2026 Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is celebrated on the night of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November. People float krathong — small baskets traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk and folded banana leaves, decorated with flowers, a candle, incense and often a coin — on rivers, canals and lakes to pay respect to the water goddess and let go of the past year's bad luck. Sukhothai, where the festival is said to have originated, stages a light-and-sound show among its ruins, while Bangkok's Chao Phraya River fills with families; in Chiang Mai the Yi Peng festival coincides, sending thousands of khom loi paper lanterns into the sky, though releases are now restricted to designated zones. It is not a public holiday, so festivities take place in the evening. Hotels in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai book out months ahead, and biodegradable krathong are encouraged. This countdown ticks to midnight Bangkok time on the day of Loy Krathong.