During the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, the sky of Chiang Mai will be lit up by thousands of lanterns. Join Living Nomads in this year’s festival atmosphere and release your dreams into the sky! So, what is Yi Peng lantern festival, where is the lantern festival in thailand? Let’s check out our guide to Yi Peng lantern festival 2025 chiang mai & Thailand: All things you need to know about: Dates, Meaning, Tickets, Traditions, History.. in this post!
- Loy Krathong Festival Thailand 2025: All things you need to know about: Meaning, Dates, History, What to do
- Where to watch Muay Thai in Thailand: 15 best places to watch Muay Thai in Thailand and Bangkok You Can’t Miss
- Bangkok show — Top 8 best live shows in Bangkok you must-see
- Visiting Hua Hin Artist Village — A beautiful small corner of the artists in Thailand
- Suggested Thailand travel itinerary 5 days for First-Time Travelers
Chiang Mai, the “Northern Rose” of Thailand, always attracts visitors with the ancient beauty of its temples and the majesty of nature. But there is something even more special that makes Chiang Mai an unmissable destination, which is the magical Yi Peng festival. So what creates the magical attraction of this festival? Let’s explore with Living Nomads the secret behind the shimmering light of thousands of sky lanterns!
Yi Peng lantern festival 2025 Chiang Mai: The Origin of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand
The Yi Peng Festival, also known as the sky lantern festival, is an important traditional event for the people of Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. This festival usually takes place on the full moon night of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, coinciding with the Loy Krathong festival.
The origin of Yi Peng is related to ancient Lanna Buddhism. It is believed that releasing sky lanterns symbolizes driving away bad luck and bringing blessings for the new year. The light from thousands of floating lanterns is also considered a way to pay respect to Buddha.
Chiang Mai: Historical and Culture Exploration Walking Tour
In addition, there is a legend that, in the past, a princess named Nang Nopphamat released the first lantern into the sky to pray for her father the king. Since then, releasing sky lanterns has become a traditional custom in the Yi Peng festival.
Today, the Yi Peng festival is not only spiritual but also an important cultural event, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world to Chiang Mai to admire the sparkling beauty of thousands of sky lanterns flying into the night sky.
How is Yi Peng Different from Loy Krathong?
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, although often celebrated simultaneously in Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, have their own meanings and celebrations. Yi Peng, a northern festival, focuses on releasing sky lanterns (khom loi), symbolizing the dispelling of bad luck and the wish for enlightenment. In contrast, Loy Krathong is a nationwide festival where people release lotus lanterns (krathongs) into the river, showing respect to the goddess of water and wishing for peace.
In Northern Thai, Yi Peng means “the second full moon day”, when people send their wishes and hopes up high with the shimmering lanterns. Accompanying Yi Peng, Loy Krathong offers a different experience with flower lantern boats gently floating on the water, symbolizing purification and gratitude to Mother Water. Both festivals are traditional cultural beauties, creating a sacred and special atmosphere at the end of the year.
The Meaning of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand
Loy Krathong Festival 2025 at Horizon Village Chiang Mai
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival, a unique cultural beauty of Northern Thailand, has deep roots in the ancient Lanna Kingdom, which existed from the late 13th century to 1775. This festival is not only a beautiful fairy-tale light display, but also contains rich historical and cultural meanings, reflecting the spiritual life of the ancient Lanna people.
Heritage Sky lantern 2025 at Rock n’ River Chiang Mai
Yi Peng is closely associated with the agricultural cycle. This is the time marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season, becoming an occasion for people to thank nature for a bountiful harvest. At the same time, Yi Peng is also an opportunity for people to express their respect to Buddha, demonstrating the deep connection between spiritual life and traditional values.
When is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025?
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is scheduled to take place on November 5th and 6th, 2025 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
This festival usually coincides with the Loy Krathong Festival, which takes place on the full moon night of December according to the Thai Lanna calendar (usually in November). This is an extremely special cultural event, attracting many international tourists to Chiang Mai to admire thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky. If you travel to Chiang Mai at this time, don’t miss the opportunity to fully experience the uniqueness of the Golden Temple country.
Traditional Activities and Customs at the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Night Tour
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Northern Thailand is not only famous for its brilliant lantern release, but also includes many profound traditional activities and customs, demonstrating the rich spiritual and cultural life of the Lanna people.
