Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most iconic festivals: people float a krathong — a small raft traditionally made of banana leaves, flowers, incense, and a candle — on a river, canal, or pond to pay respect to the water spirits and let go of the past year's misfortune.
It falls on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which lands on 24 November in 2026.
Bangkok's riverside temples and canal-side communities hold some of the largest public gatherings; Sukhothai Historical Park runs a large-scale traditional version with light shows; in Chiang Mai it overlaps with Yi Peng (see below).
If you make or buy a krathong, look for one made from banana leaf/bread rather than styrofoam — many communities have switched away from styrofoam krathong for environmental reasons.