Chiang Mai Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival in Thailand 2026

Every November, one of the most popular images of Thailand on social media is the night sky of Chiang Mai illuminated by thousands of sky lanterns. This is the famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival, considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you are planning to travel to Thailand in 2026 to experience the sky lantern festival, this guide will help you decide when to go, how to enjoy the festival, where to stay, and what else to see during your time in Chiang Mai.

When Is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in 2026

In 2026, the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival will take place from November 24 (Tuesday) to November 25 (Wednesday).

The festival date is determined according to the Thai lunar calendar and falls on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. As a result, the exact date changes each year, although it usually falls in November on the Gregorian calendar. Yi Peng is not an official public holiday in Thailand, so local shops and businesses generally remain open as usual.

What Is Yi Peng and How Is It Celebrated

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a traditional celebration in northern Thailand, and Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience it.

The tradition dates back to Buddhist practices during the former Lanna Kingdom. It was believed that releasing sky lanterns could express wishes and devotion to the Buddha. Over time, the tradition has also come to symbolize letting go of bad luck from the past and asking for blessings in the coming year.

During the festival, Chiang Mai's Old City and surrounding areas are decorated with candles and lights. Temples hold prayer and chanting ceremonies, while the streets feature decorated floats and traditional Lanna dance performances. After nightfall, people gather in designated areas to release sky lanterns.

Things to Do During Yi Peng

Release Sky Lanterns

You can join large-scale celebrations such as the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival or Yee Peng Lanna International, release sky lanterns alongside thousands of other visitors, and enjoy the spectacular scene.

It is also possible to release lanterns with local residents in certain areas designated by local authorities, although these gatherings are generally much smaller and you may see only a limited number of lanterns.

If you are traveling to Chiang Mai specifically to experience the Lantern Festival, we recommend joining one of the organized celebrations for a more complete experience.

Watch the Lantern Parade and Traditional Dance Performances

On the evening of the festival, usually around 5:00 PM, beautifully decorated floats depart from Tha Phae Gate and travel along Tha Phae Road toward Chiang Mai City Hall.

Traditional costumes and Lanna dance performances along the route offer one of the most direct ways to experience the festive atmosphere. The area can become quite crowded, so arrive early if you want to find a good viewing spot near the front.

Three Kings Monument Square in the Old City also often hosts Lanna cultural performances, traditional displays, and other festival activities. It is worth stopping by if you have time.

Join a Traditional Lantern-Making Workshop

During the festival, some workshops in Chiang Mai's Old City offer traditional Lanna lantern-making activities. You can make your own lantern step by step, making this a more hands-on way to experience local culture.

It is a good option for families with children or travelers who would like to experience Lanna culture at a slower pace. If needed, Odynovo can help contact the workshops and arrange reservations in advance.

Visit Temples for Prayer and Blessings

During Yi Peng, several temples in and around Chiang Mai's Old City hold candle-lighting ceremonies, prayers, and chanting.

Wat Phan Tao, built entirely from teak wood, has a particularly peaceful atmosphere under the candlelight and is one of the most popular temples to visit during the festival.

Wat Chedi Luang also attracts many visitors because of its historical importance, while Loke Molee Temple holds similar candle-lighting ceremonies and generally receives fewer visitors, making it a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds.

Try Local Food

Tha Phae Road and the area along the Old City moat are filled with food stalls during the festival.

It is easy to find northern Thai specialties such as Khao Soi and grilled meat served with sticky rice. Chiang Mai's night markets are also great places to sample local food.

Release a Krathong

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are celebrated around the same time, so you can often experience both traditions during your visit to Chiang Mai.

Small krathongs can be purchased from stalls along the Old City moat. In the evening, people light candles and place them on the water, creating a relaxed atmosphere suitable for visitors of all ages.

The Ping River and the area around Nawarat Bridge are also popular places to release krathongs and experience a livelier festival atmosphere.

Major Yi Peng Lantern Festival Celebrations in Chiang Mai

If you want to see the spectacular moment when thousands of sky lanterns rise into the night sky at the same time, you will need to purchase a ticket for one of the major organized events.

The two commercial celebrations with the strongest international recognition in Chiang Mai are currently the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival and Yee Peng Lanna International.

Compared with some newer events, both have more experience organizing large-scale celebrations. For this reason, they are the options Odynovo generally recommends considering first.

There are also smaller events, including the Authentic Sky Lantern Festival and MCM Lanna Culture Sky Lantern Festival & Muay Thai.

CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

The event welcomes more than 25,000 people and takes place in Mae On District, east of Chiang Mai.

