27/10/2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents one of the great events of the year, “Loy Krathong and Candle Festival” (Phao Tian Len Fai), held from 27 October to 5 November 2025, at the Sukhothai Historical Park in Sukhothai Province.
The event will feature:
- Contests for krathong, hanging lanterns, and floral arrangements;
- Light and sound shows;
- The lighting of candles (phao tian);
- Displays of fireworks;
- Thai way of life demonstrations;
- A traditional cowrie shell (or pod duang, an ancient form of money in the Sukhothai Kingdom) market;
- Khon performances and more.
A special addition to this year’s event is the “Candle Lighting Ceremony in Tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother,” held at 21.21 hr each night throughout the event to provide an opportunity for the public to express their condolences and respect.
Entertainment activities, such as light and sound shows and fireworks displays, are adjusted to fit the mourning atmosphere for Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
The Loy Krathong tradition has no clear evidence as to when it began, but it is believed that this tradition has been practiced since the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (approximately 1279–1298). Evidence appears in Ramkhamhaeng Inscription No. 1, which states that Phao Tian Len Fai was the largest celebration in Sukhothai.
The TAT Sukhothai Office has also prepared several tourism maps and routes to meet the diverse travel needs of tourists at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/tatsukhothaikamphaengphet/posts/pfbid025N2tYeXh2X2cNFCrXCuakXKK4c51JfHKyLSvZnyHwu2Lqad9ozadqu4RkdvLWGRXl.