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Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival to Take Place on November 21

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — Planning to visit Thailand soon? You might get the chance to witness the famous Loy Krathong Festival. Thai people not only deeply believe in Buddhism but are also influenced by Brahmanism and nature worship. On the full moon night of the 12th lunar month...

Planning to visit Thailand soon? You might get the chance to witness the famous Loy Krathong Festival. Thai people not only deeply believe in Buddhism but are also influenced by Brahmanism and nature worship. On the full moon night of the 12th lunar month (which falls on November 21 this year), grand celebrations are held across Thailand (in Bangkok from November 19–21, Sukhothai from November 19–21, Ayutthaya on November 21, and Chiang Mai from November 20–22). Events include lively parades and street performances, but it’s the nighttime lantern floating that truly brings the celebration to its climax.

Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, with the highlight being the floating of lanterns after dark. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)

At the end of the year, Thai people hope for a bountiful harvest and favorable weather all year round. However, areas near canals, ditches, and rivers often suffer from flooding, which causes much distress. Therefore, after the rainy season—around November when the cool season begins—locals float lanterns on the water as an offering to the water spirits to show reverence and pray for protection against floods. On the other hand, the drifting lanterns also symbolize letting go of the past year’s misdeeds and embracing a new beginning, allowing people to face the upcoming year with a pure and devout heart, ready to take on all challenges.

The "lantern" is made by folding long banana leaves into the shape of blooming lotus petals, with incense sticks, a coin, and a candle symbolizing the light of hope inserted inside. In recent years, more elaborate versions have emerged, using cardboard for shaping, dying the lanterns bright colors, decorating them with numerous flowers, and even crafting them into the shape of small boats. On the water, you'll see a sea of tiny and large, exquisitely crafted lanterns—some no bigger than the palm of your hand—while the more grandiose ones require two or more people to carry and gently place into the slow-moving river to float away.

Any city with lakes or rivers holds lantern-floating ceremonies, such as the capital Bangkok, northern Thailand’s largest city Chiang Mai, and ancient cities like Sukhothai, all of which host grand Loy Krathong celebrations every year. The streets are adorned with colorful lanterns, resembling a field of radiant blooming lotuses.

If you’re visiting Thailand, be sure to explore local temples and experience the country’s rich Buddhist culture. The photo shows Wat Mahathat.

On this day, those joining the festivities usually wear their finest clothes, especially the women, who take great care to dress up and showcase their most beautiful and charming sides, exuding enthusiasm while maintaining elegance—as if attending a traditional costume pageant. If it’s your first time joining the event, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into a beauty contest.