Loy Krathong is one of the loveliest nights of the Thai year. On the evening of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, people gather at lakes, rivers and beaches to float a krathong: a small decorated raft with a candle, incense and flowers. It’s a way of thanking the water spirits and letting go of the past year’s troubles.
In 2026, Loy Krathong falls on Tuesday 24 November. The water is busiest from about 8pm to 10pm.
Where to go in Phuket
- Saphan Hin, Phuket Town: the island’s biggest local gathering, with a fun fair and krathong competitions.
- Patong Beach: the largest and liveliest crowd, with food stalls and music along the sand.
- Karon Beach and Karon Lake: two good spots just a few minutes apart.
- Kata Beach: a quieter beach evening.
- Nai Harn Lake: a favourite with local families, and beautiful when the lake fills with candles.
- Bang Tao and the Laguna lagoons: the easy choice if you’re staying on the west coast.
- Rawai pier: float your krathong straight off the pier.
Many hotels also hold their own Loy Krathong evenings around the pool.
Choose an eco-friendly krathong
Look for krathongs made from banana-tree trunk or bread, which break down naturally (the fish are happy with the bread ones too). Avoid styrofoam. Simple krathongs usually cost around 40 to 100 baht, and stalls appear near beaches, lakes and piers from late afternoon.
Leave the sky lanterns
Releasing sky lanterns is banned around Phuket airport under Thailand’s air navigation rules, and police remind people of this every year. Stick to floating your krathong.
We’ll have the perfect soundtrack on air all evening. Press play, find a spot by the water and make a wish.