Loy Krathong for two in Pattaya: a sunset catamaran instead of the beach crowds
How to spend Loy Krathong on 24 November as a couple: a day and sunset at sea on a catamaran, your own krathong later without the crowds, or dinner on the water with Pattaya's lights. An hour-by-hour plan, prices and what to book ahead.
Loy Krathong 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November, and in Pattaya the whole city heads to the water that evening. If you are two and don't want to spend the night elbowing your way to a pond, there is a better plan: a day and a sunset at sea on a catamaran, then your own krathong later somewhere quiet. Below is an hour-by-hour schedule, prices and a couple of things worth knowing in advance.
Why not the beach. Since 2025 Pattaya has asked people not to float krathongs in the sea (the "No Krathong in the Sea" campaign): they go on temple ponds, lakes and park waters instead. Between 19:00 and 22:00 those spots are so packed that all the romance goes into hunting for a place by the water. Venues and rules are covered in detail in our Loy Krathong 2026 in Pattaya guide.
The plan for 24 November for two:
1. 10:00 - hotel pickup and transfer to Ocean Marina yacht club. On 24 November the sun sets at about 17:47, and you want to see it from a deck, not from the shore.
2. Daytime - islands. The Serenity 71 catamaran: three islands and a sunset at sea takes you to Koh Phai with its white sand, snorkelling over the reef at Koh Rin and Monkey Island (Koh Phet). A buffet lunch on board, soft drinks, fruit, SUP boards and a water slide off the top deck are included. Adult ticket 2,700 baht. The catamaran sails every day, 24 November included.
3. 17:40-18:10 - sunset in the open sea with music on the way back to the yacht club. Around 18:40 you are at the pier and transferred to your hotels.
4. 19:30 - shower, change and buy a krathong on the way: on this day they are sold on every corner.
5. After 21:00 - your own krathong at a temple pond or a lake. Later in the evening families with kids head home, there is more room by the water, and you can make your wish in peace instead of shouting over the crowd.
Honestly about the catamaran. Serenity is a group sea trip with a guide, not a private yacht for two. The 23-metre deck has enough room to find a quiet corner, but you will have to make peace with kids laughing by the slide. Alcohol is not included in the price, so bring some cash for a glass at sunset. Snorkelling masks come with a 1,000 baht deposit, which you get back.
And don't throw your krathong off the deck. The "not in the sea" rule applies to the bay too: a krathong released from the boat still ends up in the sea. Keep it until evening and let it go on fresh water.
If you don't want a whole day at sea. If islands aren't your thing but water and lights are, there is the All Star evening cruise on the bay. It sails every day at 19:30: a seafood buffet dinner, beer and brandy, a cabaret show by Tiffany's performers and an open third deck overlooking Pattaya at night. Transfer included, 1,800 baht per person. By 21:00 you are back ashore, just in time for your pond. You can catch the sunset before the cruise for free at the Pratamnak Hill viewpoint.
If you want a small group. Sabai Island day trip with sunset is a speedboat from Sattahip, a group of 10-12 people, a seafood barbecue and white wine with lunch. It doesn't run on 24 November (only Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays), but you can go on the 23rd or the 25th and stretch the holiday into a long weekend. 2,400 baht per adult.
When to book. Loy Krathong coincides with the start of high season, so it is better to secure holiday dates early. Online booking opens 60 days ahead, and 24 November is already in the calendar. The partner confirms your booking in the chat.
If you don't want to leave after the holiday. In Pattaya the sun sets into the sea every evening, so a flat with a bay view is the same sunset, just every day and without a ticket. An example from the catalogue: a 40 m² studio on the 26th floor of The Cliff on Pratamnak - panoramic sea view, a pool with a waterfall, a walk to Cosy Beach. 17,000 baht a month on a yearly lease. What shorter stays cost and why they are pricier - in our breakdown of rental prices by district.
Cheat sheet: 24 November, Tuesday. Islands by day, sunset from the deck at 17:47, krathong on fresh water after 21:00. No sky lanterns: they are banned in Pattaya, with fines of up to 60,000 baht. All sea trips with prices are in the excursions catalogue.
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