All CAD Khomloy tickets include shuttle transportation, with buses departing in the afternoon from designated meeting points.

The program includes cultural performances such as Muay Thai and traditional Lanna dancing. Toward the end of the event, tens of thousands of people light and release their sky lanterns at the same time. Combined with lighting effects and fireworks, this creates a truly spectacular visual scene.

CAD is better suited to travelers who want to experience the atmosphere of a large-scale festival, enjoy lively crowds, and capture the iconic image of thousands of sky lanterns illuminating the night sky at once.

Yee Peng Lanna International

The event welcomes approximately 4,500 people and takes place near Mae Jo University at the Lanna Buddhist Center.

Tickets for the Yee Peng Lanna International Venue are available with or without shuttle transportation.

The atmosphere here places greater emphasis on tradition and the spiritual side of the festival. The program includes Buddhist chanting by monks, candle-lighting ceremonies, and the final group release of sky lanterns.

If you are looking for a quieter experience that feels more closely connected to traditional Lanna culture, Yee Peng Lanna International is a good option.

It can be particularly suitable for families with children or older adults. Its more moderate size and lower level of crowding make it easier to look after family members during the event.

For a detailed comparison of the two celebrations, see our guide to CAD or Yee Peng Lanna International to find the option that best matches your preferences and budget.

Where to Stay During the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Due to the high demand for accommodation during Yi Peng, we recommend booking at least six months in advance to secure a suitable location and price range. Here are some areas to consider.

Chiang Mai Old City

For most travelers, we recommend staying around Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai's Old City.

During the festival, most lantern parades, temple prayer ceremonies, and traditional dance performances take place in and around the Old City.

Many of Chiang Mai's major attractions are also located close to Tha Phae Gate, making this a convenient area for exploring the city outside the festival activities. There is also a wider range of accommodation compared with other areas.

Tip: The area can become very crowded during the festival, and some streets may be noisy at night. If possible, avoid booking a room facing directly onto a busy street.

Along the Ping River

The Ping River area is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Tha Phae Gate.

It allows you to participate in celebrations in the Old City while avoiding some of the crowds. The Ping River is also one of the important areas for experiencing the atmosphere of Loy Krathong.

Some festival activities, light decorations, and nighttime views are concentrated along the river, making it a good choice for travelers who enjoy evening scenery.

The main disadvantage is that accommodation options are more limited than in the Old City.

Near Festival Shuttle Meeting Points

If your main purpose is to attend a ticketed celebration such as CAD or Yee Peng Lanna and you do not plan to visit many other attractions, you may consider staying near the event's shuttle meeting point.

After the event, you can take the shuttle back to the meeting point and walk to your hotel without needing another transfer, making the return journey more convenient.

Note: Official shuttle pickup points are generally not located near the Old City. If you want to enjoy the lantern parade, traditional performances, or other public festival activities, or if you plan to stay in Chiang Mai for several days, we still recommend prioritizing accommodation in the Old City.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival FAQ

What Is the Difference Between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?

The Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong Water Lantern Festival are two different traditional festivals in Thailand, but they are usually celebrated around the same time. As a result, travelers visiting Chiang Mai often have the opportunity to experience both during the same trip.

However, if you want to experience Loy Krathong in its most traditional setting, Sukhothai is the destination we recommend.

Loy Krathong originated from Thailand's ancient tradition of paying respect to water. During the festival, people place small krathongs made from banana leaves, flowers, and candles into rivers to express gratitude to the goddess of water and wish for peace, happiness, and good fortune in the coming year.

During this period, you will see local residents gathering by rivers to release krathongs, while many Yi Peng events also include krathong-release activities.

Is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival Worth Attending?

If this is your first visit to Chiang Mai and you want to experience one of the city's most representative traditional festivals, Yi Peng is well worth experiencing.

The spectacular sight of thousands of people releasing sky lanterns at the same time, combined with temple prayer ceremonies, illuminated decorations, and the festive atmosphere in the Old City, creates an experience that cannot be replicated at other times of the year.

However, Chiang Mai receives a large number of visitors during the festival. Hotel and flight prices generally increase, and traffic can be much heavier than usual.

If you prefer a quieter trip or are traveling on a limited budget, we recommend avoiding the peak dates of November 24 and 25 and visiting Chiang Mai at another time.

Do You Need a Ticket to Release a Sky Lantern?

Not necessarily.

In addition to large-scale ticketed festivals, local authorities may designate certain areas where individuals can release sky lanterns. Local residents may also gather in these areas to celebrate the festival.

However, these celebrations are much smaller and do not usually have an organized program. If you are traveling to Chiang Mai specifically to experience Yi Peng, we do not consider this the best option.

