Loi Krathong 2026: Thailand lights up rivers Nov 15-29
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announces nationwide Loi Krathong 2026 celebrations from Nov 15-29, highlighting the full moon on Nov 24 across historic sites.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TAT presents the nationwide Loi Krathong 2026 festival calendar running from November 15 to 29.
- The full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month falls on November 24, 2026.
- Celebrations feature historic landmarks and regional traditions in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak, and Bangkok.
- The events align with TAT's 2027 Festival Economy direction under 365 Days of Celebration.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released its official schedule for the Loi Krathong 2026 celebrations, detailing nationwide events running from November 15 to 29. The festival highlights riverside ceremonies, illuminated historical landmarks, and distinct regional traditions. According to the lunar calendar, the full moon of the twelfth Thai month falls on November 24, 2026, with individual provinces hosting festivities on varying dates throughout the period.
This year's programme underscores the traditional practice of floating decorated krathongs as an expression of gratitude to the water goddess while supporting TAT's 2027 Festival Economy initiative. Promoting year-round travel under the 365 Days of Celebration banner, the events span from Sukhothai Historical Park and Tak's floating lantern processions to Chiang Mai's Yi Peng festival and riverside gatherings in Bangkok.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Key regional celebrations and schedules across Thailand include the following locations and dates:
- Bangkok and Vicinity: Rama VIII Bridge (Nov 16-25), Phra Sumen Fort (Nov 23-25), Prem Prachakon Canal near Don Mueang Police Station (Nov 23-25) and Wat Samian Nari (Nov 24), Maha Kan Fort (Nov 23-25), and a historic temple heritage route linking Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Thepthidaram, and Maha Kan Fort (Nov 17-29). Kasetsart University also hosts a campus celebration from November 23-24.
- Northern Region: Sukhothai Historical Park (Nov 15-24), the Loi Krathong Sai festival featuring 1,000 floating lanterns at the foot of the Rattanakosin 200th Anniversary Bridge in Tak (Nov 21-24), Yi Peng traditions along the Mekong River in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai (Nov 20-24), CAD Lanna Cultural Center in Mae On, Chiang Mai (Nov 24-25), and Kamphaeng Phet's Sirichit Uthayan Park (Nov 16-24).
- Central and Western Region: Wat Si Loha Rat Bamrung pier in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi (Nov 24), and Wat Phumarin Kudi Thong in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram (Nov 24), focusing on banana-stem krathongs and Sufficiency Economy principles.
- Northeastern and Other Regions: Ban Phon Sung in Udon Thani (Nov 23-24), Suranaree University of Technology in Nakhon Ratchasima (Nov 20-29), and Mueang Tam Sanctuary in Buri Ram (Nov 23-24).
By decentralizing the celebrations across multiple provinces, TAT aims to distribute tourism revenue to local communities while reinforcing Thailand's position as ASEAN's cultural and entertainment hub. This strategy complements the sustainable tourism framework presented at international platforms such as WTM London 2026, blending cultural heritage with creative tourism experiences to offer international visitors a deeper engagement with Thai traditions.
Source: TAT Newsroom
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