On the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, locals and visitors gather to celebrate Chiang Mai’s resplendent Yi Peng Lantern Festival. From candlelit lanes illuminating the alleys and streets to launching thousands of lanterns into the midnight sky, nowhere is Yi Peng celebrated with such grandeur as in Chiang Mai, the former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. The festival, which transformed from its gentle Brahmin origins, is now a two-day celebration and part of the World Night View Heritage Sites list.
Here’s everything you need to know about the annual cultural extravaganza and how to make the most of it.
Also, read about how the Yi Peng Festival recently made it onto the World Night View Heritage Sites list.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival: History and origin
Yi Peng, meaning “two” and “full moon day”, is also known as the Sky Lantern Festival. It originates from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, or the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, located in what is now northern Thailand. During the festival, Thai Buddhists traditionally release lanterns while making wishes, believing that the act, accompanied by a kind deed, can fulfil those wishes.
The customs derived from Lanna culture, which dates back to the 13th Century, centre around the theme of paying respect to Buddha and receiving value and virtue in return. The festival’s history is best understood through palm leaf text readings, conducted annually during the celebration. According to legend, a candle-carrying bird flew around Buddha, who explained that the bird gained merit and would be blessed with great joy in its next life by receiving respect through the candle’s light.
Initially, the Yi Peng festival was celebrated singularly, however in recent years, it has been held concurrently with the Loy Krathong Festival, a traditional Siamese celebration observed by Thais to honour the Goddess of Water and the Buddha.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival dates and trip details
Celebrated during the second or last week of November, the festival marks the transition from monsoon to winter, coinciding with the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar. In 2024, the festival will occur from November 15-16 in Chiang Mai.
Free viewing: The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is free to attend at Tha Phae Gate, Ping River, Nawarat Bridge, and Three Kings Monument.
Paid tours: A more touristy way to experience the festival is by booking a travel package on a private or group tour. The cost of a tour can range from THB 4,600-15,500, which is approximately USD 135-450, depending on if you want pick-up and drop-off, lantern-making workshop and temple visits. Exclusive events can be booked via CAD Yipeng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, Klook, Viator and more.
Things to do during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Join a local community or group to release a lantern (and make a wish): This is a must-do! You can either sign up for a paid event or create your lantern and watch it float away in one of the many designated public spaces.
Learn about the Three Kings Monument: Erected in 1984, this monument features bronze sculptures that honour the friendship of northern Lao Thai kings—King Mangrai, King Ram Khamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang of Phayao. This is a free location where many of the festival activities take place alongside the everyday Buddhist worship rituals. Exploring Chiang Mai through a tour to discover more such attractions is one of the best things to do in Thailand.
Float krathongs: Celebrated alongside Loy Krathong, this activity allows you to learn how to make Krathongs, traditional circular rafts made from banana tree trunks that you can float in a nearby lake, canal, or pond.
Night photography: A niche but must-try activity for photography enthusiasts, the lantern ceremony is a great time to capture the glowing flames in low-light conditions.
Where to release paper lanterns in Chiang Mai
Publicly arranged locations in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival include the Mae Jo University, Wat Lok Moli and Wat Suan Dok. Tha Phae Gate’s plaza, Doi Saket, and Nawarat Bridge are also popular. The festival’s opening ceremony and lantern releases take place at the Three Kings Monument.
Difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
While Yi Peng and Loy Krathong occur simultaneously and both involve the release of lanterns, they have distinct characteristics: Yi Peng features sky lanterns, whereas Loy Krathong focuses on water lanterns.
Yi Peng is primarily celebrated in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, where paper sky lanterns, known as khom loi, are released into the sky on the full moon night. In contrast, Loy Krathong is celebrated nationally, with water lanterns called krathongs floated on rivers, lakes, or ponds as offerings to the Water Goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. Yi Peng lanterns are typically made of rice paper and bamboo, while krathongs for Loy Krathong are traditionally made from banana leaves and adorned with flowers, incense sticks, and candles.
Important travel tips for travelling while Yi Peng Lantern Festival
- You can conveniently buy lanterns from local vendors during the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, so there’s no need to purchase them in advance.
- Don’t rush the process; let the lantern fill with hot air and pull upwards before releasing.
- The thin lantern paper is fragile and can tear easily, so handle it carefully.
- Aim to arrive by 5 pm to buy your lanterns, and secure a good spot for its release.
- Some locations have muddy areas, especially near the lake. Make sure your shoes are sturdy and waterproof.
- Carry cash for lantern purchases and food, as card payments are not popular.
- Get a mosquito repellant spray to avoid insect bites during the evening.
- Pack a jumper or hoodie for the cooler evening or ride back on a tuk-tuk or scooter.
(Feature image credit: Beach boy 2024/Shutterstock)
Related | Best Places To Visit In Thailand — From The Oldest National Park To Stunning Islands
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The lantern release symbolises the letting go of any negative energy, and misfortunes and the welcoming of good luck and prosperity.
You can participate for free by attending public events in Chiang Mai where lanterns are released, often at temples or parks that allow visitors to join the festivities. Some locations you can explore are Nawarat Bridge, Iron Bridge (known locally as Saphan Lek) and Wat Chai Mongkhon.
Apart from the festival, you can visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the Old City, enjoy activities such as a Thai cooking class or visit local markets. It is also recommended to take a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park.
The free mass release of lanterns during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai can be observed at Tha Phae Gate, Ping River, Nawarat Bridge, and Three Kings Monument.
Hop through multiple locations in Chiang Mai where free public lantern releases take place, watch the street parade on Yi Peng/Loy Krathong night and walk around the bustling streets of the city to soak in the festive fervour.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
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