Loy Krathong Phuket 2026 (Festival of Lights)

Loy Krathong, Thailand's beautiful festival of lights, falls on Wednesday 25 November 2026, when Phuket's lakes, beaches and lagoons fill with thousands of floating candlelit offerings. On the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, people across the island gently set a krathong onto the water to release the past year's misfortunes and make a wish for the year ahead. It is one of the most photogenic and heartfelt nights of the Thai calendar, and it is free to join in.

What Loy Krathong is

Loy Krathong takes its name from the Thai words for float (loy) and the small offering that is floated (krathong). Traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, incense and a candle, the krathong is set on the water as an act of gratitude to the water goddess and of letting go, carrying away bad luck and negative thoughts from the past year. The moment a whole lakeside of candles drifts out onto still water is the heart of the festival, quiet, communal and quietly moving, and it is often paired with cultural performances, food stalls and, in some places, fireworks.

Where to celebrate in Phuket

The festival is celebrated all over the island, so you have plenty of choice. The largest public gathering is usually at Saphan Hin, the park and waterfront on the edge of Phuket Town, which tends to have the biggest crowds, stalls and stage. For a calmer, more scenic setting, the lake at Nai Harn in the south of the island and the lagoons around Laguna near Bang Tao are lovely spots to float a krathong, while Kathu Park and the main beaches such as Patong also see plenty of activity. Wherever you go, the action is in the evening once it is dark and the full moon is up.

Making and floating a krathong

You do not need to bring anything: krathongs are sold from stalls near every celebration spot for a small price, so buying one on the night is part of the fun. When you float it, the tradition is to light the candle and incense, make a wish or let go of something from the past year, and gently set it on the water. One important note for a modern festival: please choose a krathong made from natural, biodegradable materials such as banana trunk, leaves and bread rather than foam or plastic, as huge numbers go onto the water each year and the natural ones break down without harming the lakes and sea. Avoid releasing sky lanterns near Phuket, as they are a hazard around the airport and flight paths.

Coming as a visitor

Loy Krathong is a genuine community celebration that visitors are warmly welcome to join. There is no ticket and no cost beyond the price of a krathong, and joining in by floating your own is very much encouraged rather than just watching. It is a family-friendly, gentle evening, so the respectful approach is simply to enjoy it in the same spirit as everyone else. If you are keen on Thai and Chinese festival culture, it caps a strong autumn on the island that also includes the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October and the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival in the Old Town.

Practical notes for visitors

Late November is early high season in Phuket, with dry, pleasant weather and a busy calendar, so book accommodation ahead if you are travelling for it. Arrive at your chosen spot before dusk to find parking and a good place by the water, as the popular venues like Saphan Hin get crowded. Bring a little cash for the krathong and food stalls, mosquito repellent for a lakeside evening, and your camera. If you are travelling with children, the smaller lakeside spots are calmer and easier than the big Saphan Hin crowd for a relaxed first Loy Krathong. The same week brings the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, so if you are on the island in late November you can pair a big sporting weekend with one of Thailand's most beautiful nights.