What is Loy Krathong?
Loy means “to float”, and a krathong is a small float, traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk, folded banana leaves and flowers. Letting it drift away is a way to thank the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, and to let go of bad luck and grudges.
In northern Thailand the same nights are Yi Peng, “the full moon of the second month” in the old Lanna calendar, when paper lanterns called khom loi are released into the sky. The pictures of thousands of lanterns rising over Chiang Mai come from these events.
When is Loy Krathong? Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
- Tuesday 24 November 2026Loy Krathong, the full-moon night
- 24–25 November 2026Chiang Mai's CAD Khomloi sky-lantern festival
2027
- Saturday 13 November 2027Loy Krathong, by the Thai lunar calendarexpected
Loy Krathong follows the Thai lunar calendar, so it moves every year. The 2026 date is the one given by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. For 2027 the Thai calendar gives 13 November; some calendars show 14 November, the night of the astronomical full moon. Check the local announcements before you travel.
How people celebrate
- Making or buying a krathong, lighting its candle and incense, making a wish and setting it on the water.
- Lantern displays, boat processions, fireworks and the Nang Noppamas beauty contests.
- In Chiang Mai, sky lanterns are released at organised events. Because of flights into the city's airport, releasing them is restricted to set times and places: check the rules before you light one.
Good to know
- Choose a krathong of bread, banana leaf or other natural materials: huge numbers of floats are cleared from the water the next morning.
- Sukhothai, the old royal capital, holds one of the most atmospheric celebrations among its ruins.
- Arrive at the water's edge early: riverside spots in Bangkok fill up soon after dark.