Picture a riverbank at dusk. The air smells of incense and candle wax, the water is dotted with tiny flames, and everyone around you is quietly making a wish. That is Loy Krathong, and it is one of the most beautiful nights of the Thai year.
Whether you are drifting along the Chao Phraya in Bangkok or standing on a beach in Phuket, this guide will help you make the most of Loy Krathong 2026, from where to go to how to land without the stress.
Loy Krathong 2026 at a glance
| When | Tuesday 24 November 2026, after dark (Thai calendar listing; confirm with the Tourism Authority of Thailand) |
| Where | Rivers, canals, lakes and beaches across Thailand, with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Sukhothai among the favourites |
| Cost | Floating a krathong is free. Buying one typically costs around 30 to 100 baht from vendors near the water |
| Bring | A krathong, a wish and comfortable shoes |
What is Loy Krathong, and why do people love it?
Loy means to float, and a krathong is a small floating vessel, traditionally made from banana leaf and decorated with flowers, incense and a candle. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the festival traces back to a Sukhothai-era custom of floating offerings to the river goddess, as thanks for the water and an apology for polluting it. You can read more on Wikipedia.
What makes it special is how personal it feels. Floating a krathong is a small ritual of letting go: you light a candle, make a wish and watch the past year drift away on the current. There is no ticket needed to take part, which makes it one of the easiest Thai festivals to join as a visitor.
Loy Krathong 2026 date
Loy Krathong falls on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, so the date shifts every year. For 2026, Thai calendars list Tuesday 24 November, with the celebrations happening after dark.
A few sources point to the following evening, so it is worth checking the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration listings nearer the time, especially for specific venues and programmes.
Where to celebrate Loy Krathong 2026
Bangkok
Bangkok is the easiest place to join in. The festival centres on the Chao Phraya River, and many people head to Wat Arun, where krathongs drift beneath the lit-up temple. Riverside venues such as ICONSIAM and Asiatique The Riverfront have hosted celebrations with performances and dining in past years, while park lakes such as Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park offer a calmer alternative.
Programmes and approved floating spots change each year, and the 2026 details were not confirmed at the time of writing, so check the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration shortly before you go.
Phuket
Phuket marks the night too, with people floating krathongs at beaches and lakes around the island. If you are flying into Phuket Airport, it is a lovely way to add a little ceremony to a beach holiday. Our Phuket Airport guide for first-time travellers has more on arriving there.
Beyond our airports
Further north, Chiang Mai pairs Loy Krathong with Yi Peng, the Lanna sky-lantern festival, and Sukhothai, the festival’s traditional home, stages its own candlelit celebrations. Both make wonderful trips in their own right. Fast Track Thailand does not operate at Chiang Mai or Sukhothai, so we cannot help there, but we would not want you to miss them.
How to spend a perfect Loy Krathong night
A few small steps make the evening smoother, and kinder to the water.
- Arrive early. Riverside areas fill up after sunset, so a little extra time gets you a better spot.
- Pick up a krathong from a vendor near the water. Choose a biodegradable one made from banana trunk, leaves or bread rather than foam, which is discouraged or banned at some Bangkok Metropolitan Administration events.
- Take any coins out before you float it, and keep the candle and incense away from clothing and hair.
- Light the candle, make your wish and release the krathong gently from a stable, well-lit spot.
- Stay for the glow. A riverside dinner or cruise is a lovely way to finish the night, though dinner cruises tend to sell out, so book ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loy Krathong a public holiday?
No. It is not a national public holiday, so banks and many businesses stay open, although riverside areas get busy after dark.
Can I see sky lanterns in Bangkok?
Bangkok’s festival is about floating krathongs on water. Sky lanterns belong to Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, and rules and venues for lantern releases vary by location, so follow local guidance wherever you are.
Is Loy Krathong good for families?
Many families go. Park lakes can feel calmer with little ones, while riverside venues get busier, so allow extra time. If you are flying with children, our guide to fast track for families in Thailand may help.
Loy Krathong is a night to remember, so start it unhurried. When you are ready, book Fast Track Thailand for a smoother arrival.