Loy Krathong Festival: What to Expect in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Loy Krathong 2026 falls on 24 to 25 November, based on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar.
• The festival involves floating small decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers, canals and lakes as a gesture of gratitude and letting go of negativity.
• Major celebrations take place in Bangkok (Asiatique, Lumpini Park), Chiang Mai (paired with the Yi Peng sky lantern festival), Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
• Loy Krathong is not a public holiday, so businesses and transport run as normal during the day; the festival comes alive after sunset.
• Pattaya's beachfront celebrations include krathong floating, fireworks and cultural performances along the coast, with Bali Hai Pier and Beach Road as common gathering points.
• A beach view room in Pattaya at Holiday Inn puts you within walking distance of the waterfront celebrations.

Planning your visit to Thailand in late November to coincide with Loy Krathong makes your beach holiday even more special.

Widely celebrated as one of Thailand’s most remarkable traditions, it features rivers, canals, and coastlines sparkling with countless flickering candles. The feeling turns warmer and unlike any other evening, with observers gathering quietly by the water’s edge to reflect.

Here’s a closer look at the history of Loy Krathong, where to go for cultural performances and temple fairs, and what to prepare.

What is Loy Krathong?

On the night of the full moon in November, Loy Krathong is observed by Thais and foreigners alike. Those participating set a small handmade basket afloat on the water, let the current carry away the year's worries and look ahead with a quiet wish.

The name divides into two Thai words: “Loy” (ลอย) which means to float, and “Krathong” (กระทง) referring to the small decorated basket set afloat on the water. The ceremony honours Phra Mae Khongkha, the water goddess, expressing gratitude for the year’s rainfall and the rivers that support everyday life.

How to participate in Loy Krathong

Taking part is simple, and first-time visitors are welcome. Here's how it works:

1. Get your krathong. Pre-made krathongs are sold at waterfront stalls, markets and temple fairs for 20 to 100 baht. Traditional ones use banana trunks and folded petals. Eco-friendly versions made from bread or ice are increasingly popular.
2. Find a spot by the water. Head to the nearest river, canal, lake or beachfront. Popular spots fill up by late afternoon, so arriving by 5pm gives you time to settle in.
3. Light the candle and incense. Each krathong carries a small candle and three sticks of incense. Light them carefully before you release them.
4. Make your wish. This is where it gets personal. Most people wish for health, love, good fortune or success in the year ahead. Some let go of specific worries or regrets from the past year.
5. Release your krathong onto the water. Kneel at the water's edge and set it down gently. Watch it drift. Thai folklore says that if the candle stays lit until the krathong floats out of sight, good fortune follows.
6. Stay for the atmosphere. Larger venues stage cultural performances, folk music, beauty pageants and fireworks. Street food stalls line the waterfront. Couples often release their krathong together.

Loy Krathong date in 2026

Loy Krathong 2026 falls on 24 to 25 November, timed to the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. The date shifts each year. Celebrations begin after sunset and last until midnight. Since it's a festival, businesses run as usual during the day.

The history of Loy Krathong

Most accounts point to the ancient capital of Sukhothai sometime in the 13th or 14th century. The tradition likely started as a Brahmin water ritual and then picked up a distinctly Thai character along the way.

One popular account credits Nang Nopphamat, a royal consort, with crafting the first decorated krathong to float before the king's court.

As the rainy season ended, the krathongs were offered to Mae Kongkha, the Mother of Waters, to thank her for the rainfall throughout the year and to request her continued support.

Throughout the centuries, the floating light has symbolised reverence for the Buddha and the practice of letting go of attachment. Regardless of the origin story you follow, the ritual has preserved its warmth despite each addition.

