Thailand's Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession runs to 27 October with drone shows on the Mekong

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is running a programme of evening events alongside the 2026 Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession, on the Mekong riverfront in northeast Thailand, from 22 to 27 October, TAT said on 23 October.

Programme

According to TAT:

• TAT illuminated boat: on display from 18:00 to 22:00 on 22 and 27 October; cruises on the Mekong at 19:00 from 23 to 25 October; and takes part in the finale on 26 October with a river presentation at 22:20.
• Drone shows: 800 drones fly from 19:30 on 24 and 25 October at the Si Sattanakharat riverside area. On 26 October the programme ends at 23:30 with a drone display and fireworks.
• Culture: Molam and traditional Isan music on the riverside, and daily do-it-yourself workshops from 16:00 to 18:00 where visitors make small flower-decorated bamboo boats or banana-stem krathong.

TAT calls the procession a “Signature Thailand Event” and says the evening additions aim to give visitors reasons to stay longer and spend more locally.

For Indian travellers

The festival is most useful this year for travellers already in Thailand who can add a domestic hop to the northeast; the main days left are 24 to 26 October. It also fits the Isan and “beyond Bangkok” itineraries TAT has been promoting. Information is available from the TAT Call Centre on 1672 and at tourismthailand.org.