Date: Evening of 24 November 2026, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and throughout Thailand
Loy Krathong 2026 in Pattaya, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง), also written Loi Krathong, is one of the most beautiful and best-loved festivals in Thailand. Celebrated on the full moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, it falls on the evening of 24 November 2026. After Songkran, the Thai New Year, it is the country's biggest celebration of the year.
Floating Krathongs and Sky Lanterns
In Thai, loy means "to float" and a krathong is a small lotus-shaped offering, traditionally made from banana trunk and banana leaves, decorated with flowers, a candle, incense sticks and sometimes a coin.
At nightfall, people light the candle, make a wish and gently release their krathong onto the water. The tradition is a way of honouring the water, letting go of the past year's worries and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
In many places, the night is also lit by sky lanterns, known in Thai as khom loy (โคมลอย). These paper lanterns rise slowly into the sky, carrying wishes and good luck, a tradition especially associated with Yi Peng, the lantern festival of northern Thailand. Rules on releasing sky lanterns vary from one area to another, so it is best to follow local guidance on the night.
Many visitors make their krathong themselves or buy one from local vendors on the day. Krathongs made from natural materials, such as banana trunk and banana leaves, are the most respectful choice for the sea.
Loy Krathong by the Sea
On the coast and the islands, Loy Krathong is celebrated by the sea. On the night of the full moon, families, couples and friends gather on the sand to float their krathongs, enjoy local food and watch the candlelights drift away across the water.
Pattaya
In Pattaya, the beaches come alive with thousands of candlelit krathongs, creating a festive yet peaceful evening along the bay, just a few minutes from the city's restaurants and nightlife.
Koh Samui
On Koh Samui, the festival is celebrated on beaches and around temples across the island, in a more relaxed setting, with the full moon rising over the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Phangan
On Koh Phangan, Loy Krathong offers a quieter, more traditional side of the island, as local families and visitors float their krathongs on calm beaches far from the crowds.
Why attend?
Take part in one of Thailand's oldest and most meaningful traditions.
Float your own krathong and make a wish under the full moon.
Enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly evening by the sea.
Discover Thai culture alongside local families and visitors.
Make the Most of Your Trip
Loy Krathong is a single magical night, and many visitors combine it with a few days by the sea. Our local guides can help you plan your stay:
Best Things to Do in Pattaya — temples, landmarks and cultural experiences
Best Things to Do in Koh Samui — beaches, temples and island adventures
Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan — hidden beaches, waterfalls and island life
Where to Stay for Loy Krathong
Whether you come as a couple, with family or with a group of friends, Loy Krathong is a moment to share. A private pool villa gives everyone their own room, a pool to relax by during the day and a calm place to come back to after the festival.
PATTAYA LAND offers private pool villas in three destinations, with different capacities to suit couples, families and groups of friends:
Pattaya — villas in Soi Pattaya Land, near Walking Street and a few minutes from the beach
Koh Samui — villas on the Chaweng Noi hillside, with infinity pools and panoramic sea views
Koh Phangan — beachfront villas on Chaloklum Bay, with a private beach to float your krathong right in front of the villa
For larger groups, several nearby villas may be booked together, subject to availability. Late November is a popular time to visit Thailand, so it is worth planning your stay early.
One full moon, one wish, all your favourite people. You Only Live Once.
Discover our Pool Villas
To learn more about the history and traditions of the festival: Loy Krathong on Wikipedia