Loy Krathong in Bangkok
On the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month — usually late November — Bangkok drifts down to the water. Loy Krathong is Thailand's most photogenic festival: locals float candle-lit krathongs made of banana leaf and marigold to thank the water goddess and let go of the year's bad luck. The Chao Phraya is the main stage — ICONSIAM, Asiatique and the riverside hotels run launch pontoons, light shows and fireworks — while the park lakes at Benjakitti, Lumpini and Chatuchak host calmer, family-scale ceremonies with markets and cultural performances. The date moves with the lunar calendar (November 25 in 2026, November 14 in 2027, November 2 in 2028), so this page tracks the week around each year's full moon and lists everything we've indexed inside it. Go early for a riverside table, buy a bread or ice krathong that the fish can eat, and skip the styrofoam.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok — upcoming events
Frequently asked questions
When is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong falls on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, which usually lands in November: November 25 in 2026, November 14 in 2027 and November 2 in 2028. Riverside venues and parks run lantern and krathong programming through the week leading up to the main night.
Where can I float a krathong in Bangkok?
The Chao Phraya riverside is the classic choice — ICONSIAM, Asiatique and most riverside hotels set up launch pontoons — while Benjakitti, Lumpini and Chatuchak parks open their lakes for a calmer, more local ceremony. Arrive before sunset to beat the queues.
Is Loy Krathong the same as the lantern festival?
No — the mass sky-lantern release is Yi Peng, celebrated in Chiang Mai on the same full moon. Bangkok celebrates on the water, and releasing sky lanterns is banned in the capital for air-safety reasons — expect fireworks and light shows instead.