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Every November in northern Thailand, the monsoon fades, the air turns cool, and Chiang Mai transforms into one of the most visually stunning celebrations on earth. 

Yi Peng fills the night sky with thousands of glowing khom loi, while Loy Krathong sets the Ping River shimmering with candlelit krathongs, and for one full moon night, you get both at once. 

This guide walks you through participating in these festivals legally and respectfully. 

But before you go, get a Thailand eSIM to stay connected from the moment you land, and if you're extending your trip, an Asia eSIM keeps you online across the region without skipping a beat.

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What to pack for Thailand’s lantern festival season

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Light layers for warm evenings and cooler nights

Thailand in November is generally warm, but festival nights can feel cooler than expected, especially if you are outdoors for hours by the river or at a lantern release venue.

I would pack light, breathable clothes for the day, then add a thin outer layer for the evening. This is especially useful in Chiang Mai, where nights during festival season can feel cooler than Bangkok.

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

You do not need heavy footwear for lantern festival season, but you do want something comfortable enough for long walks, standing around, and slow-moving crowds.

Festival nights often involve walking between temples, bridges, riverside areas, markets, and shuttle points, so comfort matters more than dressing up too hard.

The Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival

What Is It?

Picture thousands of glowing paper lanterns rising silently into a November night sky, each one carrying a wish, a prayer, or a quiet letting go. That's Yi Peng (Thai: ยี่เป็ง, Northern Thai: ᨿᩦ᩵ᩮᨻ᩠ᨦ) in its purest form.

This is an ancient Lanna tradition, born in the kingdom that once ruled what is now northern Thailand. Deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism, it's not a nationwide celebration. It's distinctly northern Thai. 

The name tells you everything about its timing: 

• "Yi" means two, and 
• "Peng" means full moon day in the Lanna language. 

Together, Yi Peng refers to the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar, which usually falls in November.

Releasing a khom loi (โคมลอย) is traditionally seen as a symbolic act of making merit, letting go of bad luck, and sending hopes upward.

Official 2026 Festival Dates

Yi Peng 2026 falls on November 24 and 25.

These dates align with the full moon period of the Lanna lunar calendar. Because Yi Peng follows the lunar cycle, the festival dates change every year.

This is one of the busiest travel periods in northern Thailand. If you plan to visit Chiang Mai for Yi Peng, it is wise to book:

• Flights early
• Accommodation early
• Ticketed lantern events early

Hotels near Chiang Mai Old City and popular festival venues often fill up months in advance.

What Happens at the Festival

The most famous moment is the mass lantern release, when thousands of khom loi rise into the sky at the same time.

That said, Yi Peng is not just one single moment. The wider festival period usually includes:

• Temple ceremonies
• Traditional Lanna music and dance
• Lantern-making workshops
• Decorated streets and temple grounds
• Hanging lantern displays across the Old City

In other words, Yi Peng is both a spiritual festival and a community celebration.

Where It's Celebrated

Yi Peng is celebrated throughout northern Thailand, but Chiang Mai is the festival's main center.

As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai hosts the largest and most elaborate Yi Peng events. Other northern provinces, including Lamphun, Lampang, and Chiang Rai, also celebrate, but on a smaller scale.

If you want the fullest Yi Peng experience, Chiang Mai is usually the main base.

The Other Side of Yi Peng

Aviation Risks

Sky lantern releases create real airspace issues.Because thousands of open-flame lanterns rise into the sky during Yi Peng, Chiang Mai International Airport often adjusts, delays, or cancels flights around the main festival nights.

If you are flying in or out of Chiang Mai around November 24 to 25, 2026, build extra flexibility into your itinerary.

Environmental Reality 

Lanterns do not simply disappear after release.

They can land on:

• Rooftops
• Power lines
• Fields
• Forests

Some lanterns also contain materials like metal wire and wax, which can create waste and safety issues after the event.

Because of this, Chiang Mai authorities have restricted lantern releases within city limits except in approved zones and specific time windows.

The Loy Krathong (Water Lantern Festival)

What Is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong (Thai: ลอยกระทง) is Thailand’s Water Lantern Festival.

While Yi Peng is known for lanterns in the sky, Loy Krathong is about floating candlelit baskets on rivers, canals, and ponds.

The name is simple:

• Loy (ลอย) means to float
• Krathong (กระทง) means small basket

Together, the name describes the core ritual of the festival.

Cultural Roots and Legend

Loy Krathong has roots that go back centuries. It blends Buddhist and Hindu traditions into something distinctly Thai.

One of the best-known legends connected to the festival is about Nang Nopphamat (นางนพมาศ), a royal court lady who is said to have created the first elaborately decorated krathong for a king of Sukhothai.

Her legacy still lives on today through Nopphamat Queen beauty pageants, which remain part of many Loy Krathong celebrations.

What does the festival Mean?

Loy Krathong is celebrated across all of Thailand. Unlike Yi Peng, which is mainly a northern Thai tradition, Loy Krathong is nationwide.

At its core, the festival is an act of:

• Gratitude
• Reflection
• Letting go

Traditionally, people float a krathong as an offering to Phra Mae Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา), the water goddess. It is a way of:

• Saying thank you for the year’s water and harvests
• Asking forgiveness for polluting the waterways
• Releasing bad luck, resentment, and heavy emotions

Official 2026 Festival Date

Loy Krathong 2026 falls on November 25.

This date marks the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.

Most celebrations begin at dusk and continue into the night. The busiest period is usually between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, when waterways are filled with candlelight and crowds gather at major viewing areas.

Because the festival date changes with the lunar calendar, it is always worth confirming the exact date before booking a trip.

What Happens at the Festival

The heart of Loy Krathong is the act of floating a krathong (กระทง) on the water.

A traditional krathong usually includes:

• A banana trunk base
• Folded banana leaves
• Fresh flowers
• A candle
• Three incense sticks
• Some people also add symbolic personal items, such as:
• A coin
• A lock of hair
• A nail clipping
• These additions represent the release of negativity or old burdens.

The ritual is simple:

• Light the candle and incense
• Make a wish or quiet prayer
• Place the krathong gently on the water

For many people, this is not just a pretty photo moment. It carries real emotional meaning.

Where It's Celebrated

Anywhere there's water, you'll find Loy Krathong. That said, three cities stand out for scale and atmosphere:

Bangkok

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River becomes one of the country’s main Loy Krathong settings.

Popular areas include:

• Wat Arun
• Asiatique The Riverfront
• ICONSIAM

These spots are known for fireworks, illuminated boats, and large crowds gathering by the river.

Sukhothai 

Sukhothai is often seen as the most historic place to experience Loy Krathong.

Celebrations take place inside Sukhothai Historical Park, where ancient temple ruins create a more atmospheric backdrop.

Many travelers see this as one of the most culturally resonant versions of the festival.

Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong overlaps with Yi Peng.

That means you may see:

• Krathongs floating on the Ping River
• Sky lanterns rising from designated Yi Peng events

This overlap gives Chiang Mai a very distinctive festival atmosphere.

Yi Peng vs. Loy Krathong: What's the Difference?

People often arrive in Chiang Mai thinking that these are the same festival. They're not. 

Here’s the simplest way to think about it: Yi Peng sends wishes upward, into the sky. Loy Krathong sends them downward, into the water.

If you're in Chiang Mai on November 24 or 25, 2026, you don't have to choose. 

You can release a sky lantern at an authorized venue, then head to the Ping River and float a krathong, all in the same night. It's two festivals for the price of one trip.

How to Participate in Yi Peng Sky Lantern Release

Know the Legal Requirements First

This is the part many travelers overlook.

Sky lantern releases are prohibited inside Chiang Mai’s city center. This is not just a suggestion. It is a legal restriction.

The rules exist for several reasons:

• Aviation safety
• Fire risk
• Lanterns falling onto rooftops, power lines, and farmland

The only legal way to release a lantern in Chiang Mai is at an officially authorized venue outside the city. Anything else puts both you and others at risk.

Getting Tickets to CAD Yipeng Khomloy Festival

The CAD Yipeng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival is the best-known authorized event for mass lantern releases and the one most international visitors attend.

It takes place at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna, around 45 minutes outside Chiang Mai’s city center, on both main nights of Yi Peng.

Before booking, here is what to know:

Ticket sales usually open in May or June each year

Price range: Around 4,900 to 15,900 THB

Ticket tiers: Standard, Premium, VIP, Elite, and Platinum

Most tickets include:

• Two sky lanterns
• One krathong
• Thai Lanna buffet dinner
• Cultural performances
• Round-trip shuttle transport

Higher tiers usually include:

• Better seating
• More private viewing areas
• Closer proximity to the main pagoda and fireworks zone

Book only through the official CAD website or a verified ticket agent. For many first-time visitors, Premium or VIP offers a good balance of comfort and value.

Each ticket includes two lanterns per person, and you cannot bring your own. Tickets are also typically non-refundable, so it is best to confirm your travel dates before paying.

Event Day: What to Expect

Getting There

Festival shuttles usually depart between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Depending on your ticket tier, your meeting point will usually be either:

• Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre
• Maya Shopping Mall

Your e-ticket will confirm the correct pickup point. It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes early, since the final shuttle departure is usually a firm cutoff.

Timeline

A typical event schedule looks like this:

• 2:30 to 5:30 PM: Arrival, registration, and free time to explore the cultural village, craft workshops, and Loy Krathong zone
• 5:30 to 7:00 PM: Thai Lanna buffet dinner
• 7:00 PM: Entry into the ceremony area and opening rituals
• 8:15 PM: Mass lantern release and fireworks
• 8:45 PM: Ceremony ends and shuttles return to Chiang Mai

The Ceremony

The ceremony usually begins with monk blessings and chanting, which gives the event a more reverent and spiritual tone. Traditional Lanna music and dance performances usually follow. Then comes the countdown.

