; the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms the final programme a few weeks ahead, so check it before booking.
If you're new to the country, picture a mix of Día de Muertos and a riverside New Year's Eve: candles, flowers, music, street food and thousands of people making a wish. It's free, it's for everyone, and you don't need to speak Thai to enjoy it.
Cover photo: Loy Krathong at Lumphini Park, Bangkok (2024). Rocky Gonzales / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified.
What it is and what it means
"Loy" means to float and a "krathong" is the small lotus-shaped raft placed on the water. It's traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk, folded banana leaves, flowers, three incense sticks and a candle.
The festival is held on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. Releasing a krathong thanks Phra Mae Khongkha, the water goddess, asks forgiveness for polluting the rivers, and lets go of the year's negativity. Many couples release one together.
Popular legend places its origin in Sukhothai about 700 years ago, with Lady Nopphamat. Historians believe the story comes from an early Bangkok-period poem, and that the festival became national after World War II.
In the north it coincides with Yi Peng, the Lanna lantern festival: thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) and hanging lanterns (khom khwaen) light up Chiang Mai.
Where to experience it
In Bangkok (all free)
- ICONSIAM: the biggest event on the Chao Phraya, with shows, a market and fireworks. Gold Line to Charoen Nakhon, or boat from Sathorn pier (BTS Saphan Taksin).
- Asiatique The Riverfront: a fair with food, live music and a Ferris wheel. BTS Saphan Taksin and free boat from Sathorn pier.
- Lumpini Park: a large lake, families and couples. MRT Silom or Lumphini, BTS Sala Daeng.
- Benjakitti Park: a huge lake on Sukhumvit. MRT Queen Sirikit, BTS/MRT Asok.
- Benjasiri Park: neighbourhood vibe. BTS Phrom Phong.
- River dinner cruises: paid, booking required. In past years the city opened more than 30 parks from 5:00 to midnight.
Outside Bangkok
- Chiang Mai (24–26 Nov): Loy Krathong and Yi Peng together; Ping River (Nawarat Bridge), Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phan Tao. Ticketed lantern ceremonies from 4,900 to 15,900 THB (CAD Khomloy).
- Sukhothai (15–24 Nov, 19:00): light and sound show in the Historical Park; tickets 500, 900 and 1,200 THB.
- Kanchanaburi, Wat Tha Khanun (24 Nov): thousands of oil lamps lit at once; free.
Releasing a sky lantern inside Chiang Mai municipality is illegal outside licensed venues: fines of up to 60,000 THB, and near the airport up to five years in prison and 200,000 THB.
How to take part
- Buy your krathong on the street or at the parks, or make one at a workshop.
- Light the candle and incense.
- Make a wish or let go of what you want to leave behind.
- Place it gently on the water.
Choose a krathong that doesn't pollute
In 2024 Bangkok collected about 640,000 krathongs. Choose banana trunk and leaves, flowers or ice; avoid styrofoam (banned in Bangkok) and plastic; be careful with bread ones, which rot in ponds and kill fish; better one per family or couple.
Basic etiquette
- Dress respectfully, especially at temples.
- Don't take other people's krathongs out of the water.
- Be patient at the water's edge.
Practical tips
- Arrive early; it's busiest from 19:00 to 22:00.
- Get around by BTS, MRT or boat; traffic near the river is slow.
- Carry cash in small notes.
- Watch your phone, wallet and children by the water.
- For Chiang Mai, book flights and hotels now; nights drop to 18–22 °C.
- Check the official TAT programme in mid-November.
Celebrate it as a community
Heading to the river in Bangkok or off to Chiang Mai? Tell the Latinos en Tailandia community where you'll celebrate, make plans with other Latinos and share your photos. If your business has activities that night, add it to the directory.
Sources: TAT, thailand.go.th, Meliá, Thai PBS World, Thailand Environment Institute.
Updated October 2026 · General information, not legal advice.