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Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง Loy Krathong · Thailand (nationwide) (Chiang Mai, Sukhothai)
On the full-moon night of the twelfth Thai month, people float candlelit krathongs on the river to thank the water and send their troubles away.
Know before you go
- Don't use polystyrene krathongs
- don't release sky lanterns outside designated areas — they endanger flights and houses
- don't push on riverbanks, and with big crowds at night, be careful not to fall in
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Loy Krathong is held on the full-moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai calendar, usually in November. People make krathongs from banana-tree trunks, banana leaves and flowers, add candles and incense and float them on rivers and lakes, thanking the water for its nourishment and asking it to carry away bad luck. Chiang Mai holds the Lanna Yi Peng sky-lantern festival at the same time, and Sukhothai Historical Park has candle and light shows.
Local customs
- Put your palms together and make a wish before floating your krathong
- couples often float one together
- in Chiang Mai, sky lanterns may only be released at the places and times set by the organisers
Religion & beliefs
- A blend of Buddhism and reverence for water
- temples light lamps to honour the Buddha.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't use polystyrene krathongs
- don't release sky lanterns outside designated areas — they endanger flights and houses
- don't push on riverbanks, and with big crowds at night, be careful not to fall in
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who make krathongs from biodegradable materials such as banana leaves or bread, and who watch them drift away quietly rather than chasing them for photos.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| 2026 dates | November 24, 2026 |
|---|
Travel tips
- The 2026 full moon is expected around 24 November (sources say the 24th or the 25th) — check the Tourism Authority of Thailand's announcements
- the riverside around Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai is a popular spot for floating krathongs
- large sky-lantern events usually require tickets
2026 schedule
- Full-moon night of the twelfth Thai month, expected on 24 November in 2026 (some sources say the 25th)
- the Chiang Mai Yi Peng events usually run for several days around it.
Photos
Photos
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John Shedrick · CC BY 2.0
Rockybgonzales · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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