Floating Loy Krathong in Sukhothai

14-Day Cultural Thailand Tour with the Lantern Festival

 
 
  • 14 DAYS
  • First-timer PERFECT FOR
  • US$4,190 p/p
    PRICE FROM
 

Unlocking the Aura of the Lantern Festival

If Thailand is a pretty girl, then the Lantern Festival is her most beautiful time of the year. It would be a truly great experience to combine your Thailand tour with the experiences of Thailand's most spectacular festival.

With this 14-day suggested itinerary, you will start from the heart of Thailand, experience the most authentic festival ceremonies in Sukhothai, enjoy the romantic sky lantern release in Chiang Mai, discover the hidden beauties of Chiang Rai, and relax on the beaches of Phuket at the end.

It is an ideal choice for first-timers, culture fans, and aesthetics fans. Our personal travel advisor will be at your service if you would like to make any changes to the itinerary.

Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist
Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist

"Before hitting the high energy of CAD, we’ll take you to Sukhothai, the birthplace of Loy Krathong.

Unlike Chiang Mai, it’s quieter, slower, and set right inside the ancient ruins. Floating lanterns on historical ponds lit by thousands of candles is pure magic."

Journey Highlights

Festive parade on Loy Krathong Festival
Experience the most authentic Thai celebrations with locals in the city where Loy Krathong originated.
Sunsets at Sukhothai Historical Park
Find the relics of splendid medieval kingdoms in the north of Thailand.
Releasing Sky Lanterns in Chiang Mai
Enjoy a Gold Ticket of the festival. Make a wish together with your loved one and let the sky lantern bring it to God.
Wear Thai costume at Yi Peng Festival
Connect with the rich cultural heritage of Northern Thailand by dressing up in Thai attire.
temple with lanterns
Appreciate the exquisite temple with an amazing decoration of lanterns.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Explore the vibrant local floating markets near Bangkok.
The White Temple in Chiang Rai
Indulge in the stunning colors of temples in the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
kayaking to a cave
Take a kayak to explore a limestone cave on the sea, which has tide-limited access.
Learn how to make your own krathong
Learn how to make your own krathong (floating lantern) and release it the way locals do.
 
 
 
 

Traveler Moments

Bangkok experience
Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
Thailand Long-tail Boat experience
Bangkok, Thailand

An Itinerary for Inspiration

The itinerary below is just a sample for a private tour. Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful Thailand Lantern Festival tour for you.

14-Day Cultural Thailand Tour Map
Day 1

Arrive in Bangkok

 

Welcome to the Land of Smiles. Meet your guide at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. You'll have free time to explore by yourself for the rest of the day.

    Day 2

    Bangkok | The City Highlights

     
    • Get a quintessential impression of Thailand when listening to the monks chanting in Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest temples of Bangkok.
    • Take a Tuk Tuk ride to the Grand Palace to experience the glorious history of Thailand.
    • Continue with a long-tail-boat ride along the ancient canals of Thonburi to get glimpses of the local lifestyle.
    • Stop at iconic Wat Arun, which was once the grand royal temple of King Rama.
    • Cross the Chao Phraya River and we'll drive you to Chinatown for a look at Old Bangkok.
    the Grand Palace Bangkok
    Day 3

    Bangkok | Local Markets

     
    • Get up early, head out to Mahachai Market, the largest seafood market in Thailand.
    • Take a local 3-wheeled bicycle trip to Bangkok's first train station, where you'll board a train to Maeklong Railway Market. Experience the market from a unique perspective: onboard the train! Avoid the crowds and witness the daily routine of locals as the train travels slowly through the market.
    • Next, head to another market highlight — Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Hop on a long-tail boat and cruise through the canals, surrounded by fruit plantations, seasonal produce, flowers, and the homes of local residents.
    • After these amazing experiences, your guide will take you back to Bangkok.
    Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
    Day 4

    Bangkok to Sukhothai | Loy Krathong Celebration

     
    • Fly to Sukhothai, where the famous Thai Loy Krathong ('Floating Lantern') Festival originated. Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will take you directly to your hotel.
    • In the evening, head to the Loy Krathong Festival venue to experience festival celebrations with local people: see the different exhibitions, walk around open souvenir and food stalls, watch traditional Thai shows...
    The Loy Krathong Festival in Sukhothai
    Day 5