Khom Loi Sky Lantern Releasing
Yipeng Lanna Lantern Festival 2025 in Chiang Mai-Lamphun
This is the most anticipated activity of the festival. People release lanterns made from do paper (khom loi) into the night sky. Each floating lantern carries wishes, prayers and misfortunes into the air. The sight of thousands of floating khom loi lighting up the sky is an impressive spiritual and visual experience. This activity symbolizes freedom from worries and moving towards good things.
Krathong Lotus Lantern Releasing
Along with releasing sky lanterns, people also perform the ritual of releasing flower lanterns (krathong) into rivers, canals or lakes. Krathongs are usually made from banana leaves or banana tree trunks, decorated with fresh flowers, candles and incense. This action shows gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha for providing abundant water, and is also a way to wash away worries and pray for peace.
Khom Kwaen Hanging Lantern Decorations
Before and during the festival, all houses, temples and streets in Chiang Mai are decorated with many different types of lanterns, especially khom kwaen – smaller decorative lanterns, often used to hang on trees or paths. The light from khom kwaen symbolizes guidance, illuminating the path and dispelling darkness. Experiencing a walk under the streets brightly lit with Khom Kwaen lights is a great way to immerse yourself in the Yi Peng festival.
Yi Peng lantern festival 2025 Chiang Mai: Participate in Temple Rituals
The Yi Peng festival has a deep Buddhist meaning. People often go to temples to make offerings, listen to sermons, meditate and participate in religious ceremonies. Many major temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Lok Moli or Wat Chedi Luang hold special ceremonies, where visitors can observe or join the locals to feel the sacred atmosphere of the festival.
Watch a Lanna Cultural Performance
Baan Orjao Traditional Thai Costume and Photography in Chiang Mai
During the festival, colorful street parades are often held, especially in the downtown area and around Tha Phae Gate. These parades feature locals in traditional Lanna costumes, along with folk music, traditional dances and other performances. This is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the performing arts of the northern land of Thailand.
Enjoy Street Food
Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour
The festival is also an occasion when night markets and streets become more bustling than ever. Visitors can easily find and enjoy a variety of traditional Lanna street foods such as Khao Soi, Sai Oua, or Mango Sticky Rice. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to shop for unique local handicrafts, souvenirs and especially exquisite handmade lanterns.
Where to Buy Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival Tickets?
To buy tickets to attend the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival 2025 events held in Chiang Mai, you should refer to the following platforms to buy tickets to ensure you have official tickets and avoid scams.
Trusted Online Travel Booking Platforms
Platforms such as Klook often offer official ticket packages for large-scale Yi Peng events (e.g. Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, Yeepeng Lanna International). Tickets usually include transportation, meals, and lanterns. You should check the ticket types (Standard, VIP, Elite) and additional services before booking.
Official Websites of Major Event Organizers
Some major events will have their own official websites to sell tickets. For example, the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival may sell tickets directly through their website (e.g. yipenglanternfestival.in.th or yipengchiangmailanternfestival.com). Buying directly from the organizers helps ensure the authenticity of the tickets.
Reputable Travel Agents
Many local and international travel companies offer all-inclusive tour packages that include tickets to the Yi Peng festival. If you want convenience and support throughout your trip, this is a good option. Look for agents with experience and good reviews.
Tips for Buying Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival Tickets
- Book early: Tickets to large-scale lantern events often sell out very quickly, sometimes within hours or days of going on sale (usually from July to October). You should plan and buy tickets 2-3 months in advance to ensure a spot.
- Beware of fake tickets: Avoid buying tickets from unknown sources, social networks or people selling them at very cheap prices, as you may encounter fake tickets.
- Check the accompanying services: Many ticket packages include transportation from the meeting point in Chiang Mai to the venue, a buffet meal and lanterns. Read the information carefully to choose the package that suits your needs.
- Location: Official events usually take place on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, in licensed areas to ensure the safety of the lanterns.
- Book a Chiang Mai tour: For convenience and to ensure you have tickets to the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, you can refer to the Chiang Mai 3 days 2 nights itinerary from Klook. This is an ideal choice to help you save time searching, ensure official tickets and often come with full services.
Where does the Yi Peng Lantern Festival usually take place?
