Thailand Festivals in November 2026: Dates, Places & Travel Guide
November 2026 is an exceptional month for Thailand: a rare royal river procession opens the calendar, Sukhothai turns its historical park into a festival of light, Chiang Mai celebrates Yi Peng, and Pattaya closes the month with two nights of fireworks.
The events are spread across the country, so seeing everything requires a realistic route rather than a chain of rushed overnight transfers.
November 2026 festival calendar
| Date | Event | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| November 6 | Royal Barge Procession | Bangkok |
| November 15–24 | Loy Krathong, Candle and Fire Festival | Sukhothai |
| November 23–25 | Yi Peng and Loy Krathong period | Chiang Mai |
| November 24 | Loy Krathong full-moon night | Nationwide |
| November 27–28 | International Fireworks Festival | Pattaya |
November 6: Royal Barge Procession, Bangkok
Fifty-two ceremonial barges travel along the Chao Phraya for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun. This rare royal event requires early arrival and respect for security controls. River services and Old Town traffic will be disrupted.
November 15–24: Sukhothai festival
Sukhothai Historical Park hosts ten days of light, candles and cultural activity, culminating on Loy Krathong night. The ruins create Thailand’s most historically resonant setting for the festival.
Book accommodation in Sukhothai rather than attempting a late return elsewhere. Protect the ancient site: remain on marked routes, use approved krathong areas and never place candles on monuments.
Our Sukhothai vs Ayutthaya guide explains how the two heritage cities differ.
November 23–25: Yi Peng, Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai combines northern lantern traditions with Loy Krathong on November 24. Free city celebrations centre on temples, the Old City and Ping River; coordinated mass sky-lantern releases are controlled ticketed events outside the centre.
November 27–28: Pattaya Fireworks Festival
International pyrotechnic teams illuminate Pattaya Bay across two crowded evenings. The public beachfront show is free, but hotels and transport become scarce. Staying within walking distance of the beach is the strongest planning decision.
Can you combine the festivals?
A comfortable route is Bangkok first, then Sukhothai or Chiang Mai, followed by Pattaya. Do not try to attend Sukhothai and Chiang Mai on the same full-moon night.
- November 4–7: Bangkok and Royal Barge Procession.
- November 20–25: choose Sukhothai or Chiang Mai.
- November 26–29: Pattaya fireworks weekend.
Choose depth over quantity
Bangkok plus one festival destination creates a satisfying 7–9 day holiday. Add Pattaya only if you have 11–14 days and can accept festival-weekend crowds.
Responsible festival travel
- Use biodegradable krathongs without foam, pins or plastic decorations.
- Release sky lanterns only at authorised events and times.
- Dress respectfully at temples and royal ceremonies.
- Do not fly drones without explicit permission.
- Book refundable transport where programmes are still being finalised.
Sources and update note
Checked October 21, 2026. Final local programmes and traffic arrangements may change.
Turn the festival calendar into one smooth trip
We can combine flights, trains, hotels and event nights without wasting days in transit.
