Yi Peng Festival 2025: A Complete Guide to Chiang Mai's Lantern Festival

Imagine a night where thousands of glowing lanterns float into the sky, creating a magical carpet of light above the ancient city of Chiang Mai.

This is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, one of Thailand's most iconic celebrations, held annually in November. In 2025, it will take place on November 5th and 6th.

If you're considering a trip to Thailand, I highly recommend aligning your schedule to experience this extraordinary event.

Not only will you get to immerse yourself in Northern Thai culture, but you'll also witness the world's largest lantern release, a sight that's nothing short of magical. Whether you're here for romance, adventure, or a soul-stirring experience, Yi Peng offers something truly unforgettable.

What Is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng (sometimes written as Yee Peng) is a traditional Lanna festival celebrated in northern Thailand.

The name “Yi Peng” comes from the Lanna language, meaning the “second full moon day” of the lunar calendar. It's a time to celebrate the end of the rainy season, the bountiful harvest, and a moment to let go of worries while wishing for good fortune.

The highlight? Thousands of khom loi—beautiful paper lanterns—fill the sky, each symbolizing the release of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.

What makes it even more special is that Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand's national festival of lights. While Yi Peng lights up the sky with lanterns, Loy Krathong fills the rivers with floating krathongs (decorated boats).

If you're in Chiang Mai during this time, you'll be treated to the best of both worlds—glowing lanterns above and shimmering krathongs below. It's a truly magical experience!

When and Where Is Yi Peng Celebrated in 2025?

Yi Peng is tied to the lunar calendar, so its exact dates change each year. In 2025, it will take place on November 5th and 6th.

While cities like Lampang and Lamphun also celebrate, Chiang Mai is the place to be. This is where you'll witness the most breathtaking lantern releases, lively parades, and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement.

If you're planning to attend, make sure to book early—this festival attracts huge crowds, and flights and hotels often sell out months in advance. It's recommended to book at least three months ahead to secure your spot.

What Is the Origin of the Yi Peng Festival?

The Yi Peng Festival dates back over 700 years to the Lanna Kingdom (1292–1775), which once ruled northern Thailand. The festival was originally a way for the Lanna people to mark the end of the monsoon season and give thanks for a good harvest.

One of the most famous legends tied to Yi Peng is the story of Phayung, the celestial bird. In a time of darkness and despair, Phayung appeared, carrying a candle to guide people and bring hope when all seemed lost.

Inspired by this, locals began releasing lanterns, symbolizing light overcoming darkness and hope for the future. Over time, this tradition became the heart of Yi Peng, turning the night sky into a mesmerizing sea of glowing lanterns.

The Meaning of Yi Peng: More Than Just a Lantern Festival

Yi Peng is far more than a visual spectacle—it's deeply spiritual. The act of releasing a lantern symbolizes the letting go of personal struggles, a cleansing of the soul, and the welcoming of new possibilities. People write their wishes on the lanterns, hoping they will rise into the sky and bring their hopes to fruition.

The festival is also a time for making merit. Many locals visit temples to offer candles, incense, and prayers, seeking blessings for their family, health, and happiness in the coming year.

For those interested in Thai Buddhism, Yi Peng provides an immersive opportunity to witness these sacred practices, such as monk ceremonies and alms-giving.

For many, Yi Peng is also one of the world's most romantic festivals. The lantern release is often shared by couples, families, and friends, each hoping to bring love, luck, and peace into their lives.

How to Experience the Yi Peng Festival 2025?

The highlight of Yi Peng is undoubtedly the lantern release. However, please note that due to safety regulations, lantern releases are not allowed in Chiang Mai's city center. If you want to release your own lantern, be sure to book tickets in advance for one of the designated events.

1) Join a Lantern Release

Chiang Mai has several key venues where you can take part in an organized sky lantern release. Each offers a unique atmosphere:

• CAD (Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy sky lantern Festival) – One of the largest and most popular events, with a grand-scale lantern release and a lively festival atmosphere. It's a fantastic spot to witness thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky.

• Chiang Mai Authentic Sky Lantern – A newer event held on a golf course, offering a cozy and intimate setting. Unique to this experience is the transfer by a scenic train ride, adding a special touch to your journey.

• Mae Jo University – The most traditional venue, known for its strong Buddhist influence. This event is quieter and more spiritual, making it perfect for those who want a more meaningful experience.

Tickets are limited—book early to secure your spot!

2) Experience Cultural Performances and Ceremonies

Yi Peng is not just about lanterns—it's a celebration of Northern Thai culture. During the festival, you'll find:

• Traditional Thai music and dance performances
• Cultural exhibitions showcasing local arts and crafts
• Monk-led ceremonies at temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, where you can witness sacred rituals and make merit.

If you're interested in the spiritual side of Yi Peng, visiting these temples during the festival will provide an enriching and authentic experience.

3) Take Part in the Loy Krathong Festival

During this period, you can also experience Loy Krathong, Thailand's beautiful festival of lights.

During Loy Krathong, thousands of krathongs (small, decorated floating boats made of banana leaves) are released onto the Ping River, creating a breathtaking scene.

How to join? Loy Krathong is a free event, and you can easily participate by:

• Simply heading to the riverbanks and watching the glowing krathongs float downstream.
• Joining the grand parade through Chiang Mai's Old Town.
• Visiting temples or hotels offering krathong-making workshops, where you can create your floating lantern.

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What we offer:

• Premium VIP tickets to the biggest sky lantern release
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• A full-moon dinner with breathtaking views
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Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime festival—book your experience today!

More Frequently Asked Questions About Yi Peng

1. Are there any free lantern release events for Yi Peng?

No, free mass lantern release events have been canceled since 2015.

You might see outdated or misleading info online suggesting you can release sky lanterns in downtown Chiang Mai—but that's not true. Since 2020, sky lanterns have been banned in the city center due to safety regulations.

If you want to participate in a lantern release, you'll need to attend one of the private, ticketed events, which are held about 30 km (20 miles) outside the city for safety and easier cleanup afterward.

2. What are the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for easy festival access?

The lantern release venues are located outside the city, so where you stay won't affect your participation in the lantern release event. However, your choice of accommodation does impact your access to citywide Loy Krathong celebrations.

For the best festival experience, consider these areas:

• Old City – Close to major Loy Krathong events, including krathong floating and temple celebrations. Ideal for walking access.
• Riverside – A scenic option where you can see krathongs floating down the Ping River, with some hotels hosting their own celebrations.
• Nimmanhaemin – A trendy area with great restaurants and cafes, offering a comfortable stay with a short ride to the festivities. It is an ideal destination for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife and a modern urban vibe.

Regardless of where you stay, book early, as hotels fill up fast during the festival!

3. What's the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?

Although they happen at the same time, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are two separate festivals with different traditions.

Yi Peng (Sky Lantern Festival)

• Mainly celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai
• Involves releasing sky lanterns (khom loy) into the night sky as a symbol of good luck and new beginnings
• Rooted in Lanna culture and closely linked to Buddhist traditions

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)

• Celebrated throughout Thailand, including Bangkok and Sukhothai
• People float krathongs (small, candle-lit boats made of banana leaves) on rivers and lakes
• A way to give thanks to the water goddess (Mae Khongkha) and release bad luck

4. What activities in Chiang Mai can I expect during the Festival?

The official 2025 schedule hasn't been released yet, but here's what happened in 2024 for reference: