Loi Krathong is not one night in one city. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's 2026 calendar runs from 15 to 29 November, with the full moon falling on Tuesday 24 November. Floating krathongs, riverside markets and, in the north, Yi Peng sky lanterns will fill different provinces on different dates.
For residents and long-stay visitors, the useful question is which programmes are confirmed and where the crowds will be. TAT's nationwide list and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration venue notices together give a practical map before you book a weekend train or a Chao Phraya pier ticket.
The date that matters
Observed on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, Loi Krathong centres on floating decorated baskets as a gesture of gratitude for water. TAT confirms the 2026 full moon on 24 November, while celebrations elsewhere stretch across the fortnight from 15 November.
Bangkok: five waterways and a fort
BMA and TAT both list a capital programme under preserving Thai traditions along Rattanakosin waterways. Confirmed activity clusters include Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat, Phra Sumen Fort and Maha Kan (Mahakan) Fort in Phra Nakhon, and Prem Prachakon Canal sites near Don Mueang Police Station and Wat Samian Nari. A historical route also links Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Thepthidaram and Maha Kan Fort from 17 to 29 November.
Nation Thailand reporting of the BMA plan puts Wat Saket and Rama VIII Bridge on the longer 17 to 29 November window, with Phra Sumen Fort and the canal sites concentrated on 23 to 25 November. Mahakan Fort's evening programme runs 5pm to 10pm across those three peak nights, with craft workshops and a push for natural-material krathongs.
Where else is worth the trip
| Place | Dates (2026) | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhothai Historical Park | 15-24 Nov | Candlelight and fireworks in the ancient capital setting |
| Tak Loi Krathong Sai | 21-24 Nov | 1,000 floating krathongs along the river under Rattanakosin 200th Anniversary Bridge |
| Chiang Saen Yi Peng | 20-24 Nov | Mekong-side lantern programme in Chiang Rai |
| Chiang Mai CAD KhomLoi | 24-25 Nov | Sky lanterns at The CAD Cultural Centre Lanna, Mae On |
| Phuket Saphan Hin | 16-25 Nov | Seaside Loi Krathong at Saphan Hin |
| Phang-nga provincial park | 19-28 Nov | Extended park festival at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park |
| Amphawa banana-stem krathongs | 24 Nov | Mae Klong tradition emphasising natural materials |
Practical notes for expats
- Expect heavy traffic around Chao Phraya piers and Rattanakosin on 24 November; use the river boats early or walk from a nearby BTS/MRT stop.
- Buy a krathong made from banana leaf, bread or other natural materials where workshops offer them; styrofoam floats are increasingly discouraged.
- Northern Yi Peng sky-lantern releases are not the same ritual as river krathongs. Check venue rules before buying lanterns, especially near airports.
- TAT is packaging the fortnight under its Festival Economy / 365 Days of Celebration push, so expect more overseas visitors at the headline sites than in quieter midweek years.
FAQ
When is Loi Krathong Day 2026?
The full-moon night is Tuesday 24 November 2026. Many cities run programmes across 15 to 29 November.
Where should I go in Bangkok?
Rama VIII Bridge, Phra Sumen Fort, Mahakan Fort and the Prem Prachakon Canal sites are the venues named in TAT and BMA notices. Opening ceremony coverage points to Mahakan Fort on 24 November evening.
Is Chiang Mai the same festival?
Chiang Mai pairs Loi Krathong with Yi Peng sky lanterns. TAT lists a CAD Cultural Centre Lanna programme on 24 to 25 November in Mae On district.
Do I need tickets?
Most riverside public programmes are free to attend. Workshops, boat trips and private venue events may charge. Check the organiser on the day.
Sources and verification
Factual claims and service details were checked against the sources below on . Prices, rules and availability can change; confirm consequential decisions with the relevant authority or provider.
- Loi Krathong 2026 lights up Thailand's rivers and historic citiesTourism Authority of Thailand
- Bangkok plans Loy Krathong at 5 sites from November 17Nation Thailand
- Bangkok prepares Loy Krathong celebrations at five sites, linking three temples and one historic fortNation Thailand