1. Overview
Thailand is one of the most developed Southeast Asian countries today, but there are still long-standing traditional cultural values that have been maintained and developed. One of Thailand’s cultural beauties is most clearly shown in the annual traditional festivals of the “land of a thousand smiles.” In addition to the traditional Songkran New Year, The Thailand Lantern Festival in Yee Peng is considered the second biggest festival of the year for Thai people.
Yi Peng or Yee Peng Festival originates from the traditional culture of the Lanna people in northern Thailand. Yi in Thai means “number 2”, and Peng means “full moon day,” referring to the festival held on the full moon day of the second month according to the ancient Lanna calendar. They believe that worshiping Buddha’s relics during this time will bring blessings. Legend has it that Buddha’s relics are located on the highest level in heaven, so the Lanna people lit lanterns and released them into the sky.
The Thailand Lantern Festival takes place in the northern provinces, but the most prominent is still the sky lantern festival in Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng Festival is held over a few days and includes many different events, such as parades, musical performances, and fireworks.
Coming to Yi Peng, you will have the opportunity to see thousands of shimmering lanterns in the night sky. The lanterns are made of paper or white cloth and filled with hot air from burning candles. When released, they fly into the sky, creating a spectacular display of light and color for Thailand Lantern Festival.
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What’s new for 2027
- Yi Peng 2027 is expected around 13–14 November 2027, with Loy Krathong on 14 November (lunar dates; confirm with the Tourism Authority of Thailand before booking). In 2026 it falls on 24–25 November.
- Long-distance trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue), not Hua Lamphong.
- All foreign visitors to Thailand must fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival. Ticket prices for lantern events change every year, so we no longer list old prices.
2. Main activities in Thailand Lantern festival
During the three days of participating in the Yi Peng Festival, in the morning, tourists can ride bicycles around Chiang Mai. This city has mild, cool air all year round, along with long-standing architectural works and natural beauty that is hard to match anywhere else. Therefore, this unique traditional cultural event will be an opportunity for you to visit and explore the city.
It can be said that the Yi Peng Festival only really begins at night. When the lanterns (called khom loi) are lit and released into the sky, they fly higher and blend with countless other lanterns like a school of giant glowing jellyfish. At this time, you can find a beautiful place to watch sky lanterns or go to Nawarat Bridge to release flower lanterns, painting the Ping River with a magical, shimmering beauty.
See more in this video:
After the lantern-releasing ceremony, residents and tourists will spend the whole night together, enjoying the beautiful scenery created by countless lanterns suspended in the sky. At the same time, you can participate in special activities during the festival, such as the Miss Yi Peng contest, boat racing, or watching fireworks.
3. Yi Peng festival time
Yi Peng – Thailand Lantern Festival is held on the full moon day of the second lunar month according to the Lanna calendar and lasts 2-3 days, meaning the exact date according to the international calendar will change each year. This is the time when the rainy season in Thailand ends and the cool season begins, making it very suitable for releasing lanterns.
The 2026 Yi Peng Lantern Festival falls on November 24–25, 2026, together with the Loi Krathong Lantern Festival on November 25. The 2027 Lantern Festival is expected around November 13–14, 2027 (confirm the official dates before you book).
The lantern ceremony has religious significance; it was previously only attended by monks, but today tourists can attend by purchasing tickets, most of which are sold through the organisers or licensed tourism agencies. Prices for ticketed lantern events change every year, so check the current price with the organiser or ask Metta Voyage to arrange it on one of our Chiang Mai tours.
4. Top 5 Best Places To Experience The Yi Peng Thailand Lantern Festival
Chiang Mai is known as the “mecca” of the Yi Peng – Thailand lantern festival. On this occasion, all the roads and houses here are decorated extremely brightly and beautifully. The crowded, bustling atmosphere of Thai tourists and the interesting activities of local people also cover the whole city. Below, let Metta Voyage introduce to you some ideal places to immerse yourself in the Yi Peng Sky Lantern festival.
4.1. Ping River, famous site for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals
Located in the east of Chiang Mai City, the Nawarat Bridge area across the Ping River is often the place where two Thai lantern festivals, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, take place in parallel. Coming here, tourists do not need to buy tickets; you just buy a lantern or krathong from local vendors.
Some other interesting experiences that you can try when participating in this Thailand Lantern Festival in this area are taking a boat to explore the Ping River, visiting Chai Mongkhon temple, and enjoying Khao Soi, a traditional Thai curry dish in northern Thailand, etc.
