At the end of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Sukhothai Office is organizing an event inviting tourists to dress in traditional Thai costumes to experience the charm of the past.The “Loy Krathong, Candle Burning, and Fire Play Festival of Sukhothai Province for the year 2026.”It promises to be packed with rich content.
This year, it will be grand and spectacular throughout 10 days and 10 nights, from 15 to 24 November 2026, set against the beautiful and valuable backdrop of the Sukhothai Historical Park, Old Town Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sukhothai Province.
The Sukhothai Loy Krathong festival has been held continuously for 49 years. It is considered the original Loy Krathong event connected to the era of the Sukhothai Kingdom, based on the legend that Thao Sri Chulalak created lotus-shaped krathongs to offer to King Ramkhamhaeng. Today, it has been elevated to a World Event renowned worldwide.
This year is special with the event adopting a Green Event format that is environmentally friendly and advancing to the international stage by blending global cultures, including cultural performances from the UNESCO Creative City Jinju, South Korea; a recreation of Diwali, the Festival of Lights from India; and exhibitions of Chang'an-style Chinese lantern sculptures from Xi'an, Sukhothai's sister city.
The event is filled with the atmosphere of the ancient city's prosperity, starting with the opening ceremony and the krathong parade, betel nut and flower offerings, and exquisitely crafted hanging and pulling lanterns from each district. There will be krathong and Miss Noppamas contests, along with reenactments of Sukhothai life. The program includes folk cultural performances, traditional masked dance drama, historical plays about the legend of Thao Sri Chulalak, Muay Thai with rope bindings, and sword and staff demonstrations.
A highlight is the Light & Sound 2026 show titled “City of the Dawn of Happiness,” which will take everyone back to the most prosperous era of the former capital.
For those who enjoy strolling and eating, the retro market zones offer authentic traditional atmospheres, including the Shell Exchange Market, Nostalgic Ancient Market, Ban Ban Market, Dong Tan Market, and Amulet Market. Additionally, there is a zone called“Colors of the River.”Organized by the TAT Sukhothai Office, it gathers local foods, souvenirs, and over 20 DIY workshop activities in one place. Specially, tourists staying overnight in Sukhothai province can receive discount coupons to use within this zone.
Each night ends memorably with the candle burning ceremony, the sacred royal lantern floating ritual, and the must-see highlight of traditional fireworks, sky lanterns, local fire crafts, and fireworks crafted by Sukhothai’s local artisans, lighting up the sky every night at 10:00 PM, culminating with a special grand finale at 11:00 PM on 24 November.
If you are looking for a Loy Krathong venue full of enchanting charm, you can inquire for more details during official hours at the TAT Sukhothai Office Facebook page or the Sukhothai Provincial Public Relations Office.
Information and images: Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Sukhothai Office