This article describes cultural tradition. It is not Buddhist doctrine, and nothing here is a prediction.
In short: Loy Krathong 2026 falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, around 24 to 25 November. On that night, all over Thailand, people float small candle-lit boats called krathong on rivers, canals and lakes, to thank the water and to let go of the past year's troubles.
It is one of Thailand's loveliest nights and a cultural tradition, shared here for its meaning, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
Loy Krathong 2026 at a glance
| Date | Full moon of the 12th lunar month: around 24 to 25 November 2026 (calendars differ by a day; check the Tourism Authority of Thailand) |
|---|---|
| Where | All of Thailand; best known in Sukhothai, Bangkok's riverside and Chiang Mai |
| Northern version | Yi Peng, with sky lanterns, in Chiang Mai at the same time |
| Public holiday? | No, but evenings are busy and festive |
Read the full guide
What the krathong means
Loy means "to float". A krathong is traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk wrapped in folded banana leaves, decorated with flowers, a candle and three sticks of incense. People light it, make a wish, and set it on the water.
Two meanings sit side by side. The first is thanks: to the water that gives life, often named as the river goddess Phra Mae Khongkha, and an apology for polluting it. The second is letting go: many people add a strand of hair or a fingernail clipping, a way of floating away anger, grudges and bad luck. Some also dedicate their krathong to the Buddha.
Where it comes from
The festival has older roots, possibly in Brahmanic rites honoring water, and was later adopted at the Siamese court. Popular stories link it to the Sukhothai kingdom and a court lady called Nang Noppamas, said to have made the first lotus-shaped krathong, though historians think the story was written much later. Either way, it has been part of daily life in Southeast Asia for centuries.
Yi Peng: the lanterns of the north
In Chiang Mai and the north, the same full moon is also Yi Peng, the Lanna festival of lights. Homes and temples hang paper lanterns, and people release khom loi, sky lanterns, as a symbol of letting go. Mass lantern releases are now ticketed or limited for safety and the environment, so check local rules before you go.
How to celebrate respectfully
- Choose an eco-friendly krathong: banana trunk, leaves and flowers, or bread that fish can eat. Avoid styrofoam and plastic.
- Float it gently, make your wish quietly, and watch it go.
- At a temple, many people also make merit that day. See making merit in Thailand.
- Be careful with fire: candles, crowds and water edges need attention, especially with children.
A letting-go ritual you can do anywhere
No river nearby? You can keep the meaning of Loy Krathong at home in five minutes:
- On the full moon evening, light one candle.
- Write down one thing you want to let go of from this year: a grudge, a worry, a habit.
- Take three slow breaths. With each out-breath, loosen your grip on it a little.
- Write one thing you are grateful for, as Loy Krathong also thanks the water.
- Blow out the candle, and recycle or compost the paper.
For a guided version, try the 3-minute evening practice, or read about a simple evening ritual.
Questions people ask
When is Loy Krathong 2026?
On the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, around 24 to 25 November 2026. Calendars differ by a day, so check the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the official night and local events.
What does Loy Krathong mean?
Loy means to float and a krathong is a small float of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense. People release it on rivers and lakes to thank and honor the water, and to let go of anger and bad luck from the past year.
What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?
Loy Krathong floats krathongs on water across Thailand. Yi Peng is the northern (Lanna) festival in Chiang Mai, held at the same time, where people release paper lanterns into the sky.
Is Loy Krathong a Buddhist festival?
It is a Southeast Asian cultural festival with older roots. Some people also dedicate their krathong to the Buddha, but it is not a Buddhist holy day like Uposatha.