Large-scale events such as the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival and Yee Peng Lanna International offer not only the simultaneous release of sky lanterns by thousands of people, but also Lanna cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, and a buffet dinner. The overall experience is much more complete, which is why they are chosen by many international travelers.

Is Yi Peng Suitable for Families with Children?

Yes. During Yi Peng, children can participate in lantern-making workshops, watch traditional performances, and enjoy the festival decorations. It can be a memorable cultural experience for the whole family.

However, the number of visitors in Chiang Mai increases considerably during the festival, and some activities, such as the lantern parade, can become very crowded. If you are traveling with children, keep a close eye on them in busy areas.

If you plan to attend a large-scale lantern celebration with children, we recommend considering a moderately sized event such as Yee Peng Lanna International, where there are fewer attendees and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Yi Peng

Book Early

Yi Peng is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Chiang Mai. Flight and hotel prices can increase significantly, so we recommend booking at least six months in advance.

If you plan to attend the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival or Yee Peng Lanna International, it is also advisable to purchase tickets at least six months ahead of time.

Odynovo has long-standing partnerships with the organizers of these festivals. If you book one of our Chiang Mai private or group tours, the festival tickets can be included in the itinerary, so you do not need to purchase them yourself, making the planning process simpler and more convenient.

Safety Tips for Releasing Sky Lanterns

Wait until the lantern is fully inflated and the flame is stable before releasing it to prevent it from tipping and causing burns.

It is also recommended that two people handle the lantern together: one person holds the lantern while the other lights it. This is safer and more stable than doing it alone.

What to Wear

Avoid loose, flowing skirts or lightweight scarves, as they can come too close to the flame when lighting the lantern.

Light or bright colors work well with the festival atmosphere and also look good in photos.

If you also plan to visit temples for prayer ceremonies, avoid sleeveless tops and shorts or skirts above the knee.

Transportation Tips

During the festival, some roads in and around the Old City are temporarily closed for parades and other activities. Plan your transportation carefully before leaving your hotel.

If you attend a large-scale event such as CAD or Yee Peng Lanna International, expect significant traffic congestion when the event ends around 9:00 PM. The journey back to the city center or airport may take considerably longer than usual.

For this reason, we do not recommend booking a flight for the same evening. Traffic conditions can be unpredictable, increasing the risk of missing your flight.

What to Do Beyond the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

If you have extra time, it is worth exploring Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas beyond the festival itself.

Destination	Highlights	Recommended Time
Wat Chedi Luang	Located in the Old City and famous for the ruins of its enormous chedi. Its impressive base and surviving elephant sculptures are particularly striking.	1 hour
Wat Phan Tao	A rare wooden temple in the Old City. Its lanterns create a beautiful atmosphere at sunset and are especially photogenic.	1 hour
Wat Phra Singh	An Old City temple known for its elegant Lanna architecture and Buddha images. It is ideal to combine with a walking tour of the Old City.	1 hour
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep	One of Chiang Mai's landmarks, located on Doi Suthep Mountain. Its golden chedi, Lanna architecture, and panoramic city views make it a classic cultural experience.	2 hours
Chiang Mai Night Market	One of the city's classic night market experiences, where you can shop for handicrafts and souvenirs and try local food.	2 hours
Elephant Nature Park	A center dedicated to the rescue and care of elephants. Visitors can prepare food for elephants, observe them at close range, and learn about conservation efforts.	Half day
White Temple, Chiang Rai	Chiang Rai's most famous landmark, known for its distinctive white architecture and intricate decorations.	Full day
Pai	A mountain town known for rural scenery, canyons, hot springs, cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere.	2–3 days

Experience the Yi Peng Lantern Festival with Odynovo

If you would rather not plan your itinerary yourself and prefer a more comfortable, worry-free experience, Odynovo can take care of everything from trip planning to on-the-ground arrangements.

We offer specially designed private tours and group tours for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Both options can include tickets to the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival or Yee Peng Lanna International, so you do not need to worry about securing tickets yourself.

If you choose a private tour, the itinerary can be fully customized around your interests. Whether you want to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, spend more time exploring Nimman Road, or add an extension to Pai or Chiang Rai, we can arrange it for you. Your preferred accommodation area and dining preferences can also be discussed in advance.

If you prefer a ready-made itinerary and do not want to make individual planning decisions, a group tour may be a better option. Our group departure is already guaranteed.

Whether you prefer to explore Yi Peng independently or experience the festival with a professional Odynovo guide, it is a good time to start planning your trip. Tickets for this popular festival can sell out, while accommodation and transportation also become increasingly limited as the festival approaches.