Bangkok prepares Loy Krathong celebrations at five sites, linking three temples and one historic fort
Bangkok will host Loy Krathong festivities at five locations from November 16–25, alongside a heritage programme linking three temples and Mahakan Fort from November 17–29.
Bangkok is preparing to celebrate Loy Krathong 2026 at five locations across the capital, alongside an extended cultural programme connecting three historic temples and Mahakan Fort to promote Thai traditions and heritage tourism.
Bangkok Permanent Secretary Thaiwut Khankaew chaired a preparatory meeting on November 4, 2026, outlining plans to expand this year's celebrations through cooperation with government agencies, local communities and partner organisations.
He explained that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had organised Loy Krathong activities annually to preserve the traditional festival. This year's programme will cover more locations, giving residents and tourists greater opportunities to experience Thai culture.
The celebrations will also strengthen cooperation with agencies including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Department of Cultural Promotion, which will support activities within their respective responsibilities.
Five venues across Bangkok
The BMA's Culture, Sports and Tourism Department announced five principal celebration sites under the theme "Preserving Thai Traditions along Rattanakosin's Waterways", with activities scheduled as follows.
Rama VIII Bridge, Bang Phlat district (November 16–25)
The riverside venue will feature performances by school pupils and local communities, krathong competitions and stalls offering goods at affordable prices.
Phra Sumen Fort, Phra Nakhon district (November 23–25)
Visitors can enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances, krathong-making demonstrations, boat trips and stalls selling various products.
Khlong Prem Prachakorn, near Don Mueang Metropolitan Police Station, Don Mueang district (November 23–25)
Activities will include a children's Noppamas beauty contest, krathong competitions, stage performances, exhibitions and a marketplace showcasing products from Bangkok.
Khlong Prem Prachakorn, near Wat Samian Nari (November 24)
The one-day programme will feature traditional boat races, krathong competitions and demonstrations of krathong-making, Thai dessert preparation and flower crafting.
Visitors can also experience a procession of traditional boats, an old-style floating market and stalls selling local products.
Mahakan Fort, Phra Nakhon district (November 23–25)
The historic fort will host traditional krathong-floating activities, with an emphasis on encouraging participants to choose krathongs made from natural materials.
Other attractions will include Thai cultural performances, traditional craft demonstrations, a Noppamas beauty contest and a giant floating krathong installation serving as a photography spot.
An old-style market, stalls selling Bangkok community products and exhibitions on riverside lifestyles and cultural heritage will also be featured.
Three temples and one fort celebrate Rattanakosin heritage
Beyond the five main venues, the BMA is preparing an extended cultural programme from November 17–29, linking three historic temples and one fort in Bangkok's old town.
The four heritage sites are Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan and Mahakan Fort.
The programme is intended to connect Loy Krathong celebrations with traditional temple fairs and cultural activities while encouraging visitors to explore the historic Rattanakosin area.
Highlights will include ceremonies honouring sacred Buddhist relics and the traditional wrapping of red cloth around the Golden Mount stupa at Wat Saket.
Visitors will also be able to explore the architecture of Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanatdaram, participate in traditional craftsmanship workshops and visit markets showcasing the lifestyle and heritage of Bangkok's historic neighbourhoods.
Contemporary musical performances and opportunities to pay respects at sacred sites will form part of the programme.
Thaiwut explained that the BMA aims to develop the historic district into a regular venue for cultural activities, strengthening heritage tourism while passing traditional practices on to younger generations.
Agencies coordinate security and visitor services
The BMA is working with several government agencies to prepare for the celebrations and ensure visitor safety.
The Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office and the Public Relations Department have been asked to support publicity efforts, while the Department of Cultural Promotion will assist with traditional artistic performances.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau and Tourist Police Bureau will oversee security and public order, including assigning officers to a joint operations centre.
The Traffic Police Division will coordinate traffic management and parking arrangements at event venues.
Samran Rat Metropolitan Police Station has also been asked to support the installation of six walk-through metal detectors, with officers stationed at security checkpoints around Mahakan Fort.
Bangkok's departments and district offices will share responsibilities for event preparations, public services and visitor assistance to ensure effective coordination across the different locations.
Opening ceremony scheduled for November 24
The BMA will hold a press conference announcing the celebrations at Mahakan Fort in Phra Nakhon district on Friday, November 13, at 5pm.
The official opening ceremony for Bangkok's Loy Krathong Festival 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, at 6pm, at the same venue.
The Prime Minister has been invited to preside over the ceremony.