    Sukhothai | Loy Krathong Festival Celebration Experience

     
    • Take a bike ride to explore the medieval ruins of the Kingdom (1238–1438). The solemn and exquisite Buddhas offer a feeling of timeless peace. Don't miss the only Buddha with open eyes in Sukhothai.
    • Try your hand at crafting a krathong (floating lantern) during our specially arranged lantern-making experience. Once it is dark, head to the Yom River to release your lantern and make a wish as it floats away
    • Enjoy the Loy Krathong Festival in the evening. The show incorporates Thai history, folk dancing, lasers, and fireworks and is performed from 7:30 PM in Sukhothai Historical Park.
    Festive Lights and Sounds Show in Sukhothai
    Day 6

    Sukhothai to Chiang Mai | The First Sight of Lanna Culture

     
    • Drive to Chiang Mai in the morning. Stop in Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Appreciate the beautifual decoration of the lanterns in the temple.
    • Enjoy some free time after arriving in your hotel in Chiang Mai.
    Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
    Day 7

    Chiang Mai | Wear Thai Costume and Celebrate Yi Peng Festival

     
    • Before heading to the Yi Peng Festival venue, you'll have a chance to dress in traditional Thai attire and get a makeover from our skilled makeup artists.
    • In the late afternoon, you will be taken to the Yi Peng Festival Celebration and Sky Lantern Release venue. Taste some traditional food, enjoy colorful performances, and release a sky lantern to make a wish at the most romantic moment.
    The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
    Day 8

    Chiang Mai | Elephant Interaction

     
    • We'll drive you for about 1½ hours to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary — a paradise for homeless elephants.
    • Take a half-day Memorable Caring Experience there. You'll learn a lot about elephants and interact with them — you can feed them, walk with them, hug them, bathe them, and play mud with them.
    • You will get back to the hotel around 2 pm. Enjoy your free time to explore the old town of Chiang Mai.
    Meeting Elephants in Chiang Mai
    Day 9

    Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai | Three Amazing Temples

     
    • Witness the "White Temple", Wat Rong Khun. It showcases unconventional and contemporary art within a Buddhist temple setting.
    • Then visit Baandam Museum, which is commonly referred to as the Black House and is a popular destination. It serves more as a museum than a temple, although it does contain some shrines.
    • Admire Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple at the end. Despite being relatively unknown to tourists, it is considered one of the most picturesque sites in Chiang Rai.
    • In late afternoon, return to Chiang Mai.
    White Temple in Chiang Rai
    Day 11

    Chiang Mai to Phuket

     

    Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket via Bangkok. Enjoy free time to settle in for the rest of the day.

    Day 11

    Phuket | Sea Cave Exploration and Loy Krothong Releasing

     
    • Enjoy a relaxing morning. Start our guided Krabi adventure at noon.
    • Discover the hidden sea caves and lagoons of picturesque Phang Nga Bay. Hop on a canoe and your experienced guide will paddle you though dramatic lagoons and mysterious limestone caves.
    • Learn how to create a traditional loy krathong using eco-friendly materials provided by our guide.
    • When the reflection of shining stars dots the boundless crystal-clear sea, float your self-made krathong, and immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery and romantic moment.
    float your self-made krathong on Phang Nga Bay
    Day 12-13

    Phuket | Free Time

     

    Enjoy 2 free days in Phuket. Island-hopping tours and adventures in the rainforest are optional. You could just relax on the dreamy beaches.

    Relax on the dreamy beaches.
    Day 14

    Phuket Departure

     

    Say goodbye to Phuket. Have a private transfer to the airport and catch your flights back home or to your next destination.

    Expand All

    Hand-Picked Hotels

    We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

     
    Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
    Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
    Phra Singh Village
    Phra Singh Village
    Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort
    Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort
     
     
     
     

    What's Included

    No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.

    Price Guide

    Price Guide

    4-Star Journey
    • Comfort & Character
    • From US$4,190 per person

    Your Inclusions

    Your Inclusions

    • Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
      Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
    • Dedicated English-speaking local guide
      Dedicated English-speaking local guide
    • All entrance fees & listed activities
      All entrance fees & listed activities
    • All nights in handpicked hotels
      All nights in handpicked hotels
    • Domestic flights between cities
      Domestic flights between cities
    • Daily breakfast & specified meals
      Daily breakfast & specified meals
    • 24/7 on-trip support
      24/7 on-trip support
    • ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
      ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)

    Good to Know

    Good to Know

    Pricing

    • Based on two people, low season travel.
    • Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
    • Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.

    Exclusions

    • International flight (we can help book)
    • Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
    • Visas & travel insurances
    • Tips & personal spending

    Booking

    • Discounts available for children under 8.
    • We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.

    Tour code

    • ah-40

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