Bangkok Airways Round Up
- Experience the timeless charm of Sukhothai’s Loy Krathong tradition at the 2026 “Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai” Festival, held from November 15 to 24 at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a traditional market, cultural parades, spectacular light and sound shows, and fireworks displays. The main highlights on November 24 include the candle-lighting ceremony and the Royal Floating Lamp Ceremony.
- Discover five must-do activities at the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival, from floating krathongs and watching the candle-lighting ceremony to enjoying spectacular light and sound shows, traditional fireworks displays, cultural parades, and international performances. Dress in traditional Thai attire, explore Talat Laek Bia (Cowrie Shell Market), sample local delicacies, and experience the “Welcome the Dawn of Happiness” activity at Wat Traphang Thong.
Experience the unique charm of the Loy Krathong Festival at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient ruins are beautifully illuminated at night. Bangkok Airways invites you to discover the beauty of Thai traditions through five exciting activities at the 2026 “Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai” Festival, along with event schedules and travel information to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Sukhothai.
Discover the Timeless Charm of The Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival (November 15-24, 2026)
Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most important traditional festivals, celebrated annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month. During the festival, people float decorated baskets called krathongs on rivers and waterways to express gratitude to and seek forgiveness from Phra Mae Khongkha, the Thai goddess of water. The tradition also symbolizes letting go of sorrow and bad luck.
Sukhothai is particularly renowned for its Loy Krathong celebrations, which will take place from November 15 to 24, 2026, amid the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park.
Loy Krathong has long been associated with the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. The King Ramkhamhaeng Inscription mentions “candle lighting and fire festivities,” reflecting the celebrations held in Sukhothai in the past.
Another well-known legend tells the story of Nang Noppamas, also known as Thao Si Chulalak, who is said to have created a lotus-shaped krathong as an offering to King Phra Ruang. Her story later inspired the Nang Noppamas beauty pageant, which celebrates women’s beauty and talent.
Today, Sukhothai continues to preserve this tradition through the “Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai” Festival, held at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival is known for its beautiful candle and lantern displays that illuminate the ancient ruins, along with traditional Thai cultural activities and performances. You can experience the charm of Loy Krathong in the unique atmosphere of this historic city.
Beyond Sukhothai, Loy Krathong is celebrated in different ways across Thailand, with each region showcasing its own unique traditions. Notable examples include the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong Sai in Tak, and Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip in Roi Et.
Sukhothai Loy Krathong 2026 Festival Schedule and Ticket Information
The 2026 Sukhothai Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai Festival will take place from November 15 to 24, 2026, at Sukhothai Historical Park. Throughout the festival, enjoy spectacular light and sound shows at Wat Mahathat and traditional fireworks displays at Traphang Trakuan.
Schedule and Key Events
On Loy Krathong night, November 24, the main highlights include cultural parades representing Sukhothai’s nine districts, the candle-lighting ceremony, and the Royal Floating Lamp Ceremony. The schedule of key activities is as follows:
| Date | Time | Key Activities and Locations | Fee |
| November 15-24, 2026 | 5:00 a.m. on Nov 15; 6:00 a.m. on Nov 16-24 | Welcome the Dawn of Happiness at Wat Traphang Thong | Free |
| November 15, 2026 (Opening Day) | 4:00 p.m. | Opening ceremony in front of Wat Sa Si and traditional krathong, lantern, and Nang Noppamas parades through Sukhothai Historical Park | Free |
| November 15-24, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Talat Laek Bia (Cowrie Shell Market), near Yai Phoeng Pond | Free entry; purchases extra |
| November 15-23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Light and Sound Show at Wat Mahathat | THB 500-1,200 |
| November 15-23, 2026 | 10:00 p.m. | Traditional Thai fire performances and fireworks displays at Traphang Trakuan | Free |
| November 22, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. | Krathong Competition Awards Ceremony, Nang Noppamas Beauty Pageant Final, and Royal Trophy Presentation Ceremony at the Open-Air Theater | Free |
| November 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m | Ceremony to receive the Royal Flame and Royal Floating Lamps in front of the Sukhothai Thani Municipal Office | Free |
| November 24, 2026 (Loy Krathong Day) | 4:00 p.m. | Royal Procession, Nang Noppamas Parade, and cultural parades representing Sukhothai’s nine districts through Sukhothai Historical Park | Free |
| November 24, 2026 (Loy Krathong Day) | 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. | Light and Sound Show at Wat Mahathat | THB 500-1,200 |
| November 24, 2026 (Loy Krathong Day) | 9:00 p.m. | Candle-lighting Ceremony at the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument | Free |
| November 24, 2026 (Loy Krathong Day) | 10:00 p.m. | Royal Floating Lamp Ceremony at Traphang Trakuan | Free |
| November 24, 2026 (Loy Krathong Day) | 11:00 p.m. | Traditional Thai fire performances and fireworks displays at Traphang Trakuan | Free |
For those planning to attend, the event map and full schedule are available in https://sukhothailoykrathong.com/about
Light and Sound Show Ticket Information
Tickets for the “SUKHOTHAI Light and Sound” show at Wat Mahathat are available in three seating zones: Yellow Zone (THB 1,200), Green Zone (THB 900), and Blue Zone (THB 500). You can book tickets in advance by calling 06-1242-8555. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. daily, with an additional performance at 8:30 p.m. on November 24, 2026.
Note: The “Welcome the Dawn of Happiness” activity takes place from November 15 to 24, starting at 5:00 a.m. on November 15 and 6:00 a.m. from November 16 to 24. Talat Laek Bia (Cowrie Shell Market) opens at 4:00 p.m. daily. Event schedules are subject to change, so travelers are advised to check with the organizers before traveling.
