When and where
When: Full moon of the 2nd Lanna month (coincides with Loy Krathong, usually November)
Rule: Lunar calendar. 2026: 23-25 November in Chiang Mai (municipality); main night 24 November.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)
Yi Peng is the Lanna lantern festival that coincides with Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. Hundreds of lanterns rise into the night sky as a symbol of letting go of troubles and gaining good fortune. The old city is hung with decorated lanterns and temples hold ceremonies. The big mass release takes place on remote, permitted sites outside the city; inside the city releasing lanterns is banned because of air traffic and fire risk.
Getting there
Chiang Mai is about 1 hour by plane, or by train or bus from Bangkok; inside the city use songthaew or Grab.
Highlights
- Sky lanterns Mass release at permitted sites outside the city.
- Decorated old city Lanna lanterns and clay oil lamps decorate streets and temples.
- Krathong parade Decorated floats compete for the royal trophy in the grand parade.
Tips for Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)
- Book hotels and transport months ahead; the city sells out.
- Releasing lanterns in the city is banned, so choose an authorised event.
- Keep hair and clothes away from flame and watch children in crowds.
Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
Yi Peng is a Lanna festival of northern Thailand; the map shows Chiang Mai (Nawarat Bridge and old city).
Frequently asked questions about Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)
When is Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) in 2026?
Yi Peng falls in 2026 on 23–25 November, at Chiang Mai, old city and Ping River. Rule: Full moon of the 2nd Lanna month (coincides with Loy Krathong, usually November). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)?
Watch it best at Chiang Mai, old city and Ping River. Mass release at permitted sites outside the city. Chiang Mai is about 1 hour by plane, or by train or bus from Bangkok; inside the city use songthaew or Grab. Lanna lanterns and clay oil lamps decorate streets and temples.
What should I bring or wear to Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival)?
Book hotels and transport months ahead; the city sells out. Releasing lanterns in the city is banned, so choose an authorised event. Keep hair and clothes away from flame and watch children in crowds. Highlight: Sky lanterns – Mass release at permitted sites outside the city.
Festivals near Chiang Mai, old city and Ping River
- Songkran (Thai New Year) 1 km as the crow flies
- Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai 2 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival 3 km as the crow flies
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival 7 km as the crow flies
- Visakha Bucha 9 km as the crow flies
Also in October / November
- Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho)
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races