What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?

Loy Krathong is a nationwide Thai festival where floating baskets (krathong) are released on water. Yi Peng is a specifically northern Thai (Lanna) tradition where paper sky lanterns are released — it happens to coincide with Loy Krathong. In Chiang Mai, both are celebrated simultaneously: people float krathong on the Ping River and release khom loi lanterns into the sky. Yi Peng is unique to the North; Loy Krathong happens across all of Thailand.

Is Koh Samui worth visiting in November?

The answer depends on when in November. The first two weeks of November are Koh Samui's wettest period, with heavy rain and rough seas. By around 20 November, conditions typically improve significantly, and late November offers good beach weather at below-peak prices. If you have flexibility, target the last 10 days of November or early December instead.

Monthly Travel Guide

Thailand in November

November is a highlight month for Thailand, with two of the country's most beautiful festivals — Loy Krathong and Yi Peng — and rapidly improving weather. The cool season returns to the North and Central regions. The Andaman coast dries out fully by mid-November. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui) remains wet in the first half but clears significantly by late November. It is one of the best overall months to visit Thailand.

Weather by Region

North (Chiang Mai)

Cool season beginning. Chiang Mai 18–30°C. Clear skies return. One of the best months to visit the North — comfortable trekking weather.

Central (Bangkok)

Cooler and increasingly dry. Bangkok 22–33°C. Humidity dropping. Pleasant evenings for outdoor dining.

South — Gulf Coast

Wet in early November, clearing by month's end. Koh Samui's wettest period is the first two weeks; it typically dries by 20 November.

South — Andaman Coast

Dry season fully established. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta are excellent — calm seas, low humidity, warm temperatures.

Best Destinations in November

Chiang Mai

Yi Peng lantern festival and Loy Krathong make November the single most magical month in Chiang Mai.

Sukhothai

Loy Krathong is celebrated with special intensity at the ancient capital — the most atmospheric setting in Thailand.

Krabi

Dry season returns with calm Andaman seas and ideal conditions for island-hopping.

Where to Avoid in November

Koh Samui (early November)

First two weeks see the heaviest rain of the Gulf coast season — wait until late November.

Festivals & Events

Loy Krathong

Full moon of November (12th lunar month)

One of Thailand's most beloved festivals. Thais float small decorated baskets (krathong) made of banana leaves, flowers, and candles on rivers, lakes, and the sea — releasing bad luck and paying respect to the goddess of water. Celebrated nationwide, but most beautifully in Sukhothai (with illuminated ruins) and Chiang Mai.

Yi Peng

Full moon of November

Chiang Mai's northern counterpart to Loy Krathong. Thousands of paper sky lanterns (khom loi) are released simultaneously into the night sky, creating one of the most visually stunning sights in all of Asia. The main mass release is organised by a temple; smaller personal releases happen throughout the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions