One of the primary reasons travelers and locals head to the north of Thailand in November is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival. If you want to participate in the festivities, see a sky lantern and a floating lantern in the river, then keep reading. You’ll find out what the Chiang Mai Festival of Lanterns is, how to plan your trip, and where to release a lantern in this post.
What is the Festival of Lanterns Chiang Mai?
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival it effectively two separate celebrations in one event. The two names Yi Peng and Loy Krathong seem interchangeable and they are actually not correct but we will use them that way because it is easier to convey.
If you want to know the difference Yi Peng or Yee Peng is exclusive to Chiang Mai and occurs with the release of the sky lanterns the khom loi carrying away any bad luck and homage to the ancestors in heaven.
In addition, the streets of Chiang Mai will be filled with thousands and thousands of tiny clay candles. The phang prateep are lit following a Lanna tradition that aims to make your life shine as bright as the candles.
Loy Krathong on the other hand, is a Buddhist festival celebrated throughout Thailand, called the Floating Lantern Festival. The krathong are made from wood, banana leaf, and flowers tied to honor the Goddess of Water and you then float them down a river or waterway.
When is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025?
Loy Krathong dates for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival derive from the Thai lunar calendar, typically taking place in November because it falls on the full moon day of the 12th month of the calendar,Yi Peng derives from the Lanna lunar calendar, scheduled for full moon in November, quite literally meaning “full moon of the second month”.
Normally, these dates are the same or incredibly close such that it simply becomes the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, despite being two festivals.
Loy Krathong 2025 is on November 5th and will be widely celebrated in Thailand. Yi Peng Chiang Mai will be celebrated November 5th and 6th, and as the name suggests, will only be celebrated in Chiang Mai.
What is happening where during Yi Peng & Loy Krathong?
There are going to be many festivities throughout the town. Finding an accurate program can be a bit difficult, however I can suggest some options based on my experience at the 2023 Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai.
What you can do for the accurate program is go to the Thailand Tourism Authority website’s official township address as the data gets closer to the date, they will publish the program for the 2025 dates. Other than that, there are going to be lots of performances, parades and ceremonies in and around town. Some are religious, some are intended to be traditional, and some are strictly for fun.
Ping River
Much of the celebration for Loy Krathong happens along the Ping River where everyone goes to release their krathong in the water. At least as far as I could make out you are not allowed to release krathong in the moat around the Old City, which is why people go to the river. You will see floating docks along the river and that is where you will want to go to release your krathong.
Oh and you can buy a krathong anywhere and everywhere. I bought mine from my hostel owner’s little nephew who was making them by hand. To be fair though, you can have a hard time finding a krathong for sale during the festival in Chiang Mai.
You will also see a handful of folks once again letting go of sky lanterns on the bridges – I would not recommend this though. If you do, it’s at your risk for personal safety and legal reasons – you are not supposed to do that!
Generally, there will be loads of stuff to see and do around and near the Night Bazaar & all along the river on both nights. It does get really crowded tho, so if like me, you ara not a crowd person, this may not be the right scenario, albeit I don’t think it ever gets rowdy.
Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument is located in the middle of Old Town Chiang Mai and the entire square was outfitted with bamboo structures where people could light and abandon their own phang prateep candles. There was also a table with candles and a bunch of boards describing the customs and traditions about the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival on the side.
Additionally, there were some stunning animal lanterns created from paper serving as decor. I didn’t stay long so I’m not certain if there was a presentation or similar event, however it is a sufficiently enjoyable and relaxed place to start your evening.
Tha Phae Gate Square
On the evening of Loy Krathong, I happened to see a parade that began at the Tha Phae Gate. The square to the right of the gate has a stage, and if you catch it at the right time, the parade walks up the street from the south.
The parade was really interesting with the various performances, music, and costumes from Thailand’s culture. I walked past a bunch of people by the moat and finally stumbled across a bar right by the road with a decent amount of tables available. I paid a little extra to have a bottle of Singha, but in return, I had an unobstructed view along with a seat through the rest of the parade.
Where can I release Sky Lanterns?
It is a good bet you are inspired by the beautiful images or videos of the sky lantern release for Yi Peng and you are wondering – where can I release a sky lantern in Chiang Mai? You would expect that if there is an entire festival dedicated to it, this is a straightforward question to answer, however, it is not.
