Things to Do in Bangkok in November 2026: Festivals, Concerts and Races

Looking for things to do in Bangkok in November 2026? You have picked one of the best months of the year. The rainy season is winding down, evenings start to feel a little cooler, and the city's calendar fills up with festivals, temple fairs, big concerts and outdoor races. This guide rounds up the highlights we could confirm, with practical notes on getting there, rough prices and what to book in advance.

Dates below come from organisers and ticketing listings at the time of writing. Events move, so always check the official page before you buy tickets or plan a trip around one. For the full, up-to-date list by date, browse the calendar.

Weather in Bangkok in November

November marks the start of the cool, dry season. Expect daytime highs of around 31 to 32 C, lower humidity than in the monsoon months, and only the occasional shower, usually early in the month. Nights by the river can feel pleasant enough for a light layer. It is peak season for tourism, so hotel prices rise and popular restaurants and rooftop bars get busy on weekends.

Festivals and cultural events

Loy Krathong (Tuesday 24 November)

The big one. On the full moon of the 12th lunar month, people float small decorated baskets on the river, canals and park lakes. In 2026 that falls on Tuesday 24 November according to most Thai calendars. The best spots include Asiatique, ICONSIAM, Santi Chai Prakan Park and the big city parks like Lumpini and Benjakitti. We cover it in depth in our Loy Krathong 2026 Bangkok guide.

Golden Mount temple fair at Wat Saket

One of Bangkok's oldest and most charming temple fairs runs around Loy Krathong at Wat Saket, near the old town. Time Out lists the 2026 edition from 17 to 29 November. Expect food stalls, old-fashioned fairground games, live performances and the chance to climb the lit-up Golden Mount after dark. The temple usually charges foreigners a small entry fee to climb the mount (around THB 100). It is a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from Khao San, or take the MRT to Sam Yot and walk about 15 minutes.

Bangkok Art Biennale 2026

The fifth Bangkok Art Biennale, themed "Angels and Mara", opens at the end of October and runs until 28 February 2027. Works are spread across temples, museums and galleries around the city, and many venues are free to enter. November is a good time to see it before the holiday crowds. Our Bangkok art galleries and exhibitions guide lists the main spaces, with openings and talks listed on our events pages.

Concerts and live music in November 2026

November is a strong month for international tours, and most big shows are in the IMPACT complex at Muang Thong Thani, north of the city. Some listed dates at the time of writing:

• BABYMONSTER at IMPACT Arena, listed for 7 and 8 November. (Our concerts in Bangkok 2026–2027 guide has the full line-up.)
• My Chemical Romance, with a Bangkok date moved to 17 November, playing the "Long Live the Black Parade" show in the IMPACT area. Listed tickets start around THB 2,500.
• Joji, on his SOLARIS tour at IMPACT Exhibition Center, listed for 24 November, the same night as Loy Krathong.

Getting to IMPACT is the main headache. The MRT Pink Line runs to Impact Muang Thong Thani station, close to the venue; otherwise plan on a taxi or Grab (often 45 minutes to over an hour from Sukhumvit at rush hour). Leaving after a show takes patience, so consider a ride-share pickup point a short walk away.

For smaller gigs, jazz bars and local bands, see our Bangkok live music venues guide.

Sports: running, races and more

Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (28 and 29 November)

The city's biggest road race takes over the old town on the last weekend of the month. The half marathon is listed for Saturday 28 November and the full marathon, 10K and fun run for Sunday 29 November, with very early starts (the full marathon reportedly sets off around 2 AM to beat the heat). Several reports say entries are sold out, so if you missed out, come and cheer near Sanam Luang. Expect road closures around Rattanakosin that weekend.

Our Bangkok running races calendar 2026-2027 covers the rest of the season, and runclubbangkok.com lists the weekly run clubs if you want to train with a group.

Other sports

The cooler weather makes November a good month for outdoor training, weekend cycling rides and padel. Padel clubs run social sessions most evenings, and muay thai fight nights at Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadiums run through the month.

Markets, food and nights out

With rain mostly gone, open-air markets are at their best. Chatuchak Weekend Market, the night markets and the riverside food scenes are much more pleasant in November than in August.

Rooftop bars also come into their own this month. Clear skies are more common and it is cool enough to sit outside for longer. Book ahead for weekends, and check the dress code: many rooftops refuse shorts and flip-flops.

Looking ahead to December

If you are staying into December, the festival season ramps up fast. Wonderfruit is reported for 3 to 7 December 2026 near Pattaya, Tomorrowland Thailand makes its debut at Wisdom Valley in Chonburi on 11 to 13 December, and Big Mountain moves to Farm Chokchai 3 near Khao Yai for 12 and 13 December (see things to do in Bangkok in December 2026 and music festivals in Thailand 2026–2027). Then it is New Year's Eve; see our New Year's Eve Bangkok countdown guide.

Practical tips for November in Bangkok

• Book early for Loy Krathong night: river cruises and riverside restaurants fill up weeks in advance.
• Use the BTS and MRT whenever you can. Weekend and festival traffic is heavy, and taxis are hard to find near the river.
• Carry small notes (THB 20 and 100) for temple fairs, markets and krathong stalls.
• Plan concert transport before the show, especially for IMPACT. A return ride-share can surge to several hundred baht.
• Dress for temples: shoulders and knees covered for Wat Saket and Biennale venues inside temple grounds.
• Check road closures for marathon weekend if you are staying in the old town.
• Stay hydrated: cooler does not mean cool. Midday sun is still strong.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Bangkok?

Yes. It is one of the best months: the rains mostly end, humidity drops and there are plenty of festivals. The trade-off is higher hotel prices and more visitors, so book ahead.

When is Loy Krathong 2026?

Loy Krathong 2026 is on Tuesday 24 November according to most sources. A few list 25 November, and many venues hold events across several nights, so confirm with your chosen venue.

What should I wear in Bangkok in November?

Light, breathable clothes for the day, and perhaps a thin layer for evenings by the river or in air-conditioned malls. Bring something that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits.

Can I still enter the Bangkok marathon in November 2026?

Several reports say the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2026 is sold out. Check the official race site for any transfers or late openings, and look at other races in our running calendar.

Are there free things to do in Bangkok in November?

Plenty. Loy Krathong in public parks, many Bangkok Art Biennale venues and wandering the night markets cost little or nothing.