Quick answer
Loy Krathong falls on 25 November 2026, when Thais float small banana-leaf baskets with candles on rivers and lakes. In Chiang Mai it coincides with Yi Peng, the lantern festival, on 24–25 November, and Sukhothai stages the most atmospheric version among its ruins. Book Chiang Mai hotels at least three months ahead, as rates can triple that week.
Highlights
- Floating candle-lit krathong on rivers, canals and ponds
- Yi Peng lanterns across Chiang Mai's temples and old city
- The illuminated float parade in Chiang Mai
- Light shows among the ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park
- Riverside celebrations on the Chao Phraya in Bangkok
What actually happens
On the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, Thais float krathong, small rafts of banana trunk and leaves decorated with flowers, a candle and incense, on rivers, canals and ponds. It is a thank-you to the water goddess and a way to let go of the past year's grudges and bad luck. Couples float one together, and many people add a coin or a strand of hair.
Where to go
- Chiang Mai: Loy Krathong here coincides with Yi Peng, the northern lantern festival. Temples and homes hang lanterns, the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge fills with krathong, and there is a parade of illuminated floats.
- Sukhothai: the Historical Park stages the most atmospheric version, with light shows among the ruins over several nights.
- Bangkok: float your krathong on the Chao Phraya at riverside spots such as Asiatique and ICONSIAM, or at Lumphini and Benjakitti parks.
The famous mass lantern releases
The photographs of thousands of lanterns rising at once come from ticketed events outside Chiang Mai, which cost several thousand baht, often ₹13,500 (THB 5,000) or more, and sell out months ahead. Buy only from the organiser's official site. Elsewhere, lantern releases are restricted to set times and places, and Chiang Mai airport adjusts flight schedules on Yi Peng evenings, so check your flight times.
Where to stay and what it costs
Chiang Mai hotels can triple their rates for 24–25 November; book at least three months ahead. A five-night Thailand trip starts at about ₹20,000 per person, land only, and costs more this week. Bangkok is easier and cheaper to book.
Crowds, etiquette and what to wear
Nawarat Bridge and the riverbanks are packed after dark, so keep children close. Choose a krathong made of bread or banana leaf rather than foam. Cover shoulders and knees at temples and ask before photographing monks. Chiang Mai is around 29°C by day and 17°C at night in late November. Check current entry rules on our Thailand visa guide and fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you fly.
Combining it
Two nights in Chiang Mai, two in Bangkok and three on a Krabi beach, where the dry season is starting, makes a good week. See the best time to visit Thailand, things to do in Bangkok, our November ideas and tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
When is Loy Krathong in 2026?
What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?
Can tourists release sky lanterns in Chiang Mai?
Is Bangkok or Chiang Mai better for Loy Krathong?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
