Loy Krathong in Bangkok: Best Riverside Spots + a Grand Palace Day Plan
Quick Answer: Bangkok celebrates Loy Krathong on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, when thousands of golden candlelit baskets (Krathongs) drift along the Chao Phraya River and city park lakes to give thanks to the water goddess and make wishes for the coming year. The best locations to join the festivities range from iconic riverside spots like ICONSIAM, Asiatique, Tha Maharaj, and Santi Chai Prakan Park to tranquil city park ponds at Lumpini and Benjakitti. To make the most of the occasion, travelers can easily pair their evening riverfront celebrations with a morning temple excursion to daytime landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
Loy Krathong 2026 in Bangkok: Date & Timing
For 2026, Loy Krathong takes place on Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
Unlike traditional morning festivals, Loy Krathong is primarily an evening celebration:
- 18:00 onwards: Floating activities generally begin around sunset.
- 19:00 – 22:00: Peak crowds fill major riverfront piers, boardwalks, and city parks.
- Late night: Public transit lines, including BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Chao Phraya Express boats frequently extend operating schedules to accommodate evening visitors.
Note: Because Loy Krathong follows the Thai lunar calendar, the exact festival date changes each year (usually falling in November). Always double-check the confirmed dates for your specific travel year before booking trips and activities.
Best Riverside Spots for Loy Krathong in Bangkok
The Chao Phraya River serves as the primary pulse of Bangkok’s festival night. Here are the top riverfront venues welcoming visitors:
ICONSIAM
The Grand Stage. Perfect for those wanting a world-class spectacle with vibrant modern light shows, traditional performance arts, and a polished riverfront boardwalk right against the water.
Asiatique The Riverfront
The Festive Carnival. Offers a lively, night-market atmosphere complete with the iconic illuminated Ferris wheel, energetic crowd energy, street food stalls, and designated floating pontoons.
Santi Chai Prakan Park (Phra Athit)
The Cultural Heritage Haven. Ideal for a traditional, old-town vibe featuring live Thai classical music, cultural performances, and historical charm set around the white Phra Sumen Fort.
Tha Maharaj Riverfront Mall
The Boutique Art & Cafe Hub. A relaxed, open-air community mall tucked into the historic quarter—great for floating a krathong with direct views of Wat Arun, followed by dinner at a riverside cafe.
Quieter Park Spots Across the City
If you prefer avoiding large riverfront crowds or long pier queues, municipal public parks across Bangkok open their central lakes and ponds specifically for Loy Krathong night:
- Lumpini Park (BTS Sala Daeng / MRT Si Lom): Bangkok’s famous central green space offers expansive perimeter paths around its main lake. It is ideal for families with young children seeking a calm, spacious floating setting.
- Benjakitti Park (BTS Asok / MRT Sukhumvit): Featuring extensive wooden boardwalks over wetlands and a vast central reservoir reflecting Sukhumvit’s high-rise skyline, Benjakitti is one of the city’s most scenic park options.
- Saranrom Park (MRT Sanam Chai): Located directly opposite the Grand Palace, this historic royal park provides a tranquil neighborhood setting for floating krathongs beneath ancient shade trees.
A Loy Krathong Day Plan: Temples by Morning, River by Night
Since major historical sites like the Grand Palace close by late afternoon (last entry at 15:30), the ideal itinerary combines morning sightseeing with evening riverfront celebrations.
07:30 – 11:30: Guided Morning Temple Exploration
Start your morning early with a Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour to visit Bangkok’s iconic sacred landmarks before the afternoon heat sets in. Guided tours finish around midday near the river, giving you the entire afternoon to relax before evening festival activities begin. For outfit rules, check our guide on how to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, or see our complete Bangkok one-day itinerary.
12:00 – 17:30: Afternoon Lunch & Rest
After completing your morning temple walk, enjoy a leisurely lunch along the river at Tha Maharaj or ICONSIAM. Return to your hotel during the hottest afternoon hours to rest, charge your devices, and prepare for the evening ahead.
18:00 – Late: Evening Loy Krathong Celebration
As twilight falls, Bangkok’s waterfront awakens in a magical glow of warm lights and lively crowd energy. Head to your chosen riverfront spot or board a candlelit river voyage to watch thousands of glowing baskets float down the Chao Phraya River; discover vessel choices in our Chao Phraya dinner cruise guide and dress code guidelines in our overview on what to wear on a Bangkok dinner cruise.
Floating a Krathong in Bangkok: Where to Buy One
Finding a krathong in Bangkok is easy, and each option adds its own small experience to the night:
- Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): In the days before the festival, vendors at Bangkok’s 24-hour flower market near Memorial Bridge fold banana leaves and marigolds into krathongs right in front of you. It’s a short walk from MRT Sanam Chai, so it fits neatly after a morning at the Grand Palace.
- Pier and Park Gate Stalls: On festival night, vendors set up near riverfront piers and park entrances, so you can pick one up when you arrive.
- Make Your Own: Some riverside malls and hotels run krathong-making activities before the festival. Check their event pages closer to the date.
Getting Around on Festival Night
- Use Rail & Boat Transit: Avoid severe traffic around major venues by using the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, or public river ferries instead of taxis and rideshare cars.
- Prep Cards & Protect Belongings: Buy round-trip transit passes in advance to skip long night queues, and keep smartphones and wallets in zipped bags while near crowded docks.
FAQ
ICONSIAM and Asiatique offer the most vibrant, high-energy riverfront festivals with entertainment and food stalls. For a calmer atmosphere, Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park provide peaceful park lakes.
No. Releasing sky lanterns (Khom Loi) is strictly illegal across all of Bangkok due to urban fire hazards and aviation safety laws. Sky lantern releases take place primarily in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai).
Yes! Taking a morning Grand Palace Bangkok Tour is the ideal schedule. Royal sites operating during morning hours close by mid-afternoon, leaving your evening completely open for riverfront floating.
No. Public riverfront boardwalks, temple piers, and BMA city parks are completely free to enter. You only pay a small amount (around 50 to 100 THB) if you choose to buy a handmade organic krathong from local vendors.
Experience Loy Krathong Night in the Capital
Experiencing Loy Krathong in Bangkok offers a memorable mix of centuries-old tradition and modern riverfront energy. By pairing a morning guided temple tour with an evening by the Chao Phraya River, you will enjoy a perfectly balanced day celebrating Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore Bangkok’s royal temples before festival night. Book the Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour today! Experience the Emerald Buddha, the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun with an expert licensed guide, a river ferry crossing, and included entrance fees, returning by midday for evening Loy Krathong plans.