Bangkok collected 391,027 krathongs the day after Loy Krathong 2025
Related guide: Loy Krathong 2026
A traditional krathong is built on a slice of banana trunk, wrapped in folded banana leaf and fitted with three incense sticks and a candle. These small rafts go into rivers, canals and park ponds on the full-moon night of the twelfth Thai lunar month.
The usual explanation is thanks to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha, and an apology for dirtying the water. The most familiar origin story says Nang Noppamas, a Sukhothai royal consort, made the first krathong. Historians point out that the tale was probably written in the early 19th century and that there is no evidence she existed. What Sukhothai does have on record is Ramkhamhaeng Inscription No. 1, which calls Phao Thian Len Fai, the lighting of candles and playing with fire, the city's greatest celebration.
In Bangkok the krathongs go into city parks and the river. In 2025 the city opened 33 parks in 21 districts until midnight and banned foam krathongs, sky lanterns, fireworks, firecrackers and alcohol sales inside them. The next day the BMA counted 391,027 krathongs collected from 110 locations, 82.76% of them made from natural materials and 7.23% from foam.
Sukhothai Historical Park stretches the theme over ten days, ending on the full-moon night in 2026, with a light-and-sound show each night. Chiang Mai marks the same night as Yi Peng, and since 2025 the whole of Mueang district has been closed to sky lanterns. Sukhothai holds its festival among the ruins of the old capital, the city whose Inscription No. 1 named the lighting of candles and playing with fire as its greatest celebration.
The full guide to this festival
Loy Krathong 2026: full moon on 24 November (est.) in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Sukhothai
Full guide: dates, getting there and what you can book →
Tickets and transport you can book
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Bangkok
King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk ticket, Bangkok
Indoor deck on the 74th floor and the glass walkway on the 78th, open until 21:00 (last entry 20:30). For sunset, pick the 16:00–19:00 slot.
See pricesBangkok
White Orchid dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya
A 2-hour dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya with a buffet and Thai dance. Check the plan page for sailings and prices on Loy Krathong night.
See pricesChiang Mai
Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat sunrise half-day
Hotel pick-up, about 5 hours, English-speaking guide: sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then Wat Pha Lat and Wat Umong, with a chance to give alms with monks.
See pricesAyutthaya
Ayutthaya temples day tour with sunset boat
A 6-hour trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya's temples with a Chinese- or English-speaking guide, ending on a sunset boat.
See pricesThailand 5G eSIM (AIS)
Unlimited data on AIS. Your phone must support eSIM; activate it in the Klook app before you fly. Full refund if cancelled before it connects.
See plans
