Loy Krathong 2026 in Bangkok: Date, Best Spots, and Getting There

Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most photogenic festivals, thousands of small floating offerings set adrift on rivers and canals under a full moon. Here’s when it falls in 2026 and the best places to see it in Bangkok, with the nearest BTS/MRT stations.

When is Loy Krathong 2026

Loy Krathong falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which in 2026 lands on Wednesday, November 25. Because it’s tied to the lunar calendar rather than a fixed date, it shifts slightly each year, always double-check the current year’s date closer to your trip rather than assuming it matches last year’s.

What actually happens

Travelers float a krathong, a small decorated raft, traditionally made of banana leaf, with flowers, a candle, and incense , on a river, canal, or pond, as a way of symbolically letting go of misfortune and showing respect to the water. In Bangkok, the riverside becomes the main event, with markets, performances, and fireworks alongside the floating itself. (Note: the better-known sky-lantern release, Yi Peng, is a separate but closely linked festival centered in Chiang Mai, not Bangkok.)

Best places to celebrate in Bangkok

Location	Nearest station	Why go here
Asiatique The Riverfront	BTS Saphan Taksin, via Sathorn Pier shuttle boat	Riverside krathong floating plus the complex’s own festival programming
ICONSIAM	BTS Saphan Taksin via shuttle boat, or Gold Line to Charoen Nakhon	Large organized krathong-floating events and river views
Lumpini Park	MRT Lumphini Station, ~1 min walk	Floating on the park’s lake, a calmer, less crowded option away from the river crush
Benjakitti Park	MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Exit 3	Another lake-based option, generally quieter than the riverfront

Practical tips for the night

•          Choose a biodegradable krathong. Many are now made from bread or banana leaf rather than styrofoam, better for the waterways, and increasingly what’s sold at the festival stalls anyway.

•          Expect heavy crowds along the river. The main riverside spots (Asiatique, ICONSIAM, and the piers between them) get genuinely packed, arrive early for a decent vantage point, or pick a park location instead for more breathing room.

•          Boats and BTS get busy too. Plan extra travel time getting to and from riverside venues; shuttle boats in particular can have longer waits during peak hours.

•          Bring cash for krathong stalls and festival food vendors, most of whom won’t take cards.

Our take

If you want the full spectacle, crowds, lights, river traffic, go riverside at Asiatique or ICONSIAM. If you’d rather experience the ritual itself without fighting for space, Lumpini or Benjakitti’s lakes give you the same krathong-floating tradition with a fraction of the crowd.

Frequently asked questions

• Is Loy Krathong the same as Yi Peng? No, they’re closely linked and often fall on the same night, but Yi Peng (the sky lantern release) is centered in Chiang Mai, while Loy Krathong (floating offerings on water) happens nationwide, including Bangkok.

• Do I need tickets for Loy Krathong in Bangkok? Public riverside viewing is generally free; some venues (like organized events at ICONSIAM or river cruise packages) sell tickets for a more curated experience with better positioning.

• Is Loy Krathong family-friendly? Yes, it’s a community celebration, though riverside crowds and fireworks are worth keeping in mind with young children; a park-based venue can be a gentler option for families.