Loy Krathong Bangkok

When is Loy Krathong Bangkok 2026?

Loy Krathong Bangkok 2026 is on Tuesday 24 November, and the night happens on the Chao Phraya. The whole river glows with the Vijit Chao Phraya lights, the river light festival that runs from 13 November to 13 December, and thousands of krathongs drift past the temples. It isn't a public holiday, so the city runs as normal by day and heads to the water at night.

Plan it with Tanner.

Where can you float a krathong in Bangkok?

The best place to celebrate Loy Krathong in Bangkok is on or beside the Chao Phraya River. The city has five main sites for 2026: Wat Saket, Rama 8 Bridge, Phra Sumen Fort and two spots on Prem Prachakorn Canal, and parks and ponds across the city hold their own krathong nights.

• On the river: your own boat, away from the crowds on the piers.
• Riverside: the piers and riverside malls along the Chao Phraya, like Asiatique and ICONSIAM.
• Parks: city parks and ponds hold their own krathong nights, close to home.
• City sites: Wat Saket and Rama 8 Bridge from 17 to 29 November 2026, and Phra Sumen Fort and two spots on Prem Prachakorn Canal from 23 to 25 November.

Ask Tanner: he picks the spot for your group.

Can you see Loy Krathong from your own boat?

Yes, and it's the best seat on the river. From the deck you watch the temples and the bridges lit up, the krathongs drifting past by the thousand, and you float your own over the side. Tanner quotes boats to your plan.

• Your route: your boat's route and pier are set with the river plan for the night.
• Bigger groups: a teak barge for up to 40 seated, or a river catamaran for 150 to 200.

Ask Tanner for your boat.

How do you float a krathong in Bangkok?

Float a krathong in Bangkok at a riverside pier, a park pond or from your own boat after dark on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Buy a banana-leaf krathong at a stall near the water, light the candle and the incense, make a wish, and set it on the water. The city asks for natural materials only: no bread krathongs, and no firecrackers or lanterns at the sites.

For Chiang Mai and Sukhothai, read Loy Krathong 2026. Ask Tanner.

What else is on in Bangkok in November 2026?

November is Bangkok's river season. The Royal Barge Procession sailed from Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun on Friday 6 November 2026, and the Bangkok Art Biennale runs from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027.

The Golden Mount Fair at Wat Saket runs from 17 to 29 November 2026. Ask Tanner.

Where do you go after Loy Krathong?

After Loy Krathong in Bangkok, go to a rooftop or a club. Octave Rooftop at the Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit opens daily from 5pm to 2am, and the clubs on RCA stay open until 4am.

Read the best clubs in Bangkok. Ask Tanner for the table and the car.

How do you plan Loy Krathong in Bangkok?

Plan Loy Krathong in Bangkok around the river: book your boat or your riverside table first, then the car, then the night out.

• Your boat: a private river boat on the Chao Phraya.
• Your driver: a luxury van with a driver from ฿6,500 for 10 hours, for up to 4.
• Arriving that day: airport fast track at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, ฿2,400 a person: a greeter meets you at the gate and walks you through the fast immigration lane.

Plan it with Tanner. More for the trip: Bangkok festivals and festival trips in Thailand.

What should you bring for Loy Krathong in Bangkok?

For Loy Krathong in Bangkok, bring a banana-leaf krathong made of natural materials and a wish. Buy one at a stall near the water, and book your boat or riverside table first.

Loy Krathong Bangkok in short: what to know?

• Loy Krathong Bangkok 2026: Tuesday 24 November, on the Chao Phraya.

• Vijit Chao Phraya lights: 13 November to 13 December; city sites at Wat Saket, Rama 8 Bridge, Phra Sumen Fort and Prem Prachakorn Canal.
• Your own boat: a private river boat on the Chao Phraya.

Plan it with Tanner.