- This event has passed.
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival
06/11/2025 @ 9:00 PM – 07/11/2025 @ 1:30 AM BMT
The Chiang Mai Yi Peng (Yee Peng) Lantern Festival is Northern Thailand’s own celebration of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, held together with Loy Krathong. For a few nights the old city glows with paper lanterns hung across the streets, candlelit temples, krathong floats drifting on the Ping River and, at permitted events, sky lanterns rising into the night.
Updated October 2026 by the Phuket Dream Company team (TAT licensed).
When is Yi Peng 2026 in Chiang Mai?
Yi Peng follows the Lanna lunar calendar, so the date moves every year. In 2026 Loy Krathong falls on Wednesday 25 November, and the main Yi Peng lantern nights are expected on 24 and 25 November 2026, with decorations, parades and events across the city during the surrounding week. Official release times for sky lanterns are set by the city each year, so check the Chiang Mai municipality programme or ask our team before you travel.
Where to see the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
- Tha Phae Gate and the old city moat: lantern decorations, stages and evening processions.
- Three Kings Monument: ceremonies and cultural shows in the heart of the old city.
- Ping River (around Nawarat Bridge): the best place to float a krathong and watch the river fill with candles.
- Temples such as Wat Phan Tao: candlelit grounds and ceremonies led by monks on the full-moon night.
- Ticketed lantern events outside the city: organised mass releases with permits, usually in the San Sai or Mae Jo area. These sell out early and are priced well above the free city events.
Sky lantern rules
Because of fire risk and flights in and out of Chiang Mai airport, releasing khom loi (sky lanterns) is tightly controlled. Release lanterns only at the times and places the authorities permit, or at an organised event with a permit. Fines for releasing outside those windows are heavy. Floating a krathong on the river and lighting candles at temples are open to everyone.
Getting there
Chiang Mai has direct flights from Phuket and Bangkok, and overnight trains and buses run from Bangkok. Flights and hotels around the festival are the busiest of the year, so book as early as you can. Inside the city, walk or use songthaew (red trucks) and ride-hailing apps; many roads around the old city close in the evenings.
Tips for visitors
- Book accommodation inside or near the old city months ahead.
- Arrive at the river or Tha Phae Gate by late afternoon for a good spot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep valuables secure in the crowds.
- Dress modestly when entering temples.
- Do not buy sky lanterns from street sellers to release in the city outside the permitted times.
- Try northern food at the riverside stalls: khao soi, sai oua sausage and sticky rice.
Yi Peng FAQ
What is the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand by floating krathongs on water. Yi Peng is the Lanna (northern) festival on the same full moon, known for lanterns. In Chiang Mai the two are celebrated together.
Can I release a sky lantern in Chiang Mai?
Only during the officially permitted times and places, or at a licensed event. Rules are announced each year.
Do I need a ticket?
No for the city celebrations, which are free. Yes for the organised mass-release events outside the city.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights lets you see the decorations, a procession and the full-moon night.
Can Phuket Dream Company help me plan the trip?
Yes. We book across Thailand and can help with flights, transfers and hotels; message our team on WhatsApp (+66 95 038 5535).