- Address: Nawarat Bridge, Charoen Mueang Road, Chang Moi Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
4.2. Lanna Dhutanka
Located behind Maejo University, this is the location where the Thailand lantern festival has been held many times, with a large space that can gather more than 3,000 people at the same time. Note: You need to book tickets before arriving because tickets at Yee Peng Lanna Dhutanka sell out very quickly.
- Address: near Maejo University, Nong Han Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
4.3. Three Kings Monument
This is where most of the activities during the Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival (or Yi Peng or Thailand Lantern Festival) take place. In addition to releasing lanterns, here you can witness candle-lighting ceremonies and participate in Buddhist worship rituals.
- Address: Three Kings Monument Square, Phra Pok Klao Street, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
4.4. Doi Saket Hot Springs
Doi Saket is located about 30 km from from Chiang Mai city center, an ideal place for you to see Thailand lantern festival in a peaceful rural suburb. The area here can gather more than 2,400 people at the same time. Tickets must be booked in advance.
- Address: Pa Miang, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
4.5. Cowboy Army Riding Club
Cowboy Army Riding Club is located about 10 km from Chiang Mai city center. This location can accommodate 3,500–4,000 people, attracting many local and tourist visitors to the festival. Tickets must be booked in advance.
- Address: Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai City, Thailand.
5. Transportation to Chiang Mai, the place of the Thailand lantern festival.
Because Chiang Mai is about 700 km north of Bangkok, there are 3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai that you can refer to below:
- By plane: This is the fastest option (about 1 hour 15 minutes). If you connect from an international flight in Bangkok, leave at least 3–4 hours between flights to avoid missing the connection, and check whether your domestic flight leaves from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
- Take the train: If you want to see the scenery, the train is a great choice, but the train ride from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, formerly Bang Sue Grand; long-distance trains no longer leave from Hua Lamphong) to Chiang Mai is quite long (around 10–13 hours). You can buy tickets at the station or on the official State Railway of Thailand website. Bring your passport when you board.
- Taking the bus: This means of transport will be about 4 hours faster than taking the train (it only takes about 7–8 hours), with the starting point being Mo chit station (Bangkok). You can buy tickets on the day or book in advance.
6. Notes when participating in the Yi Peng sky lantern festival
To travel to Chiang Mai and enjoy the Yi Peng – Thailand Lantern Festival to the fullest and in the safest way, you need to note the following things:
You should buy plane tickets and book a room in an area near the festival venue for 2-3 months to save on costs.
Buy tickets to the festival from the organizing committee or main distribution units from the organizing committee to ensure safety and avoid fraud.
Arrange your schedule to leave 30–45 minutes before the lighting ceremony. To easily choose the closest and most beautiful location to view lanterns.
When participating in the Chiang Mai sky lantern festival, you need to dress discreetly and politely.
7. Some common questions about Thailand Lantern Festival
7.1. What is the difference between the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals?
Loy Krathong Festival is held throughout Thailand, with the main activity being floating “krathong” lights (like a raft made from banana leaves) on rivers and lakes. The Yi Peng Festival takes place mainly in northern Thailand, typically in Chiang Mai city, lighting “khom loi” lanterns and releasing them into the sky.
7.2. Can tourists release their own lanterns in the city?
According to the policy from 2020, self-releasing lanterns in the city are not allowed. To experience this activity in Thailand lantern festival, you can buy tickets to participate in the festival at locations guaranteed to be safe by the organizer, such as the Nawarat Bridge area of the Ping River, Lanna Dhutanka, Doi Saket, etc.
You can see some of our other Thailand travel guides below:
Culinary Delights – Top 15 Best Chiang Mai Restaurants For Visitors
The Top 12 Best Chiang Mai Food, Thailand
Top 10 Most Popular Destinations In Chiang Mai City Tour
Top 20 Experiences And Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Explore The 15 Chiang Mai Night Markets With Vibrant Atmosphere
Where To Stay In Chiang Mai: 9 Best Hotels Revealed
Top 10 Must – Visit Temples In Chiang Mai
8. Conclusion
Above are the Top 5 Best Places To Experience The Yi Peng, Thailand Lantern Festival that Metta Voyage shares with you. We hope you will have an enjoyable trip when you come to Chiang Mai. Don’t forget to visit our blog to discover more fascinating travel experiences in Southeast Asia and Vietnam.
9. Contact us:
Website: www.mettavoyage.com
Email: [email protected]
Hotline 24/7: + 84 812 247 572
