Nakhon Phanom's Glowing Boats Light Up the Mekong, Oct. 16–27
Bangkok – October 15, 2026 -- Travelers can watch illuminated boats float down the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom from 16 to 27 October, with the main procession on 26 October marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting the 2026 Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession to wider international audiences.
The main procession starts at 18.00 on 26 October
A TAT Nakhon Phanom Office showcase boat leads the parade, followed by 12 illuminated boats representing the province's 12 districts. The district boats compete in beauty and creativity categories for a royal trophy, and each enters the Mekong at 20-minute intervals. A non-competitive Nakhon Phanom University showcase boat joins at 20.00, and the final district entry is scheduled for 22.20.