Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival in 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Who hasn't been captivated by photos of thousands of paper lanterns lighting up Thailand's night sky? Do you know the meaning behind these mesmerizing images and which festival, Loy Krathong or Yi Peng, is the most anticipated?
This article delves into Thailand's lantern festivals, offering an authentic experience. Discover the origins, deep symbolism, and tips to fully enjoy these magical November celebrations. With our guide, you'll appreciate the enchanting magic of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals.
Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)
Updated on May 12, 2026
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At 35 years old, Preetika is an enthusiastic explorer deeply connected to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia's rich heritage. As a Bangkoker, her local insights and experiences imbue authenticity into her narratives. She discovers solace within the pages of a book as much as amidst Southern Asian vibrant landscapes and bustling street markets. With an ardent passion for travel and a profound affection for literature, Preetika effortlessly integrates her personal adventures into captivating stories, providing a perspective uniquely rooted in local experience.
What is it? Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are Thailand’s famous lantern festivals featuring floating krathongs and sky lantern releases.
When: Loy Krathong on November 25, 2026 • Yi Peng from November 24-25, 2026.
Where: Celebrated nationwide, with the biggest events in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.
Loy Krathong: Float decorated baskets on rivers to honor the water goddess and release bad luck.
Yi Peng: Release glowing lanterns into the night sky for wishes, renewal, and good fortune.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are completely separate festivals.
Loy Krathong involves floating krathongs on rivers across Thailand, while Yi Peng features lantern releases and is mainly celebrated in the north of Thailand.
1. When is Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival?
The Thai lantern festivals, also known as the festivals of lights, encompass two major celebrations: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. In 2026, the Loy Krathong festival will take place on November 25, and the Yi Peng festival will be held from November 24 to 25.
While simultaneous, these two festivals differ in their symbolism.
2. Loy Krathong Festival: The Floating Lantern Festival
2.1 What is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) means “floating basket.” The Loy Krathong festival is held on the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. In 2026, it will occur on November 5.
"Loy" means to float, and "Krathong" refers to small baskets made of banana leaves decorated with flowers, candles, and incense sticks.
These offerings are dedicated to the water goddess Pra Mae Khongkha. This festival is a poignant reminder of humanity's connection to nature, especially water, and is a time for seeking forgiveness for pollution caused throughout the year.
Base: Cut a thick slice of banana trunk for the foundation.
Wrap: Cover the base with banana leaves and secure.
Structure: Fold and pin small banana leaf pieces for layered design.
Flowers: Decorate with lotus, rose, orchid, marigold, or globe amaranth.
Center: Place three joss sticks and a candle.
Extras: Add a small flag or sparkler (Fai Yen) if desired.
Offerings: Include a coin or personal items like hair or nails for luck.
Secure: Fix all parts with wooden pins or toothpicks.
Everyone makes their own krathong, often attaching a piece of paper with their wishes written on it. Once on the water, they symbolically carry away the participants' negative aspects of life. Some even include hair and nails, a purification ritual to rid themselves of past mistakes and harmful thoughts.
A krathong typically starts with a slice of banana trunk as its base
You don't require extensive preparation for this event since you can buy your Loi Krathongs on-site, priced between 30 and 100 baht (approximately $1-3 USD).
2.4 The Festivities
On the evening of the Loy Krathong festival, Thais flock to the shores and canals across the country. At nightfall, they light the candles and incense on the krathongs before gently placing them on the water.
The illuminated rafts create a magical spectacle in the cities.
The celebration is brought to life with fireworks, Ramwong dances, and live music. And with food stalls offering local delicacies like grilled seafood, it’s easy to see why Loy Krathong is such a memorable festival.
Ramwong Dance to celebrate Loy Krathong
2.5 Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong?
