Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand, comes alive each November with the enchanting Yi Peng Lantern Festival, coinciding with the nationwide Loy Krathong celebration. Scheduled for November 5–6, 2025, this festival transforms the night sky into a glowing tapestry of thousands of sky lanterns (khom loi) and the Ping River into a shimmering path of floating krathongs. Rooted in the ancient Lanna Kingdom’s traditions, the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival is a spiritual and visual spectacle, symbolizing hope, renewal, and letting go of past misfortunes. This guide explores the festival’s magic, key activities, and practical tips to make your 2025 experience unforgettable.
The magic of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival is a unique blend of two festivals: Yi Peng, a Lanna tradition where sky lanterns are released to honor Buddha and send prayers skyward, and Loy Krathong, a national celebration where krathongs (floating baskets made of banana leaves and flowers) are set adrift on rivers to pay respect to the Goddess of Water. In Chiang Mai, these festivals overlap, creating a mesmerizing experience of glowing lanterns above and twinkling krathongs below. The sight of thousands of khom loi illuminating the night sky is considered one of Thailand’s most iconic views, recently recognized as a World Night View Heritage Site.
The festival, held on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. Releasing a sky lantern during Yi Peng is believed to carry away bad luck and bring good fortune, while floating a krathong during Loy Krathong expresses gratitude and seeks blessings. For couples, releasing lanterns or krathongs together is a romantic gesture, symbolizing eternal love if they float side by side.
Key festival highlights
Mass Sky Lantern Release
The hallmark of Yi Peng is the mass release of sky lanterns, creating a breathtaking display as thousands of glowing khom loi rise into the night sky. Organized events like the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival (November 5–6, 2025, at CAD Cultural Center Lanna, Mae On District) offer a structured experience with over 4,000 participants. These ticketed events include cultural performances, Lanna Thai buffet dinners, and two lanterns per person for the release. The countdown to the release, accompanied by fireworks and orchestral music, is a moment of shared hope and wonder.
Note: Due to safety concerns, releasing sky lanterns in Chiang Mai’s city center is banned, with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and a 200,000 THB fine. Stick to designated venues like CAD or Pra Chao Luang Lake in Doi Saket for legal and safe releases.
Floating Krathongs on the Ping River
Loy Krathong activities center around the Ping River, where locals and visitors gather to float krathongs. On November 6, 2025, head to the shores between the Iron Bridge and Nakorn Ping Bridge to join the free, public krathong-floating events. You can purchase handmade krathongs from vendors along the river for 20–30 THB, crafted from banana trunks and adorned with flowers and candles. This serene ritual is a beautiful way to connect with Thai traditions.
Parades and cultural performances
Chiang Mai’s Old Town buzzes with festive energy, featuring parades along Thapae Road and the moat. On November 5, expect a lantern parade, followed by a “small krathong” parade on November 6 and a grand krathong parade on November 7. These parades showcase traditional dancers, musicians, and elaborate floats. At the Three Kings Monument, enjoy candle dance performances, monk chanting, and Lanna cultural shows, including sword dances and northern tribal performances from the Hmong, Karen, and Akha communities.
Temple visits and workshops
Temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh host ceremonies during the festival, offering a glimpse into its religious significance. Many hotels and venues, such as the CAD Cultural Center, provide krathong-making workshops where you can craft your own floating lantern. These hands-on experiences deepen your connection to the festival’s traditions.
Local food and night markets
Chiang Mai’s culinary scene shines during the festival. Sample northern Thai dishes like khao soi (curry noodles) and sai ua (spicy sausage) at street stalls along Thapae Road or the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. At ticketed events like CAD, enjoy unlimited Lanna Thai buffets featuring freshly cooked local delicacies. The festive atmosphere is perfect for food lovers and photographers capturing the glowing ambiance.
Top venues for Yi Peng 2025
- Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival (Mae On District, 30 km from city center): The largest organized event, featuring mass lantern releases, cultural shows, and a festive atmosphere. Tickets range from 4,600–15,500 THB (~$135–450 USD), including transport, meals, and lanterns. Book via yipengchiangmailanternfestival.com or faceticket.net.
- Pra Chao Luang Lake, Doi Saket: A free, public spot for sky lantern releases, though less structured. Arrange transport through your hotel for convenience.
- Ping River (Thapae Gate to Nawarat Bridge): Ideal for free Loy Krathong activities, with vibrant parades and krathong floating.
- Three Kings Monument: A central hub for free cultural performances and ceremonies, easily accessible by tuk-tuk from the Old City.
Practical tips for attending
- Book early: Hotels and tickets for events like CAD sell out months in advance due to high demand. Secure accommodations and festival tickets at least 3 months ahead via platforms like trazy.com or asiahighlights.com.
- Tickets for CAD Festival: Choose from Standard, Elite, Premium, or VIP tickets (prices vary). Standard includes red cab transport; Premium/VIP offer air-conditioned vans and better seating. Meet at Payap University’s Paradornparp International House (PIH) for pick-up, with drop-offs at Maya Shopping Mall or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. E-tickets are sent within 12 hours of purchase; present them digitally for entry.
- Dress code: Wear polite or traditional Lanna Thai clothing for ticketed events. Avoid revealing outfits to respect cultural norms.
- Lantern safety: Handle sky lanterns carefully, as the thin paper is fragile. Wait for the lantern to fill with hot air before releasing to ensure it floats properly. Purchase lanterns on-site (available from vendors for ~100 THB).
- What to bring:
- Cash (small THB bills) for food, krathongs, and lanterns, as cards are rarely accepted.
- Sturdy, waterproof shoes for muddy areas near rivers or lakes.
- Mosquito repellent and a light jacket for cooler evenings (temperatures 20–25°C or 68–77°F).
- Camera for capturing the glowing lanterns, ideal for night photography.
- Environmental consideration: Sky lanterns can impact the environment. If you see fallen lanterns post-festival, consider picking them up for disposal to support local cleanup efforts.
- Safety note: Lantern releases are restricted to designated areas due to aviation safety. Flights to/from Chiang Mai may be paused during peak release times. Avoid releasing lanterns outside official events to comply with regulations.
- Getting there:
- From Bangkok, take a flight (1 hour, ~1,000–3,000 THB), train (12–15 hours, 200–1,500 THB), or bus (10–12 hours, 500–1,000 THB) to Chiang Mai.
- Within Chiang Mai, use tuk-tuks (100–200 THB), Grab, or rent a scooter (200–300 THB/day) to reach venues.
- Best time: Arrive by 5:00 PM at venues to secure a good spot for lantern releases. The festival peaks after dark, with mass releases around 7:00–9:00 PM.
Chiang Mai is the ultimate destination for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, offering the largest and most vibrant celebrations compared to other cities like Bangkok or Phuket. The combination of sky lanterns, river krathongs, and Lanna cultural performances creates a magical atmosphere unmatched elsewhere. The festival’s blend of spirituality, romance, and community spirit makes it ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers. Plus, Chiang Mai’s temples, night markets, and northern Thai cuisine add depth to your visit.
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025 promises a magical experience, blending the ethereal beauty of Yi Peng’s sky lanterns with the serene tradition of Loy Krathong’s floating krathongs. Whether you join the grand CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, float a krathong along the Ping River, or soak in the cultural performances at Three Kings Monument, this event will leave you with memories of light and hope. Book early, respect local customs, and prepare to be enchanted by Chiang Mai’s glowing skies.