Chiang Mai will be the focal point of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. In 2025, this city will continue to be an unmissable destination for those who want to experience the magical beauty of the festival. Here are some of the main locations and popular areas in Chiang Mai to experience the festival:
- Tha Phae Gate: The symbol of the city will be the place where cultural activities, parades and one of the public areas where you can feel the vibrant festival atmosphere.
- Ping River: The poetic river will be lit up by countless lanterns floating gently on the water, bringing a peaceful and romantic space.
- Nawarat Bridge: This famous bridge will become an ideal meeting place for both locals and tourists to release sky lanterns together, sending wishes to the night sky.
- Wat Phan Tao Temple: This ancient temple is often the place where traditional Buddhist ceremonies take place and may have smaller lantern releasing activities.
Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng festival will be a beautiful picture with shimmering lights and bustling festival atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique cultural event!
How are sky lanterns released during the Yi Peng Festival?
Releasing sky lanterns is a magical and meaningful experience at the Yi Peng Festival. If you are a first-timer, don’t worry, follow the detailed instructions below to do it safely and successfully:
- Open the lantern carefully: Take the lantern out of the packaging and gently open it to let air fill the inside. Do it gently to avoid tearing the lantern.
- Ignite the fuel source: Turn the lantern upside down to access the fuel source (usually a block of wax). Ignite the fuel source. If the space around is tight, keep the lantern close to the ground for safety.
- Wait for the lantern to heat up: Wait patiently for about 2 minutes for the hot air to fill the inside, helping the lantern to expand and be ready to fly. When you feel the lantern has a lift, it means it is hot enough.
- Make a wish and release the lantern: When the lantern is hot enough and starts to float, lift it up to your chest, close your eyes, make a wish, hope into it and gently release the lantern into the sky.
Notes on releasing lanterns at the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
- Choose a location: Only release lanterns in open, airy areas permitted by the organizers, away from flammable objects, power lines and crowded residential areas.
- Do not release lanterns in prohibited areas: In Chiang Mai, releasing lanterns outside of organized events is prohibited to ensure flight safety.
- Protect the environment: After the festival ends, please clean up and collect fallen lanterns (if possible) to protect the environment and landscape.
- Follow the rules: Always follow the instructions and safety regulations of the organizers at the event location.
Frequently Asked Questions When Attending the Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025
When will the Yi Peng Festival 2025 take place? It is scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2025, coinciding with Loy Krathong.
Do I need to buy tickets to join the mass lantern release? Yes, tickets are required for large-scale lantern release events; it is recommended to book early as tickets sell out quickly.
Can I experience Yi Peng without buying tickets? Yes, you can still feel the festival atmosphere by walking around the streets, looking at the lanterns hanging everywhere, and releasing small lotus lanterns into the Ping River.
What are the main activities of the festival? The main experience is releasing thousands of sky lanterns, releasing flower lanterns, and watching cultural performances.
What should I wear to the festival? Preferably polite, modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) due to the religious nature of the festival.
What should I prepare before the trip? Book your flight and hotel early, bring a camera and cash, and be prepared for crowds.
Is Yi Peng the same as Loy Krathong? These two festivals usually take place at the same time, but Yi Peng focuses on releasing lanterns into the sky, while Loy Krathong is releasing lotus lanterns into the river.
Where is the main lantern release location usually? Major events are usually held in the suburbs of Chiang Mai, at specialized festival centers.
Is the cost of attending the festival expensive? Tickets to large-scale lantern release events can be quite expensive, from a few dozen to a few hundred USD depending on the ticket class and accompanying services.
How is the safety of releasing lanterns guaranteed? Official events have strict regulations on the type of lanterns and the release area to ensure flight safety.
It would be a mistake if you travel to Chiang Mai and miss the Yi Peng sky lantern festival. Here, you will be able to witness the sparkling of thousands of lanterns standing out in the sky of Chiang Mai, creating a magical picture and leaving a deep impression on everyone. This festival offers an unforgettable experience and will definitely be a highlight of your trip. Want to release your own sky lantern at the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Mai you can refer to
- Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More
- Private City Transfers for Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai City & Temples Half Day Tour by Tour East
- Doi Suthep-Chiang Mai City Temple Tour
- Chiang Mai Custom Tour: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Doi Suthep, Elephant Sanctuary, Zipline Adventure, and More
- Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Pai
- Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour in Chiang Mai
- [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
- 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand.
