Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
November 24 @ 5:00 PM
Updated October 2026 by the Phuket Dream Company team (TAT licensed).
When: Tuesday 24 November 2026 – the night of the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. Celebrations start after sunset and are busiest from about 8pm to 10pm.
Where: Lakes, beaches, canals and piers all over Phuket, including Saphan Hin in Phuket Town, Nai Harn Lake, Patong, Karon and Kata.
Loy Krathong, often called Thailand’s Festival of Lights, is one of the prettiest nights of the year in Phuket. Families and visitors gather by the water to float a krathong – a small decorated raft with a candle, incense and flowers – and make a wish as it drifts away. Loy Krathong in Phuket is free, relaxed and easy to join, whichever beach you are staying on.
What is Loy Krathong?
“Loy” means to float and “krathong” is the small raft, traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk and folded banana leaves, decorated with flowers. People float their krathong to thank the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, and to let go of bad luck and grudges from the past year. Couples often float one together, and many people put in a coin, a few strands of hair or a nail clipping as a symbol of what they want to leave behind.
The date follows the Thai lunar calendar, so it moves each year, usually falling in November.
Where to celebrate Loy Krathong in Phuket
- Saphan Hin, Phuket Town – the main local celebration, with a fair, food stalls and krathong competitions around the lake and seafront park.
- Nai Harn Lake – a favourite with local families in the south of the island; calm, pretty and less hectic.
- Patong Beach – the biggest and busiest crowd, with music and street food along the beach.
- Karon and Kata – Karon has both its beach and Karon Lake; Kata is a quieter beach evening.
- Bang Tao and Laguna – handy if you are staying on the north-west coast, with krathongs floated on the lagoons.
- Your hotel – many resorts set up a krathong-making activity and let guests float them in a pond or pool.
Sky lanterns and festival safety in Phuket
Loy Krathong in Phuket is a water festival, not a lantern festival. Releasing sky lanterns (khom loy) around Phuket International Airport is banned for aircraft safety, and police remind people of this every year. The famous mass lantern releases are part of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, where they are also tightly controlled and limited to permitted events. Please do not buy or release a sky lantern in Phuket.
- Beaches and lakes get very crowded – keep children close and agree a meeting point.
- Do not wade far into the sea at night to launch a krathong; let it go at the water’s edge.
- Watch out for firecrackers, which some people set off on the beach.
- Traffic is heavy around Saphan Hin and Patong in the evening – allow extra time or use a pre-booked driver.
Tips for visitors
- Krathongs are sold at stalls near the beaches, lakes and piers from late afternoon, usually for a small price.
- Choose a krathong made from banana trunk or bread – avoid styrofoam, which pollutes the water.
- Bring a lighter for the candle and incense.
- Go early in the evening to watch the moon rise and find a spot by the water.
- Dress modestly if you visit a temple as part of the evening.
Loy Krathong elsewhere in Thailand
If you are travelling around Thailand in November, Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide. Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is lined with events, Sukhothai holds a historic festival in its old city, and Chiang Mai combines Loy Krathong with the Yi Peng lantern festival over several nights. Our team can help you plan a trip that includes Phuket and the festival elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
When is Loy Krathong 2026 in Phuket?
Tuesday 24 November 2026, on the evening of the full moon.
Do I need a ticket?
No. Loy Krathong is a free public festival. You only pay for your krathong, food and drinks.
Is there a lantern festival in Phuket?
No. Sky lanterns are banned around Phuket airport. In Phuket the tradition is floating krathongs on the water.
Where is the best place for families?
Nai Harn Lake and Saphan Hin are relaxed and family-friendly. Patong is the busiest.
Is Loy Krathong a public holiday?
No, it is not a national public holiday, so shops, tours and transport run as normal.
Can you arrange transport for the evening?
Yes. Message our team on WhatsApp (+66 95 038 5535) and we can book a private driver to take you to Saphan Hin, Nai Harn or Patong and back.
