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Loy Krathong 2026 in Phuket and Krabi: Date, Places and Etiquette

Loy Krathong 2026 falls on Tuesday 24 November. Where to float a krathong in Phuket and Krabi, how to join in respectfully, and what high season means for your trip.

When is Loy Krathong 2026?

Loy Krathong, Thailand’s festival of floating lights, takes place on Tuesday 24 November 2026, the full-moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. In Phuket and Krabi people gather after sunset at beaches, lakes and rivers to float small decorated baskets called krathongs.

It is a festival rather than a public holiday, so shops, restaurants and offices stay open during the day. Some venues and hotels hold events on the evenings around the main night as well, but the full-moon evening itself is when most locals go to the water. Exact local programmes are usually announced only shortly beforehand, so ask your hotel for the latest details once you arrive.

Where to celebrate in Phuket and Krabi

Phuket Town
Saphan Hin park on the waterfront is traditionally one of the largest public gatherings on the island, with stalls and performances. Suan Luang park is a calmer option for families.
Phuket beaches
On the west coast, many people float their krathongs straight from the sand at Patong, Kata, Karon and Nai Harn. Beachfront hotels often organise their own small celebrations.
Krabi Town
The riverfront in Krabi Town, around the pier area, is where the town comes together, with krathong stalls, food and local contests in many years.
Ao Nang
In Ao Nang, krathongs are floated from the main beach in the evening. It is relaxed and easy to join if you are staying in the area.

How to join in respectfully

A krathong is traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk, banana leaves and flowers, with a candle and incense sticks. Choose one made of natural, biodegradable materials such as banana trunk or bread, and avoid foam. You can buy them from stalls near the water on the evening itself.

Light the candle and incense, take a quiet moment, then set the krathong gently on the water. Many Thais see it as a way to let go of the past year’s misfortunes and to thank the water spirits. Keep your voice down near people who are praying, and do not pick up other people’s krathongs.

Sky lanterns belong mainly to Yi Peng, the northern festival in Chiang Mai, and releasing them is restricted in many areas, especially near airports. In Phuket and Krabi the focus is on the floating krathongs. Dress modestly if you visit a temple during the festival.

Start of high season and getting from the airport

Loy Krathong comes at the start of the Andaman coast’s dry season. From November the weather usually becomes more settled and the sea calmer, and from December hotels and boat trips get busier. Late November is therefore a good time for a trip: the high season has started, but the peak holiday weeks have not.

From Phuket International Airport (HKT) the drive takes about 45 minutes to Patong, about 1 hour to Kata and Karon, and about 1 hour 15 minutes to Khao Lak. From Krabi International Airport (KBV) Ao Nang is about 35 minutes away. On the festival evening, traffic near popular beaches and in Phuket Town can be heavy, so allow extra time if you land that night.

A private transfer from HotelTaxi takes you directly to your hotel with a price agreed before you travel. The driver meets you in the arrivals area with a name sign, and child seats can be requested when booking.

Your Loy Krathong checklist

  1. Note the date

    Tuesday 24 November 2026, from sunset onwards.

  2. Pick a spot

    Saphan Hin or a west-coast beach in Phuket; the riverfront in Krabi Town or Ao Nang beach in Krabi.

  3. Buy an eco-friendly krathong

    Banana trunk or bread, no foam.

  4. Plan your evening transport

    Traffic near the water can be slow; agree your return trip in advance.

  5. Book your stay early

    Late November marks the start of high season on the Andaman coast.

Frequently asked questions

What date is Loy Krathong in 2026?

Tuesday 24 November 2026, the full-moon night of the twelfth Thai lunar month. Some places also hold events on the evenings around it.

Is Loy Krathong a public holiday in Thailand?

No. Shops, restaurants and offices stay open, and the celebrations take place in the evening after sunset.

Can I release sky lanterns in Phuket?

Sky lanterns are a northern tradition and are restricted in many areas, especially near airports. In Phuket and Krabi, people float krathongs on the water instead.

How long is the drive from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?

About 35 minutes. From Phuket Airport, Patong is about 45 minutes away and Kata or Karon about 1 hour.

Plan your transfer