Festival / Event
Location / Address
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Loi Krathong Festival 2026 at Tha Lan
Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, Saphan 12, Tha Lan Subdistrict Municipality, Ban Mo District, Saraburi
Loi Krathong Festival 2026 at Wat Prang Luang
Wat Prang Luang, Bang Muang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi
Loi Krathong Festival 2026 by Central Korat
Event Plaza, in front of Central Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima
Tak’s Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Rim Sai Than, Lan Krathong Sai, under Rattanakosin Celebration Bridge, Mueang Tak District, Tak
Maha Loi Krathong
Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya
Phitsanulok Loi Krathong Festival 2026
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and Chom Nan Chaloem Phrakiat Park, Mueang District, Phitsanulok
Bangkok River Festival 2026
9 Piers: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Rakhang, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayurawongsawat, Tha Maharaj, Asiatique The Riverfront, SookSiam at ICONSIAM, and Khlong Prem Prachakorn
Somma Nam Khuen Peng Seng Prathip
Bueng Planchai, Mueang District, Roi Et
Loi Krathong Kap Kluai Mueang Mae Klong
Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong and King Rama II Memorial Park, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram
Long Sapao Chao Lakon
The Clock Tower Intersection, Mueang District, Lampang
Ruang Rong Khlong Roi Sai
Pracharat Floating Market, Bang Bai Mai Community, Surat Thani
While celebrated nationwide, the Loy Krathong festival has a special charm in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Bangkok (Click to see the destinations), and Ayutthaya.
Top spots for entertainment in Bangkok:
Tips for Attendees
Book hotels and transport early. Cities like Chiang Mai get extremely crowded during Loy Krathong.
Use biodegradable krathongs only. Avoid styrofoam or plastic ones.
Don’t expect sky lanterns everywhere. Many areas now ban or restrict them, especially in city centers.
Go after sunset (around 7-10 PM) for the best atmosphere, lights, and fireworks.
Stay near the celebration area if possible. Traffic in Bangkok can become terrible all night.
Bring small cash bills for food stalls, temple donations, and krathongs.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Riverbanks can get muddy and slippery.
Be respectful at temples and ceremonies. Loy Krathong is a spiritual festival for many Thai people, not just a tourist event.
Thẻ tour 10313, 5573, 5585
3. Yi Peng Festival: The Sky Lantern Festival
3.1 What is Yi Peng Festival?
The Loy Krathong festival is a national event, while the Yi Peng festival is an ancient tradition of the former Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand. "Yi" means "two," and "Peng" means "full moon" in the Lanna language. The name "Yi Peng" translates to "Full Moon of the Second Month."
Monks participating in the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai.
Like the Loy Krathong festival, the Yi Peng festival takes place during the full moon of the 2nd Lanna month, corresponding to the 12th month of the Thai calendar.
During the Yi Peng festival, participants release silk paper lanterns called Khom loi, or "floating lanterns" in Thai, into the sky.
During the Yi Peng festival, participants release silk paper lanterns called Khom loi, or "floating lanterns" in Thai, into the sky.
3.2 How Yi Peng Unfolds
The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai is known for its stunning light displays honoring the Buddha. Temples and streets are lit with "pang prateep," small clay pots holding candles. The three-day festival begins with community events on the first two nights, culminating in a city-wide celebration on the third.
The heat from the candle trapped inside raises the lantern off the ground.
Standard seating, dinner, 2 lanterns/person, local transport (Songthaew)
VIP Zone
~6,500 - 6,980 THB
~$200 - $210
Better seating, dinner, air-conditioned transport
Premium / Gold Zone
~7,000 - 8,900 THB
~$210 - $270
Closer seating to the stage, enhanced dining
Elite Zone
~15,900 THB
~$480
Prime seating with maximum comfort
Child Policy
Free for ages 0–7
Free
No separate seat or lantern included
It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for the Yi Peng festival, which coincides with Loy Krathong and draws many visitors. This ensures access to prime viewing areas and special events that may sell out quickly.
5. Tips for Enjoying the Festivals
Make your own krathong for a more authentic experience.
Stay quiet during Yi Peng prayers before the lantern release.
Grab/taxis are hard to get. Scooters are much easier.
Restaurants can have huge queues. Have backup options.
Main lantern venues are 1–1.5 hours from Chiang Mai center.
Festival pools are convenient, but rivers feel more traditional.
Each guest usually gets 2 lanterns.
Yi Peng Festival: Illuminated flying lanterns, unforgettable atmosphere.
Conclusion,
These lantern festivals are expressions of Thailand's rich cultural heritage, passionately celebrated as ancient traditions. They offer tourists opportunities to marvel, discover unique practices, and explore Thailand's millennia-old customs.
We hope this article has provided all the information needed to appreciate these enchanting festivals. Prepare to experience magical and spiritual moments during these celebrations! For more on Thai festivals, check out our other articles dedicated to this exceptional country.
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