When and where
When: Full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually November
Rule: Lunar calendar. Lunar: moves every year. 2026: 24 November. 2027 expected around 14 November (computed, not confirmed by a source).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's loveliest festivals of light. On the night of the full moon people float a krathong, a small basket made of banana trunk with flowers, a candle and incense, on the water. It thanks the water spirit and symbolically washes away bad luck. Tradition places its origin in Sukhothai. Rivers, ponds and canals glow, and many towns hold parades and fireworks. In the north it coincides with the Yi Peng lantern festival.
Getting there
Sukhothai lies about 430 km north of Bangkok; fly or take the bus and stay near the new town or the historical park.
Highlights
- Floating a krathong A flower basket with a candle is entrusted to the water with a wish.
- Sukhothai at night The ruins of the historical park are lit up with light shows and parades.
- Parades and fireworks Riverside towns stage parades and bright fireworks.
Tips for Loy Krathong
- Buy a krathong made of natural materials (no polystyrene) at a local market.
- Crowds around the water are big, so keep valuables close and arrive early.
- Do not release sky lanterns where banned, such as inside Chiang Mai city.
Loy Krathong on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand; the map shows Sukhothai (traditional origin). Other famous spots: Chiang Mai (with Yi Peng), Tak, Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions about Loy Krathong
When is Loy Krathong in 2026?
Loy Krathong falls in 2026 on 24 November and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Sukhothai Historical Park (traditional birthplace of the festival). Rule: Full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually November. An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Loy Krathong?
Watch it best at Sukhothai Historical Park (traditional birthplace of the festival). A flower basket with a candle is entrusted to the water with a wish. Sukhothai lies about 430 km north of Bangkok; fly or take the bus and stay near the new town or the historical park. Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's loveliest festivals of light.
What should I bring or wear to Loy Krathong?
Buy a krathong made of natural materials (no polystyrene) at a local market. Crowds around the water are big, so keep valuables close and arrive early. Do not release sky lanterns where banned, such as inside Chiang Mai city. Highlight: Floating a krathong – A flower basket with a candle is entrusted to the water with a wish.
Festivals near Sukhothai Historical Park (traditional birthplace of the festival)
- Krathong Sai (Tak) 65 km as the crow flies
- Uttaradit Langsat Festival 80 km as the crow flies
- Phichit Long Boat Races 95 km as the crow flies
- Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae) 130 km as the crow flies
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho) 155 km as the crow flies
Also in October / November
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho)
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races