Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival Illuminates UNESCO Heritage Site
Sukhothai Province hosts its annual Loy Krathong festival from November 15–24 at the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park. The 10-day event features traditional processions, light-and-sound shows, handicraft markets, fireworks, and cultural performances from China, South Korea, and India. Highlights include nightly light shows at Wat Maha That and the grand Loy Krathong day parade and royal candle-floating ceremony on November 24.
Experience the enchantment of the 2026 Loy Krathong, candle floating, and fire festival "Sukho Sukhee at Sukhothai" — a dazzling display of light, color, and sound in the UNESCO World Heritage city, enriched by cultural exchanges from three countries at Sukhothai Historical Park. Watch the traditional procession from nine districts, enjoy the lifestyle market and handicrafts, then marvel at the fireworks over the ancient city under the concept "The Heritage of Sukhothai: A Creative City."
Sukhothai Province invites the public and tourists to embrace the beauty of Thai tradition amid ancient ruins and World Heritage atmosphere during the "Sukhothai Loy Krathong, Candle Floating, and Fire Playing Festival 2026" from November 15–24 at Sukhothai Historical Park, Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sukhothai Province. Ten days of activities await, including light-and-sound shows, traditional processions, handicrafts, and lifestyle markets, plus international cultural exchanges from China, Korea, and India.
The celebration opens on November 15 at 4:00 PM in front of Wat Sa Si, with a procession through the historical park featuring giant krathong, small krathong, chak lanterns, hanging lanterns, betel arrangements, floral arrangements, and the Nang Nopphamat beauty queen — showcasing local tradition, exquisite craftsmanship, and the Sukhothai people's dedication to preserving their heritage.
Beyond the procession's splendor, visitors can enjoy Thai performances amid the ruins daily from November 15–24 across multiple park zones. Stroll through recreated Sukhothai-era lifestyle areas and markets — including a barter market, village market, and various local lifestyle markets — for an immersive taste of local charm.
This year adds special international cultural exchange from three nations: the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of India — each presenting their unique cultural identity within the World Heritage city atmosphere. Highlights include a Xi'an-style lantern art exhibition from China and a Diwali festival of lights presentation from India, running November 15–24 at the Wat Maha That forecourt.
Cultural exchange deepens with performances from Jinju, South Korea, November 19–23 at 8:00 PM, showcasing the beauty of Korean performing arts and reflecting sister-city friendship and international cultural cooperation.
A must-see highlight is the light-and-sound show at Wat Maha That, where the ancient ruins come alive through light and sound on nightly evenings. Experience the old city's charm from a new perspective and capture unforgettable memories of Sukhothai during the festival. Shows run November 15–23 at 7:00 PM, with two performances on November 24 at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
The night continues with fire performances, fireworks, and pyrotechnics painting the sky above ancient Sukhothai, November 15–23 at 10:00 PM and November 24 at 11:30 PM, following the royal candle-floating ceremony.
On November 24, Loy Krathong day, witness the grand procession — the Nang Nopphamat procession and cultural parade from nine districts — at 4:00 PM on roads within the historical park. Then join the candle-burning ceremony at 9:00 PM at the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument, followed by the royal krathong-floating ceremony at 10:00 PM at Tra Phang Tra Kuan — a pivotal moment when Sukhothai people unite to carry on their tradition.
Bring your family, loved ones, and travel companions to create lasting memories.
