Loy Krathong Festival Hotels 2026 — Best Cities for Thailand's Festival of Lights

Thailand's Most Magical Festival

Loy Krathong falls on the full moon of November — in 2026, that's November 15. Across Thailand, people float krathongs (decorated banana-leaf boats with candles and flowers) on rivers, lakes, and canals. In Chiang Mai, it coincides with Yi Peng, when thousands of sky lanterns turn the night into a floating galaxy. It's the most beautiful night of the Thai calendar.

Best Cities for Loy Krathong

Chiang Mai: The epicentre. Loy Krathong + Yi Peng lantern festival makes Chiang Mai the number one destination. Hotels book out months in advance — book by August for November. Expect to pay 2-3x normal rates. Sukhothai: The historical capital hosts the most traditional celebrations — light and sound shows at the ruins, processions through the old city, and krathong floating in the temple ponds. More atmospheric, less crowded than Chiang Mai. Bangkok: Celebrations along the Chao Phraya River, Lumphini Park, and Asiatique are beautiful but less intense than the north. Hotels don't premium as much. Ayutthaya: Floating krathongs among the illuminated temple ruins is incredibly photogenic and less tourist-heavy.

Hotel Booking Strategy

Book your hotel 3-6 months ahead for Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. Riverside and old city properties sell out first. Budget options go last. Bangkok is less competitive but riverside hotels still premium. Look for hotels offering Loy Krathong packages with included krathong-making workshops and river access.

FAQ

Is Loy Krathong the same as Yi Peng?

No — they're separate festivals that coincide in Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong is a national Thai festival (floating boats). Yi Peng is a northern Thai (Lanna) festival (flying lanterns). Both happen around the same full moon in November, making Chiang Mai doubly special.

Can tourists participate in Loy Krathong?

Absolutely. Buy a krathong from vendors everywhere (50-100 THB) and float it in the nearest body of water. Many hotels provide free krathongs for guests. In Chiang Mai, you can buy and release sky lanterns at designated areas.

How crowded does it get?

Chiang Mai: very crowded, especially around the moat and Ping River. Sukhothai: moderate crowds. Bangkok: easy to find space along the river. Ayutthaya: the quietest option for a still-magical experience.