Loy Krathong Festival 2025 in Thailand gears up to celebrate cultural traditions and generate record tourism revenue with millions of domestic and international tourists

Posted on November 5, 2025

The Loy Krathong Festival, one of Thailand’s most important cultural events, is set to return in 2025 with a slightly different vibe. Celebrated annually on the full moon night of the 12th month according to the traditional Thai lunar calendar, this year’s festival will be infused with a sense of reverence following the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Despite the somber mood, the festival is expected to significantly boost tourism revenues and attract millions of visitors to key destinations in Thailand.

Tourism outlook and financial impact

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Loy Krathong Festival in 2025 is expected to generate approximately THB 6.54 billion (more than US$200 million) in tourism revenue. The event, scheduled to be held on November 5, is expected to attract 1.91 million domestic tourists, continuing the tradition of this highly anticipated celebration. Although many of the usual festive elements will be more subdued, the cultural significance of the festival is likely to attract large numbers of visitors, both local and international.

TAT expects that the calmer tone of the festival, as a result of the period of national mourning, will lead to more reflective and respectful celebrations. Despite concerns about rising costs of living and economic pressures, the event’s cultural appeal remains strong, and officials are confident it will encourage travel, especially within Thailand.

Celebrations across major destinations in Thailand

Loy Krathong celebrations will be held in seven major provinces this year: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Samut Songkhram, Chiang Mai, Tak and Roi Et. These areas are expected to attract approximately 430,000 visitors, generating an estimated THB 2 billion in tourism revenue. The main Maha Loy Krathong events will be hosted in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, both historically significant cities known for their ancient temples and rich cultural heritage.

This year’s celebrations will reflect a period of national mourning. Large-scale events, such as fireworks displays, will be replaced by more intimate cultural and religious celebrations, providing an opportunity for both locals and visitors to participate in the festival with a sense of reverence and respect. These cultural activities will focus on the beauty of the festival’s rituals, without the usual entertainment show.

Government support to revive tourism

The Thai government’s Khun La Krueng Plus co-payment programme, which subsidizes travel costs for local residents, is expected to provide a boost to domestic tourism. This initiative aims to encourage spending in both major tourist cities and small provinces, contributing to a stronger recovery of the tourism sector. Despite the challenges faced by many Thai citizens due to the high cost of living, the festival’s deep cultural roots are likely to motivate more people to travel, helping to stimulate the local economy.

Chiang Mai’s popularity among foreign tourists is rising

Chiang Mai, famous for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, will see an increase in tourism this year, especially due to the overlap with the Yi Ping Festival. Yi Ping, famous for its floating lantern ceremony, usually attracts a large number of international visitors. This year, hotels in Chiang Mai are expected to achieve full occupancy, with room rates rising by 10-15% as a result of increased foreign interest, especially from Europe. Many tourists have already booked accommodation months in advance, highlighting the city’s growing international appeal during festival season.

In addition to European travellers, Chiang Mai is seeing a rise in visitors from the Middle East. The launch of a new direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai by Etihad Airways is expected to contribute to increasing the flow of tourists to the city, representing an important step in connecting Thailand to new markets.

Cultural importance and economic contributions

Loy Krathong is one of the most important cultural festivals in Thailand. It provides an opportunity for Thai people to honor the water spirits and reflect on their lives, while also celebrating the beauty of Thai culture. Despite the quieter tone in 2025, the festival remains an important part of Thailand’s tourism scene, and has a significant economic impact.

The quieter celebrations will not diminish the importance of the festival. On the contrary, it provides an opportunity for both locals and tourists to engage more deeply in the cultural and spiritual aspects of the event. This shift in focus is likely to resonate with both Thai nationals and international visitors looking for a meaningful cultural experience.

conclusion

Loy Krathong 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event, despite the somber mood accompanying the national mourning period. The festival’s deep cultural significance, coupled with Thailand’s resilience and government initiatives, will help drive tourism growth in the country. With tourism revenues expected to exceed US$200 million, this event will continue to be a major factor in boosting Thailand’s tourism economy. Loy Krathong will undoubtedly remain a beacon of Thai culture, attracting local and international tourists to experience its unique charm, traditions and rituals.