Loy Krathong 2026 in Thailand: Dates, Yi Peng in Chiang Mai and How to Join

Loy Krathong 2026 is on Tuesday 24 November. It falls on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, so the Western date changes every year. In Chiang Mai the same night is Yi Peng, the Lanna lantern festival, and the events run from about 23 to 25 November. You can join in free anywhere there’s water, by floating a small decorated basket called a krathong.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng: what’s the difference?

The two get mixed up because they happen together. Loy Krathong is the floating basket, found across the country. Yi Peng is the lantern release, which is a northern Thai tradition and centered on Chiang Mai.

What’s allowed in Chiang Mai

This is the part most visitors get wrong. The old mass lantern releases from the riverbank are no longer allowed in Chiang Mai city because of the airport. Local reports say lanterns must be released at licensed venues outside the city, and Chiang Mai airport has announced reduced operating hours around the festival (reported 3 November 2026). Ticketed lantern events do exist, such as an organizer-run event in Mae On on 24 and 25 November. Treat any listing that promises lanterns from a city rooftop or riverbank with caution, and confirm the rules with the Chiang Mai provincial office or your hotel.

The parades, lamp-lighting at temples and krathong floating along the Ping River are still part of the festival. Our Chiang Mai page covers the city.

How to float a krathong

Buy a krathong from a street seller for a small amount (prices vary, so we haven’t listed any). Light the candle and incense, make a wish, and set the basket on the water gently. Choose one made from banana stalk or bread. Both break down in the water, and styrofoam krathong are increasingly banned because they pollute rivers. Many people treat the float as letting go of bad luck, and it’s easy to do with a friend.

Where to go

Chiang Mai is the most photographed because of Yi Peng. Bangkok is simpler: you can float a krathong at the river or at a park pond, and you don’t need a ticket. See our Bangkok page. If you want a quieter evening, pick a lake or canal at a local temple.

If you’re thinking of January instead, our Thailand in January guide covers the weather, and the best time to visit Thailand page covers the rest of the year.

Entry rules for US and UK passports

US and UK passport holders can stay 30 days without a visa since 15 September 2026, under the Royal Gazette notification. Every foreign visitor also files the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th. Check both before you travel.

Sources: Thai press on the 2026 dates (Bangkok Biznews, Thansettakij); The Star on Chiang Mai airport hours; The Thaiger on lantern bans; Wikipedia on Loy Krathong; VisasNews on the 30-day exemption. Dates and rules were last checked 7 November 2026 and can change.

Frequently asked questions

When is Loy Krathong in 2026?

Tuesday 24 November 2026, the full-moon night of the 12th Thai lunar month.

What is the Chiang Mai lantern festival called?

Yi Peng. It falls on the same full moon as Loy Krathong, with events in Chiang Mai from about 23 to 25 November 2026.

What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?

Loy Krathong means floating a decorated basket on water, and it’s celebrated across Thailand. Yi Peng is the northern lantern festival centered on Chiang Mai.

Can you still release sky lanterns in Chiang Mai?

Not freely in the city. Local reports say releases are limited to licensed venues outside it, and the airport has cut operating hours around the festival.

What is a krathong made of?

Traditionally banana stalk and banana leaves, decorated with flowers, three incense sticks and a candle. Bread krathong also break down in water. Styrofoam is increasingly banned.

Can tourists join Loy Krathong?

Yes. Floating a krathong is open to anyone and costs only what the street seller charges for the basket. Ticketed lantern events are separate.

Where is the best place to celebrate Loy Krathong?

Chiang Mai for Yi Peng and the parades, Bangkok for the river and park events. Any river, canal or lake works for floating a krathong.