Is it possible to release a sky lantern in Chiang Mai? Formally, no. A few years back, the city of Chiang Mai designated the city and riverside a no-lantern zone. It is probably a good idea considering how easy they catch fire. Having said that, some people still do it, but I was told you would probably get fined if caught.
There are several sites outside Chiang Mai that offer organized, paid, mass release of lanterns, but the most famous is the CAD Yipeng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival. This occurs on both evenings during the festival in a field in the Mae On district, approximately 40 km outside of Chiang Mai.
How much are tickets for the Sky Lantern Festival?
The cost of a ticket ranges from 4,600 to 15,500 baht (approximately $140-460). It includes roundtrip transport from Chiang Mai, admission to the festival with a reserved seat, dinner buffet, show booths featuring Lanna dancers, chanting monks and of course, your lanterns for the big release.
The more pricey ticket option is a VIP ticket, which has premium seating options closer to the circular stage, a more private dining area, and better transfers. However, I’d recommend just getting the general admission ticket. Why? The transfer to return to your hotel will be the same regardless. You will likely have to wait even longer to leave the venue regardless of the transfer to your hotel. Even with VIP transfers, you are going to be stuck in the same traffic and the comfort of a minivan won’t be much better than a songthaew, or tuk tuk, to warrant the additional cost.
Early Bird Ticket from Get Your Guide
So for seats, I suggest you stay in the sides aka the last row. Sure, you won’t have the best view of the stage but lets be honest, you came here for the lanterns not necessarily a dance show, right? Plus, by being on the side you’ll easily be able to get out once it’s all over, and you won’t be in the middle of all the lanterns being lit. They easily catch fire, and when that happens, a spot more to the side of the stage will make it more enjoyable when they inevitably catch on fire near you.
Let me tell you, it is definitely worth it! It will be the most amazing thing you have ever seen, and you’ll probably be laughing and crying at the same time, all the while patting yourself on the back for one of the greatest night of your life.
This is the recommendation of someone who normally does not like fireworks, does not like crowded spaces, or waiting in traffic. I do not use the phrase once in a lifetime experience lightly, but it truly is. You have traveled all of this way to Chiang Mai for the lantern festival, you may as well enjoy the complete experience.
Is it possible to launch Yi Peng lanterns somewhere for free? Yes, and while I can’t attest to the experience, there apparently is a free event at the Doi Saket Lakes. You would have to arrange your own transfer and purchase your lanterns upon arrival. However, this is not an organized release or a mass release but a sort of carnival event where individuals release their lanterns at will.
Tips for traveling during the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai
Be sure to book your travel as early as possible. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. The Festival of Lanterns in Chiang Mai is busy travel season not only because of the festivals, but the weather is also usually glorious in November.
And I was quite late with my hotel booking. By the time I went to book it was slim pickings. I stayed at Like Home which was lovely and cheap but, I got lucky. And if you want something slightly nicer than a hostel, you will probably want to book a few months in advance.
Be cautious when choosing a place. I would steer clear of anything near the Tae Phae Gate or the river. Those areas are likely to fill up first with tourists and traffic will be insane. There’s a strong possibility I would stay near the center of old town or on the south side of the moat so you are in walkable distance but not in the thick of it.
Flights were Witched last year at the festival due to safety issues or concerns. While this was probably a wise decision, I have no idea why the flights were on the schedule anyway. Go a day or two early so you can get acquainted with the area. I flew from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai a week before and did not have any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the dates for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025?
The festival typically takes place in November, coinciding with the full moon of the 12th lunar month. For 2025, check the exact dates as they may vary slightly based on the lunar calendar.
2. How can I get tickets for the lantern release?
Tickets can be booked online, through local travel agencies, or at official festival booths. Early booking is recommended, as spots can sell out quickly.
3. Can I buy Chiang Mai Lantern Festival tickets through TickYourList?
Yes, TickYourList offers tickets for the festival, and many travelers have reported smooth booking experiences. However, it’s wise to compare prices and read recent reviews to ensure the experience meets your expectations.
4. What should I wear to the festival?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing is ideal, as evenings can be warm but slightly cooler than daytime. Avoid dark colors if you want great photos of your lanterns.
5. How early should I arrive for the lantern release?
Arriving 1–2 hours before sunset is recommended to secure a good spot and enjoy the pre-release ceremonies and cultural performances.