When thousands of lanterns rise together, the atmosphere shifts quickly. For a few minutes, the whole event feels quiet in a way that is hard to describe.

Your Lantern

Each ticket usually includes two khom loi (โคมลอย).

These lanterns are typically made from:

• Rice paper
• A bamboo frame
• A small fuel cell

Before the release, many people write wishes or prayers on the lantern. When it is time, the fuel cell is lit, the lantern fills with hot air, and you release it once it starts pulling upward on its own.

Alternative Options (Less Reliable)

If the CAD event is sold out or outside your budget, there are a few alternatives. Just know that they come with less certainty.

Possible options include:

• Maejo University area
• Huay Tueng Tao Lake
• Smaller village celebrations

These can feel more local and more intimate, but they are also harder to verify in advance. Availability, permits, and public information can change from year to year.

If you go this route, it helps to check:

• Local Chiang Mai forums
• Facebook groups
• Updates from trusted local guides

How to Participate in Loy Krathong

Making or Buying Your Krathong

DIY Krathong

Making your own krathong is worth doing if you have time.

Workshops often run during festival week at:

• Guesthouses
• Temples
• Community centers

These usually take around 30 to 60 minutes. You may fold banana leaves, pin flowers into place, and add the candle and incense yourself.

A handmade krathong often feels more meaningful than a store-bought one, especially when you float it on the water later that evening.

Buying Krathongs

If time is tight, buying one is easy.

Vendors usually set up along the riverbanks from the afternoon of festival day onward.

Typical prices:

• Basic krathongs: Around 20 to 30 THB
• More elaborate designs: Higher depending on size and decoration

Buying from local vendors also supports the artisans who make them by hand.

Eco-Friendly Options

This part matters.

Traditional krathongs made from banana trunk, banana leaves, and fresh flowers are biodegradable and much better for the waterways.

Try to avoid Styrofoam krathongs, which create more waste after the festival.

If possible, choose krathongs made from:

• Banana leaves
• Banana trunk
• Bread, which fish can eat

It also helps to remove any non-biodegradable decorations before floating your krathong.

Best Locations to Float Krathongs in Chiang Mai

• Nawarat Bridge and Ping River: The most atmospheric spot, especially as lanterns from the private events drift overhead
• Iron Bridge area: Less crowded than Nawarat, still beautiful
• Riverside near Old City: Accessible and lively, with plenty of vendors and food stalls nearby
• Tha Phae Gate area: Great for the parade and street celebrations, with water access nearby

The Floating Ritual

What to Do

Place your candle and three incense sticks upright in the krathong, then light them. Hold the krathong in both hands, make your wish or say a quiet prayer, and gently lower it onto the water's surface. Let it drift. Watch it go.

Timing

Celebrations run from sunset through late evening. The practical window is roughly 6:00 to 11:00 PM, with peak activity between 7:00 and 9:00 PM when the river is at its most spectacular.

What It Symbolizes

Floating a krathong is more than just a festival activity.

For many people, it symbolizes:

• Letting go of anger, grudges, and bad luck
• Releasing the emotional weight of the past year
• Showing gratitude to the water that sustains life

For couples, floating a krathong together can also represent a shared wish or shared future.

Some people also see it as a good sign if the candle stays lit until the krathong disappears from view.

The Night the Sky and River Glow Together

Experiencing Yi Peng and Loy Krathong together is one of Chiang Mai’s most memorable travel moments.

What makes it special is not just the visuals. It is the way both festivals invite you to slow down, let go, and be fully present.

Reliable mobile data also makes the experience easier, especially when you are dealing with shuttle pickups, maps, ticket details, or real-time updates.

Airalo’s Thailand eSIM helps you stay connected without needing to swap physical SIM cards or worry about roaming charges, so you can focus less on logistics and more on the festival itself.

 

Stay connected on your trip with 15% off your first eSIM. Use the promo code THAILIGHTS15 at checkout and enjoy seamless data on your adventures. Terms and conditions apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the festival of lights in Thailand?

Thailand has two festivals of lights: Yi Peng (sky lanterns released in Chiang Mai) and Loy Krathong (water lanterns floated nationwide). Both celebrate the end of monsoon season and symbolize releasing negativity and welcoming good fortune.

When is the lantern festival in Thailand? 

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong will take place on November 24-25, 2026. The festivals happen on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, which typically falls in November each year.

What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?

Loy Krathong is a nationwide water lantern festival where you float decorative baskets on rivers. Yi Peng is specific to Northern Thailand (mainly Chiang Mai) and involves releasing sky lanterns. They happen simultaneously but are separate festivals.

What do you do at the Yi Peng Festival?

You release a khom loi (sky lantern) into the night sky after monks perform blessings. Before lighting it, you write wishes or prayers on the lantern. The festival also includes temple ceremonies, cultural performances, and traditional Lanna celebrations.