Sukhothai Invites Visitors to Experience the Magic of Loy Krathong at “Sukhothai Loi Krathong, Candle Lighting and Fireworks Festival 2026”
“Sukho Sukhi at Sukhothai” brings a spectacular celebration of light, sound and colour to the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cultural highlights from three countries, 15–24 November 2026, at Sukhothai Historical Park.
Sukhothai Province invites locals and visitors to experience the beauty of Thai traditions against the atmospheric backdrop of ancient monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the “Sukhothai Loi Krathong, Candle Lighting and Fireworks Festival 2026”, taking place from 15–24 November 2026 at Sukhothai Historical Park, Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai Province.
Over 10 days, the festival will bring the charm of the ancient city to life through spectacular light and sound performances, traditional processions, local handicrafts and vibrant lifestyle markets. This year’s programme will also feature cultural exchanges from China, South Korea and India, adding an international dimension to the Loy Krathong celebrations. Visitors can enjoy a journey filled with opportunities to explore, taste local delicacies, shop for traditional crafts and experience diverse cultural traditions up close.
The celebrations begin on 15 November with the official opening ceremony at 4.00 pm in front of Wat Sa Si, followed by a colourful procession along the roads within Sukhothai Historical Park. The procession will feature large and small krathongs, traditional suspended and hanging lanterns, Phanom Mak (traditional betel arrangements), Phanom Dok Mai (floral arrangements) and Nang Nopphamat, the symbolic beauty queen of the Loy Krathong festival. Together, these elements showcase local traditions and ways of life, allowing visitors to admire the intricate craftsmanship and the community’s dedication to preserving Sukhothai’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the procession, visitors can enjoy traditional Thai performances set against the atmospheric backdrop of the ancient monuments. From 15–24 November, performances will take place at various locations throughout the historical park. Visitors can also explore recreated scenes of life in the Sukhothai period and discover traditional markets, including Talat Laek Bia and Talat Ban Ban, alongside other local lifestyle markets. These activities offer an engaging way to experience the character and everyday traditions of the ancient city.
A Cultural Celebration Featuring Three Countries
Adding an international dimension to this year’s festival is a cultural exchange programme featuring the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of India. Each country will present distinctive cultural perspectives and traditions within the setting of this World Heritage Site.
From 15–24 November, visitors can admire lantern displays inspired by the traditional Chang’an artistic style of Xi’an, China, as well as an exhibition celebrating India’s Festival of Lights, Diwali. Both displays will be presented at the plaza in front of Wat Mahathat, offering visitors an opportunity to discover how light is expressed through different cultural traditions.
Further enriching the cultural programme will be performances from Jinju City, South Korea, scheduled from 19–23 November at 8.00 pm. The performances will showcase the distinctive identity and artistry of Korean performing arts, reflecting the friendship between sister cities and their commitment to international cultural exchange. This is a highlight for visitors looking to add a new dimension to their Sukhothai trip while enjoying the diversity of cultures brought together at one festival.
Spectacular Light and Sound, Fireworks and Night-time Celebrations
One of the festival’s must-see highlights is the Light and Sound performance at Wat Mahathat, which brings the ancient monument to life through an immersive evening presentation of light and sound. Offering a fresh perspective on Sukhothai’s historic surroundings, the show provides a memorable opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the ancient city after dark and capture special moments during the festival.
The performances will take place from 15–23 November at 7.00 pm, with two showtimes on 24 November, at 7.00 pm and 8.30 pm, giving visitors greater flexibility to plan their evening around the festival’s other activities.
As the night continues, fire performances, fireworks and pyrotechnic displays will illuminate the skies above the ancient city. These displays are scheduled for 15–23 November at 10.00 pm, and on 24 November at 11.30 pm, following the Royal Candle Offering Ceremony. The dazzling spectacle provides a fitting finale to each evening, inviting visitors to stay and enjoy the festive atmosphere until late.
Celebrating Loy Krathong Day on 24 November
On 24 November, the main Loy Krathong celebration day, visitors are invited to witness the Royal Procession, the Nang Nopphamat Procession and traditional cultural parades representing all nine districts of Sukhothai Province. The processions will begin at 4.00 pm along the roads within Sukhothai Historical Park.
The evening will continue with the Candle Lighting Ceremony at 9.00 pm at the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument, followed by the Royal Candle Offering Ceremony at 10.00 pm at Traphang Trakuan. These ceremonies are among the most significant moments of the festival and reflect the enduring commitment of the Sukhothai community to preserving its cultural traditions.
Families, couples and friends are invited to create lasting memories together at this special celebration. Stroll through the ancient city in the soft light of dusk, discover local arts and traditional ways of life, and enjoy spectacular performances and illuminated landmarks as night falls.
Experience the “Sukhothai Loi Krathong, Candle Lighting and Fireworks Festival 2026”, taking place from 15–24 November 2026 at Sukhothai Historical Park. For further information, visit the Facebook page “งานประเพณีลอยกระทง เผาเทียน เล่นไฟ จังหวัดสุโขทัย ปี 2569” or the official website at www.sukhothailoykrathong.com.
Join the celebration and discover “Sukho Sukhi at Sukhothai” – where the timeless charm of Thai heritage meets a spectacular celebration of light, culture and tradition.
See you from 15–24 November 2026 at the Sukhothai Loi Krathong, Candle Lighting and Fireworks Festival 2026: “Sukho Sukhi at Sukhothai”.
