CultureFestivals

Lampang Loy Krathong 2026 Guide

Every November, on the night of the full moon, Thailand sets its rivers alight. Most visitors head to Chiang Mai, where the sky fills with lanterns and the streets fill with people.

An hour and a half down the road, Lampang does something different. Here, families float Sapao: small ships of bamboo, banana leaf and paper, with sails, candles and offerings on board. On festival night the Wang River fills with them, drifting slowly past the town's century-old bridge.

It's the same full moon, but a quieter, more local celebration. This guide covers when Lampang's festival takes place in 2026, what happens each night, where to watch, and how to make the most of it.

Lampang Loy Krathong

When is Lampang Loy Krathong 2026?

Loy Krathong falls on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. In 2026, that's Tuesday, 24 November.

Lampang's festival, officially called Long Sapao Chao Wiang Lakorn, is organised by the Lampang City Municipality and usually runs for two to three evenings around the full moon

What is a Sapao?

A Sapao is a small floating vessel, shaped like a ship, made for the full moon of Yi Peng, the northern Thai name for this festival. Families build them from bamboo frames, banana leaves and coloured paper, then add masts, flags and small lanterns.

What goes on board matters as much as the ship itself. Traditionally a Sapao carries flowers, candles, incense, rice, fruit and sweets. In the past people even added clothes and cooking pots.

The offerings have two purposes:

•        Remembering loved ones. The food and goods are meant for relatives who have passed away. An old Lanna belief says that whoever floats a Sapao will one day ride a great ship across the river to the next life.

•        Thanking the river. Releasing the ship honours the water that sustains the town and carries away the year's misfortunes.

The tradition began in villages along the Wang River and later moved into town. Today the Lampang City Municipality celebrates it as Long Sapao Chao Wiang Lakorn. “Lakorn” is the old name for Lampang.

Chiang Mai has Sapao too, but in Lampang they're the centrepiece. Rather than the small lotus-shaped krathong you'll see elsewhere, the river fills with ships.

What happens during the festival?

•        The Sapao contest. Communities and schools compete to build the most beautiful Sapao, and the entries are displayed around town.

•        The grand Sapao parade. Giant illuminated ships mounted on vehicles, known locally as Sapao rot yai, roll through the city centre, with dancers and musicians in traditional Lanna dress walking alongside.

•        Launching on the Wang River. After a blessing, the Sapao are released onto the river. Visitors can float their own too.

•        Lights everywhere. Lanterns hang over the streets, oil lamps line doorways and temples, and the historic Ratsadaphisek Bridge is lit up over the water.

•        Food and craft stalls. Northern Thai snacks, local crafts and cultural performances fill the festival grounds.

Where to watch?

  • Five-way Clock Tower intersection (Khuang Nakhon) - The festival's center: stage shows and the parade passing through.
  • Khuang Lakorn park and Ban Chiang Rai Road - Food and craft stalls, Sapao on display.
  • Singhachai pier (Tha Nam Singhachai) - Launching Sapao onto the Wang River.
  • Lampang City Pillar Shrine - Ceremonies and cultural activities.
  • Ratsadaphisek Bridge - The best view of ships drifting downriver under the lit-up bridge.
  • Best spot for photos: the riverbank near Ratsadaphisek Bridge. You'll get the illuminated bridge, the full moon and the glowing Sapao in one frame.

Practical tips

  • Getting there. Lampang is about 100 km southeast of Chiang Mai, around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Trains and buses run between the two cities, but on festival night the center gets busy and some roads close, so plan where you'll be dropped off and picked up.
  • Where to stay. Book early. Lampang is a small city, and good riverside hotels fill up weeks before the full moon.
  • Arrive early. Get to the river by around 18:00 to find a good spot before the crowds build.
  • What to wear. Late November evenings in northern Thailand are cool, so bring a light jacket. Wear comfortable shoes for standing and walking. If you visit temples during the day, cover your shoulders and knees.
  • Be respectful. Sapao are offerings to ancestors, not just decorations. Don't touch other people's Sapao, and give families space when they launch theirs.
  • Keep the river clean. Choose a Sapao made from natural materials such as bamboo, banana leaf and paper. Avoid foam and plastic.
  • Travelling with older family members? The festival area is crowded and there's a lot of standing. A seat by the river and a short, planned walking route make a big difference.

Experience it the easy way

Want to build your own Sapao and launch it on the full moon, without worrying about hotels, road closures or finding a spot by the river?

Our Lampang Loy Krathong private tour is a gentle three-day trip from Chiang Mai. You'll build your own Sapao with a local craftsman, paint a rooster bowl in Thailand's ceramics capital, and watch the parade from a reserved spot by the Wang River. Private groups only.

Reserve your festival spot →

FAQ

  • Is Lampang Loy Krathong the same as Yi Peng? They fall on the same full moon. Yi Peng is the northern Thai name for the festival. Chiang Mai is known for its sky lanterns, while Lampang is known for its Sapao ships.
  • Can tourists float a Sapao? Yes. You can buy one at the festival or make your own at a workshop.
  • Is it very crowded? It's busy on the main night, but far smaller than Chiang Mai. Most of the crowd is local families.
  • Can I see both Chiang Mai and Lampang? Yes. The two cities are under two hours apart. Many travellers spend one night in each.

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