Known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ Loi Krathong brings people together nationwide at lakes, rivers, canals, and beaches to honour the goddess of water. Participants float beautifully decorated krathongs adorned with candles and flowers—a gesture believed to release misfortune and invite good fortune and positivity. Celebrated annually during the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, this year’s festival falls on Friday, 15 November.

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of seven unique themes under the Thailand Winter Festivals, running from November through December. This series highlights Thailand’s distinctive cultural and creative assets, solidifying the country’s position as a top global event destination.

Major Loi Krathong Celebration Locations

15 November
Loy Krathong
One of Thailand’s most romantic and photogenic festivals, Loy Krathong is the time of the year when people of all ages come together to symbolically float away their troubles.

14-17 November
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Held to coincide with Loy Krathong, the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a traditional event held in areas of North Thailand with the celebrations in Chiang Mai being the most famous.

24 November
Monkey Banquet Festival, Lopburi
On the last Sunday in November, the town of Lopburi in Central Thailand hosts its annual monkey banquet and festival to say thank you to the hundreds of macaques who live in the town. A buffet of fruit and food is provided for the monkeys as a way of expressing gratitude to the primates whose presence brings in welcome tourist revenue to Lopburi.

29-30 November
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival
Large crowds are expected for this spectacular firework display which is scheduled to take place along Pattaya Beach Road.

28 November to 8 December
River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair, Kanchanaburi
The annual River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair is usually held in Kanchanaburi in late November until early December with a light and sound show illuminating the bridge.

November is one of the most memorable festival months of the year. Enjoy cool breeze, bright colours and unique celebrations. Be part of the vibrat atmosphere in Thailand. Check out other festivals and events 🙂