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The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of Thailand’s most delightful and visually spectacular cultural festivals, taking place in the northern City of Chiang Mai. The festival is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Lanna tradition lunar calendar. It is celebrated by releasing thousands of lanterns, or ‘khom loi’, into the sky, symbolising the release of misfortune. People from around the world join in the celebration at the temples and along the Ping River to see the glowing night sky. This year, the festival will take place on the 5th and 6th November, 2025.
About The Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition of the Northern Thai Lanna culture. The festival mostly takes place in Chiang Mai, with the main highlight being the breathtaking view of the sky, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released to take away the misfortune and bring in the blessings.
Chiang Mai Lantern Festival is celebrated only in the north, unlike Loy Krathong, which is celebrated in all parts of Thailand. Yi Peng often features traditional music and dance ceremonies at temples, making Yi Peng one of the most beautiful events across Thailand.
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Yi Peng Lantern Festival History
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The Yi Peng Lantern Festival’s history originates from the ancient Lanna Kingdom in Northern Thailand. The festival marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the harvest time. During the festival, people pay respect to Gautam Buddha, and pray to let go of misfortunes by releasing the lanterns in the sky.
Over the years, the festival became aligned with a Thai festival called Loy Krathong, which honours the water goddess.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival Dates
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In 2025, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival will be celebrated on the 5th and 6th of November, following the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the traditional Lanna calendar.
These days coincidentally align with Loy Krathong, so there is a magical combination of floating lanterns and water offerings. Although the main lantern release will be traditionally held on the evening of November 5, festivities will take place on the 6th with ceremonies being held in the temples, along with parades, and cultural performances.
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Location
The festival is best experienced in Chiang Mai, the cultural center of Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is known for its old temples and authentic Lanna history, making it a beautiful place to see so many illuminated lanterns during the festival.
Major places for Yi Peng festivities include Tha Phae Gate, the Ping River, and many temples like Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang, in which traditional rituals and lantern lighting are performed.
How To Reach
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Already planning your trip to Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival? Here’s how you can get there easily by air, train, or road.
By Air: The nearest airport to Chiang Mai city is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), located just 5 kilometers from the city. Travellers can take a connecting flight from Delhi or Mumbai to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, which takes approximately 3-5 hours to reach. Chiang Mai Airport offers numerous domestic flights to Bangkok, Phuket, and other cities. Upon arrival, travellers can take a taxi or the airport shuttle to their hotel. It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to drive by taxi.
By Train: Chiang Mai Railway Station is the end of the northern rail line and is only 3 kilometers south of downtown. Taxis and tuk-tuks are easy to hire at the station directly to hotels or festival sites. Daily services are available through the station to Bangkok and other destinations in Thailand, including sleeper trains that take approximately 10-13 hours to reach.
By Road: Chiang Mai can be reached from the north, east, south, or west Thailand via well-maintained Highways 11 or 118. Long-distance buses operate daily to and from Chiang Mai and major cities such as Bangkok with approximately 9-10 hours of travel time. You can also reach the city via private car or taxi.
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Things To Do During The Yi Peng Lantern Festival
There’s so much more to Yi Peng than just releasing lanterns. Here’s a list of must-do activities to fully experience the charm of the Chiang Mai festival:
1. Release A Sky Lantern (Khom Loi)
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One of the most symbolic Yi Peng activities is releasing a lantern in the sky. You can choose between the free public release at Tha Phae Gate or pay for a ticketed release, such as at Mae Jo University or at CAD Khomloy, where you will have a more organised experience.
2. Float A Krathong On The Ping River
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You can float small, candlelit floats made of banana leaves, called krathongs, into the Ping River. This is done to pay homage to the water goddess, as a part of Loy Krathong festival. Popular places to float the krathongs include Nawarat Bridge and the riverbanks near the bridge.
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3. Visit Temple Grounds At Night Lit By Lanterns
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There is something pretty spectacular about the temple grounds of Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang being lit by thousands of lanterns and candles. It is peaceful to sit and take part in the rituals, the chanting of monks, and the overall ambiance of spirituality.
4. Watch Cultural Parades And Performances
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You will have the opportunity to see lots of traditional parades involving Lanna culture, as well as view dances and hear music in parade format near Tha Phae Gate and the Old City walls.
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5. Eat And Explore Local Food At Night Markets
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You can sample Chiang Mai’s traditional foods, such as khao soi, grilled assorted skewers, sticky rice with mango, and other snacks at the Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street, or Warorot Market.
6. Attend Workshops To Make Your Own Lantern Or Krathong
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You can sign up for the opportunity to have a workshop to make your own sky lantern or krathong if you want to participate in a more hands-on experience. Check hotels, cultural centers, etc., for this as an option.
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7. Walk At Night Around The Old City
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The streets and temples around the Old City, sparkling and glowing with lanterns, create an even more magical atmosphere for a peaceful and serene evening stroll. Local vendors and street performers add to the charm, making the walk lively and an unforgettable experience.
Tips For Travellers
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- Book In Advance: Book accommodations and flights early, as they tend to fill up quickly during the festival.
- Arrive Early For The Best Experiences: Since many popular lantern release spots fill up very quickly, arriving early ensures you can get a good view and soak in the atmosphere!
- Carry Some Cash: Many local vendors will only accept cash. Make sure to have plenty of Thai baht on hand for food, souvenirs, and entrance fees.
- Be Mindful Of Customs And Traditions: The Yi Peng Lantern festival is a spiritual and cultural event, so being mindful during ceremonies and dressing appropriately for the event is advised.
- Stay Hydrated And Comfortable: Even though the nights in November can be cool, the days can feel warm. Wear suitable footwear, dress in layers, and always carry water wherever you go.
- Plan Transportation In Advance: Traffic around the festival grounds and venues can be chaotic. Tuk-tuks, taxis, or Grab can be easier for transportation and avoid the hassle of parking.
- Be Aware Of Weather Conditions In Advance: Although November is normally dry, it can rain occasionally. Check the weather forecast before and consider bringing an umbrella or raincoat.
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is an amazing experience, rich in spectacular sights and cultural meaning. From releasing the lanterns to immersing yourself in Chiang Mai’s rich customs, this is a festival that no traveller should miss. Make the most of your experience by planning ahead, and start your adventure today! Plan your trip now with TripXL, and experience one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand!
Cover Photo: An Hoàng / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
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