Loy Krathong in Pattaya

One of the most beautiful evenings of the year, when the coast and city parks fill with twinkling lights. In 2026, the holiday falls on November 24: on that evening, thousands of people set small krathong rafts made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles on the water to thank the water goddess and let go of the misfortunes of the passing year. Pattaya marks Loy Krathong on a grand resort scale: on the beach, in Lan Pho Park in the Naklua area, and on Koh Larn island. By the way, this is a very different holiday from Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng with its sky lanterns: here, water is what matters most. Current as of June 2026.

What kind of holiday is this? 🏮

Loy Krathong is a nationwide Thai holiday, literally meaning “to float a raft on the water.” It is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, so the date shifts every year. Traditionally, the holiday is dedicated to Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water: people thank rivers and the sea for the harvest and offer symbolic apologies for using water all year long.

A krathong is a small raft, most often made from a banana trunk and decorated with folded leaves, flowers, and a lit candle. People often put a coin, a lock of hair, or nail clippings inside, believing that as the krathong floats away, the person lets go of grievances and misfortunes and starts “with a clean slate.” In Pattaya, the holiday is closely tied to the legend of Nang Nopphamat, a young woman who, according to tradition, was the first to float a krathong on the water. That is why beauty contests for the “Loy Krathong queen” are a traditional part of the program.

When and where it is celebrated

The main evening Loy Krathong in Pattaya in 2026 is on November 24. The exact date is set by the lunar calendar (the full moon of the 12th month), so it falls in mid to late November in different years.

The holiday in Pattaya takes place at several venues at once. The central one is the Pattaya Beach promenade in the Central Pattaya area: a stage is set up here, with performances and krathong launches right in the sea. The family-friendly and quieter location is Lan Pho Public Park in Naklua, next to the same-named Naklua market · RU. Separate celebrations are also traditionally held on Koh Larn island. The organizer is usually Pattaya City Hall. The main events take place in the evening, after sunset; the exact program and times for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the date.

Traditions and how it is celebrated

During the day, parks and schools host krathong-making contests using natural materials, student performances, and dance numbers. The highlight is the evening release of krathongs on the water: on Pattaya Beach they are launched directly into the bay, while in Naklua and on Koh Larn they are set afloat near the shore and in ponds. The sight is mesmerizing: dozens and hundreds of small lights slowly drift apart on the dark water.

A separate spectacle is the Nang Nopphamat contest, a Thai beauty contest in which young women wear traditional dress. The program also includes live music, food fairs, folk games, and, in some years, fireworks. On Koh Larn, boat races and cooking contests are also added. A tourist can do more than watch: buy or make a krathong of their own, make a wish, and set it on the water — this is the main ritual of the holiday. By the way, Pattaya increasingly focuses on eco-friendly krathongs made of bread or ice, to cut down on polluting the sea.

Practical tips for tourists

Getting to the event center is easy: Pattaya Beach is the heart of the city, while songthaews (tuk-tuks) and ferries run to Naklua and Koh Larn from Bali Hai Pier. Arrive an hour to an hour and a half before sunset, to get a spot by the water and buy a krathong. They are sold everywhere near the venues, usually for a few dozen baht. The holiday itself and entry to the venues are free, and only the krathong itself, food, and souvenirs may cost money.

What to bring: light clothing, small-denomination cash, a charged phone for photos, and mosquito repellent for the water’s edge. If possible, choose an eco-krathong — it is kinder to the sea. And remember the crowds: the promenade is packed that evening, so keep your belongings with you and keep an eye on children near the water.