Where to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival in Thailand

• Bangkok: Asiatique The Riverfront on the Chao Phraya hosts one of the city's largest celebrations. Lumpini Park draws families to float krathongs on its central lake.
• Sukhothai: The historic birthplace of the festival. Sukhothai Historical Park still hosts the most significant annual celebration, with a multi-night light and sound show among the ancient ruins, alongside pageants and fireworks.
• Chiang Mai: The most visually dramatic venue. Loy Krathong coincides with the Yi Peng festival, when paper sky lanterns rise into the night sky as krathongs float on the Ping River below. Visitors also look forward to traditional northern Lanna performances at the Three Kings Monument.
• Pattaya: Coastal celebrations take over Beach Road and Bali Hai Pier, with floating zones along the shoreline, traditional music, local food stalls and evening fireworks over the bay.

Tips for attending

• Bring a lighter or matches. Wind near the water can make lighting candles tricky. A windproof lighter saves the fumbling.
• Plan your transport home in advance. Roads near waterfront areas get crowded after the main celebrations. Stay within walking distance to skip the traffic.
• Dress comfortably. Choose comfortable clothing and a pair of shoes you don't mind getting damp.
• Respect the moment. Floating a krathong is personal and reflective. Give others space at the water's edge and photograph respectfully.
• Book accommodation early. Many places fill out weeks ahead. Book early to avoid disappointments!

Experience Loy Krathong from Holiday Inn Pattaya

When celebrating in Pattaya, having a hotel nearby simplifies organising your evening. Holiday Inn Pattaya is located on Beach Road in the peaceful North Pattaya area, making the waterfront festivities just a brief stroll away.

You go outside, mingle with the crowd by the shore, and return when you feel ready. Every one of the 531 hotel rooms overlooks the sea and includes a private balcony, while six on-site restaurants guarantee a variety of dining choices.

Experience the festival by booking a beach view room in Pattaya at Holiday Inn. Book direct for the best available rates.

References

1. Loy Krathong Thailand 2026: Nov 24 Dates and Where to Go. Retrieved on September 17, 2026, from https://outthailand.com/guide/loy-krathong-thailand/
2. Loy Krathong 2026: Date, Where to Go and What to Float. Retrieved on September 17, 2026, from https://destinationthailand.io/loy-krathong-2026/
3. Loy Krathong Festival Bangkok 2026. Retrieved on September 17, 2026, from https://thailocaltravel.com/events/loy-krathong-festival-bangkok-2026/
4. Thailand Lantern Festival 2026: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Retrieved on September 17, 2026, from https://www.umetravel.com/loy-krathong-festival/

Frequently Asked Questions About Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand

What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is an annual Thai festival in which people float small decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers, canals and lakes. The tradition symbolises gratitude towards the water, letting go of negativity and making wishes for the year ahead. Krathongs are made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers, candles and incense. The festival takes place on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, typically in November.

When is Loy Krathong 2026?

Loy Krathong 2026 falls on 24 to 25 November. The date follows the Thai lunar calendar and shifts each year. The celebrations begin after sunset and run through the evening, typically peaking between 7pm and midnight. Loy Krathong is a festival rather than a public holiday, so businesses operate as normal during the day.

What is the history behind Loy Krathong?

The festival is commonly associated with the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238 to 1438), which is credited as the birthplace of the krathong-floating tradition. Its roots likely predate Sukhothai, drawing from Brahmanist and animist water rituals across Southeast Asia. Over time, Buddhist meaning was layered on, with the floating light symbolising respect for the Buddha and the act of release representing letting go of attachment.

Where are the best places to celebrate Loy Krathong?

Bangkok (Asiatique, Lumpini Park), Sukhothai Historical Park, Chiang Mai (combined with the Yi Peng sky lantern festival) and Pattaya are among the most popular locations. Sukhothai offers the most historically significant celebration. Chiang Mai provides the most visually dramatic experience. Pattaya suits travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with the festival.

Can I celebrate Loy Krathong in Pattaya?

Yes. Pattaya holds beachfront celebrations along Beach Road and near Bali Hai Pier, with krathong-selling vendors, cultural performances, fireworks and launching areas along the coast. Staying at a beachfront hotel in North Pattaya puts you within walking distance of the main festival areas.