Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most beautiful festivals: on the night of the full moon in the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, people release small decorated floats onto rivers, canals and lakes. In northern Thailand, the same full moon is also celebrated as Yi Peng, when sky lanterns are released into the night. In 2026 the full-moon night falls on Tuesday, November 24, with celebrations in Chiang Mai running roughly from November 23 to 25.
What Is Loy Krathong?
'Loy' means to float and a 'krathong' is a small float, traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, incense and a candle. People light the candle, make a wish and set the krathong adrift. The act is widely understood as paying respect to the water spirits — often associated with the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha — and as letting go of misfortune and negative feelings from the past year. Some people add a coin, a lock of hair or a nail clipping as a symbol of what they want to release.
Where Does It Come From?
Popular Thai tradition links Loy Krathong to the Sukhothai kingdom and to a legendary court lady named Nang Noppamas, said to have created the first decorated krathong. Historians treat this story as legend rather than documented history, and the festival may have older roots in Brahmanical and Buddhist water rituals. Today Sukhothai Historical Park holds one of Thailand's most atmospheric Loy Krathong celebrations among its ancient temple ruins.
Yi Peng: The Lanna Lantern Festival
Yi Peng is a festival of the old Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand. Its name refers to the full moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar, which coincides with Loy Krathong. Instead of — or as well as — floating krathong, people release khom loi, paper sky lanterns, as an act of merit-making and to send away bad luck. Homes and temples are decorated with hanging lanterns called khom fai. Chiang Mai is the centre of Yi Peng, and the sight of thousands of lanterns rising together is what most travellers picture when they think of the festival.
| Festival | What People Release | Where | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loy Krathong | Floating krathong on water | Nationwide | Full moon, Tue Nov 24 |
| Yi Peng | Sky lanterns (khom loi) | Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai | Around Nov 23–25 |
Important: Releasing sky lanterns in Chiang Mai is restricted. Lanterns are a fire risk and a hazard to aircraft, so authorities limit releases to designated times and permitted events. Do not release lanterns on your own, and check the current local rules before you travel. Mass lantern releases are typically ticketed events held outside the city.
Where to Celebrate in 2026
- Chiang Mai: the old city moat, the Ping River and Tha Phae Gate are the focus of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, with parades and decorated lanterns everywhere.
- Sukhothai: celebrations at the historical park, with light-and-sound shows among the ruins.
- Bangkok: krathong are floated on the Chao Phraya River and in parks with lakes such as Lumphini and Benjakitti.
- Ayutthaya: riverside celebrations near the ancient capital's temples.
How to Take Part Responsibly
- Choose krathong made from natural materials such as banana trunk, leaves or bread rather than polystyrene. Many cities now encourage biodegradable krathong.
- Be respectful near temples and during merit-making; dress modestly if you plan to visit a temple.
- Book Chiang Mai accommodation early — hotels fill up for the festival weekend and prices rise sharply.
- Watch out for fireworks and firecrackers in crowded streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Loy Krathong 2026?
The full-moon night of Loy Krathong falls on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations run roughly from November 23 to 25.
What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?
Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand by floating krathong on water. Yi Peng is a northern Lanna festival on the same full moon, known for releasing sky lanterns.
Can tourists release lanterns in Chiang Mai?
Only within the rules set by local authorities, usually at designated events and times. Private lantern releases outside those rules are not allowed, mainly because of fire and aviation safety risks.
Travel Guides Finder Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Articles on Travel Guides Finder are researched and written by our small editorial team. We check dates, prices and entry rules against official sources such as tourism boards, event organisers and government travel advice, and we update guides when those sources change. If you spot an error, please let us know through our contact page.
