Loy Krathong in Phuket: Best Spots, Date and Lantern Rules

Loy Krathong in Phuket takes place on the evening of Tuesday, November 24, 2026, the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. The main gatherings are usually at Patong Beach and at the lakes and parks of Phuket Town, entry is free, and the one firm rule visitors must know is that sky lanterns are banned around Phuket International Airport.

The festival is a night for floating a small decorated raft, a krathong, on water to thank the water goddess and let go of bad luck. Unlike the Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai, the celebration on the island happens on the water, not in the sky.

When is Loy Krathong in Phuket in 2026?

The date follows the lunar calendar, so it changes every year. Thairath and the Ministry of Culture both list Tuesday, November 24, 2026 as Loy Krathong Day, compared with November 5 last year. It is not a public holiday, so shops and offices open as normal and the festivities start after dark, typically from around 6pm.

The Ministry of Culture has worked with 33 agencies on 14 national guidelines for this year's festival under the theme "Thai-Style Loy Krathong: Preserving Values, Inspiring the Next Generation", according to the state news agency NNT. They cover safety checks on boats, respect for local customs, waste management and a "One Family, One Krathong" campaign to cut the amount of debris left in waterways.

Phuket's municipalities normally confirm their exact venues and programmes only one to two weeks before the night, so check local announcements in mid-November.

Where to celebrate Loy Krathong in Phuket

Based on how the island celebrated in recent years, as reported by The Phuket News, these are the places most likely to host events again:

Last year, Rawai and Karon did not set up decorated festival grounds, but residents and tourists still floated krathongs on local waterways. Many resorts also hold their own small ceremonies by the pool or lagoon for guests.

Why Patong asks you not to float into the sea

Patong Municipality has asked people for several years to use a man-made pond on the beach instead of the open sea. The tide washes krathongs back onto the sand, and The Phuket News reported that around seven tonnes of krathongs were floated at Patong in 2023. In 2025 the temporary pond measured 60 metres long, six metres wide and 80 centimetres deep. In 2024, the municipality also closed the pontoons near the Coral Beach bridge so nobody could float into the sea from there.

Are sky lanterns allowed during Loy Krathong in Phuket?

Near the airport, no. Airports of Thailand, which runs Phuket International Airport, warns every year that sky lanterns, fireworks, balloons, lasers and drones can endanger aircraft. Releasing them inside an airport safety zone breaks the Air Navigation Act and can bring up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. Much heavier penalties apply if an aircraft is damaged.

Outside the safety zone, a lantern or firework release still needs permission from the district chief, which Aerothai's Phuket centre says should be requested at least seven days in advance. Flying a drone within nine kilometres of a runway also requires approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. For most visitors, the simple answer is to leave lanterns for Chiang Mai.

How to choose an eco-friendly krathong

Krathongs are sold at stalls near every venue on the night, so bring small notes. Thailand's environment ministry and the Pollution Control Department recommend:

• Choosing krathongs made of banana trunk, banana leaves and fresh flowers, not foam or plastic.
• Avoiding pins, staples, glitter and plastic decorations.
• Not floating bread krathongs in closed ponds, where large amounts can spoil the water.
• Sharing one krathong per family or group.
• Using the floating area set up by the organisers rather than beaches or rivers nearby.

Tips for a smooth night out

• Arrive before sunset if you want a parking spot or a good place near the water; local guide Phuket 101 says the waterside is busiest from about 8pm to 10pm.
• Use Grab or a taxi rather than driving to Patong or Saphan Hin, where roadside parking fills up early.
• Pack rain protection and insect repellent. Phuket Town's 2025 celebration went ahead in heavy rain, and late November can still bring showers.
• Dress modestly if you join a ceremony at a temple or a municipal stage. Traditional Thai clothing is welcome.

Planning the rest of your trip? See our guides to Phuket weather in November, the best cultural experiences in Phuket and getting from Phuket airport to Patong, plus our overview of Thailand's unmissable festivals.

FAQ

What date is Loy Krathong in Phuket in 2026?

It falls on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Celebrations begin after sunset and continue into the night.

Do I need a ticket for Loy Krathong in Phuket?

No. Municipal events at Patong, Phuket Town and other public venues are free to enter. Some hotels and restaurants sell dinner packages that include a private floating area.

Can tourists float a krathong?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to join in. Buy a natural krathong, light the candle and incense, make a wish and place it gently on the water at the official floating area.

Where is the best place to float a krathong in Phuket?

Patong Beach has the liveliest atmosphere. Phuket Town's park and lagoon events feel more local. Families who want a quieter evening often choose smaller community venues or their hotel's own ceremony.

Photo: Loi Krathong, by Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. The photo does not show a Phuket venue.