How to Get to Sukhothai for Loy Krathong Festival 2026
1. Flying to Sukhothai with Bangkok Airways
Discover the charm of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai Festival with a convenient direct flight from Bangkok to Sukhothai Airport with Bangkok Airways, taking 1 hour and 20 minutes. Enjoy premium service throughout your journey before immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of Sukhothai Historical Park, surrounded by ancient ruins. Admire traditional cultural parades, watch spectacular light and sound shows, and float a krathong under the full moon of the 12th lunar month.
2. Getting from Sukhothai Airport to Sukhothai Old Town
For transportation from Sukhothai Airport to Sukhothai Old Town, you can take a songthaew (shared pickup truck), with two daily departures at 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Fares are approximately THB 100 per person. It is recommended to check routes, departure times, and fares in advance, as services may change, especially during the Loy Krathong Festival.
3. Free Shuttle Service from Sukhothai Old Town Parking Areas to the Sukhothai Historical Park
Free shuttle services operate from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, departing every 20 minutes. There are two pickup points: the parking area behind Sinwana Shop and the football field at Li Thai School, offering convenient transportation to Sukhothai Historical Park, the venue for the Sukhothai Loy Krathong, Phao Thian Len Fai Festival.
Best Things to See and Do at Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival
1. Welcome the Dawn of Happiness at Wat Traphang Thong
Start your morning with the Welcome the Dawn of Happiness activity at Wat Traphang Thong in Sukhothai Historical Park, held from November 15 to 24, 2026. The activity starts at 5:00 a.m. on November 15 and at 6:00 a.m. from November 16 to 24.
Join the traditional alms-giving ceremony and listen to Buddhist monks chanting prayers for blessings and good fortune, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of an ancient temple and historic ruins at dawn.
2. Admire Traditional Cultural Parades and Phum Khao Bin Krathong Displays
Admire the beauty of traditional phum khao bin krathongs, known for their distinctive lotus-bud shape, along with parades featuring large and small krathongs, hoisted and hanging lanterns, and phanom mak and phanom dokmai offerings. These elaborate displays reflect the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Sukhothai. On Loy Krathong night, enjoy vibrant cultural parades representing all nine districts of Sukhothai, along with traditional Khon masked dance performances.
In addition, the festival features a range of international cultural activities, including a cultural exchange between Sukhothai and Jinju, South Korea, a recreation of India’s Diwali Festival, and Chinese lantern sculptures inspired by the Chang’an Lantern Festival in Xi’an, China.
3. Dress in Traditional Thai Attire and Explore the Ancient Market
Dress in traditional Thai attire and experience the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival, with beautiful photo opportunities set against the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park. Traditional Thai costumes are also available for rent at the festival. Then, step back in time at Talat Laek Bia (Cowrie Shell Market), which recreates the charm and atmosphere of an ancient Sukhothai marketplace.
4. Watch the Spectacular Light and Sound Show
Be amazed by the spectacular light and sound show at Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Historical Park, bringing the glorious history of the Sukhothai Kingdom to life through captivating performances, lighting, and sound effects, with ancient ruins as the backdrop.
Another must-see highlight is the traditional Thai fireworks display at Traphang Trakuan, featuring talai and fai phaniang fireworks displays presented by the Sukhothai Fireworks Troupe, which has preserved this traditional art since 1977. The dazzling fireworks light up the night sky, creating a memorable experience.
5. Experience the Traditional Loy Krathong and Candle Festival Ceremony
Celebrate Loy Krathong on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month by floating a krathong and making a wish, surrounded by beautifully illuminated ancient ruins. On November 24, 2026, you can also witness the candle-lighting ceremony at the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument at 9:00 p.m., followed by the Royal Floating Lamp Ceremony at Traphang Trakuan at 10:00 p.m.
Q&A About Sukhothai Loy Krathong
Do I need to buy tickets for the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival?
You can enjoy free activities at the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival, including cultural parades along the roads of Sukhothai Historical Park, exploring Talat Laek Bia (Cowrie Shell Market), and joining the Welcome the Dawn of Happiness ceremony at Wat Traphang Thong. However, the “SUKHOTHAI Light and Sound” show at Wat Mahathat requires a ticket, priced at THB 500, 900, or 1,200 depending on the seating zone. Tickets can be reserved by calling 06-1242-8555. Please note that separate admission fees may apply to the historical park’s monument zones.
What time should I arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park during the festival?
It is recommended to arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park around 3:00-4:00 p.m. to explore the traditional market, enjoy cultural activities, and admire the ancient ruins before the evening shows. On Loy Krathong night, November 24, arriving earlier is advisable to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing spot for the cultural parades, light and sound shows, and fireworks displays.
What should I wear to the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival?
Travelers are encouraged to wear traditional Thai clothing to embrace the cultural atmosphere of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival and take beautiful photos against the ancient ruins. Traditional Thai costumes are also available for rent at the festival. Alternatively, choose lightweight, comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the event involves exploring a large historical park. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended when visiting temples.
Immerse Yourself in the Magic of Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival with Bangkok Airways
Discover the romance and wonder of Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival in the enchanting setting of Sukhothai Historical Park. From floating candlelit krathongs and watching spectacular light and sound shows to exploring beautifully illuminated ancient ruins, experience the festival in a truly unforgettable way. Begin your journey to Sukhothai with Bangkok Airways and enjoy a comfortable travel experience.
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