Bangkok plans Loy Krathong at 5 sites from November 17
Bangkok’s Loy Krathong events run from November 17–29, 2026, with five main venues and a separate Mahakan Fort programme from November 23–25.
- Bangkok's Loy Krathong celebrations are scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29, 2026.
- The five main venues announced are Wat Saket, Phra Sumen Fort, Rama VIII Bridge, and two separate locations along the Prem Prachakorn Canal.
- A separate, major event titled “The Enchanting Waterways of Rattanakosin” will be held at Mahakan Fort from November 23-25.
- Activities across the sites will include cultural performances, traditional craft workshops, period-style markets, and a children's pageant.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced five main venues for Loy Krathong celebrations between November 17 and 29, 2026, with programmes spanning temples, a historic fort, the Chao Phraya riverside and Prem Prachakorn Canal.
A separate celebration at Mahakan Fort will feature cultural performances, traditional craft workshops and period-style markets, linking the festivities with the heritage of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.
Five main venues and their dates
The BMA’s programme includes the following locations, with dates and participating district offices varying by venue:
1. Wat Saket — November 17–29. The temple will host the opening event, with activities running alongside ceremonies paying homage to Buddha relics at Borom Banphot, or the Golden Mount. The relic ceremonies take place over a shorter period, from November 17–26.
2. Phra Sumen Fort — November 23–25. Phra Nakhon District Office will help organise activities promoting Thai traditions and community participation.
3. Rama VIII Bridge — November 17–29. Bang Phlat District Office will help stage activities along the Chao Phraya River.
4. Prem Prachakorn Canal beside Don Mueang Police Station — November 23–25. Don Mueang, Lak Si, Bang Khen and Sai Mai district offices will jointly organise activities inviting residents to take part in preserving Thai traditions.
5. Prem Prachakorn Canal at Wat Samian Nari — November 23–25. Chatuchak, Lat Phrao, Bang Sue and Dusit district offices will jointly organise celebrations promoting traditional customs and public participation.
Mahakan Fort celebrations from November 23–25
The BMA’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department will organise a separate Loy Krathong event at Mahakan Fort in Phra Nakhon district from November 23–25, from 5pm to 10pm.
The event, titled “The Enchanting Waterways of Rattanakosin”, aims to strengthen Phra Nakhon’s appeal as a living centre of traditional and cultural tourism.
The programme will connect three temples and one fort: Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan and Mahakan Fort.
Performances, workshops and markets at Mahakan Fort
Mahakan Fort’s programme combines traditional entertainment with activities for families, shopping and displays celebrating the capital’s waterside heritage. Highlights include:
- Thai cultural performances: Khon masked dance drama, likay folk theatre, lam tat folk singing, hun krabok puppetry, pong lang ensembles and contemporary musicians performing songs from earlier eras.
- Traditional craft workshops: Families and visitors can learn to make krathong floats from natural materials, flower garlands, Thai sweets and other arts and crafts. A free opportunity to dress in Chud Thai, or traditional Thai attire, will follow the theme “Wear Chud Thai to Loy Krathong”.
- Period-style markets on land and water: A recreated old-fashioned market atmosphere with eight shops for visitors to browse.
- Decorated photo spots: Settings reflecting the Loy Krathong festivities and the character of Phra Nakhon.
- A children’s Noppamas pageant: A competition encouraging children’s confidence and participation in Thai traditions.
- A large krathong display on the water: A centrepiece designed to create a festive waterfront atmosphere.
- An exhibition on waterside life: Displays exploring Rattanakosin’s cultural heritage and ways to conserve waterways and canals.
- Community products and food stalls: Outlets supporting Bangkok community producers and restaurants in the district.
