Your Guide to the Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025

Have you ever seen a sky set ablaze not with fireworks, but with thousands of silent, golden stars, each one carrying a wish? It's the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, a sacred Lanna tradition in Northern Thailand where magic feels real. For one breathtaking night, the heavens are filled with the hopes and dreams of thousands of people.

Imagine yourself standing among them, the warmth of your own paper lantern in your hands, moments away from releasing your personal wishes into the night. It's an experience that photos can't capture.

In this guide from TravelThru, we'll show you exactly how to plan your 2025 trip, step-by-step.

What is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a spiritual and magical event originating from the historic Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand. Its defining moment is a sky filled with so many golden lanterns that they blend seamlessly with the stars.

The name "Yi Peng" literally explains its timing. "Yi" means "two" and "Peng" means "full moon day." This marks the full moon of the Lanna calendar's second month.

The festival blends ancient beliefs. It has roots in Brahminism but later merged with Buddhist traditions. People originally lit the lanterns to honor the Buddha. They believed the light would reach his heavenly stupa, Cetiya, in Tavatimsa heaven.

Releasing the lantern, or khom loi (โคมลอย), also holds a deep personal meaning. People believe the act releases their misfortunes and bad luck from the past year. As the lantern floats away, it carries their troubles with it. This ritual cleanses the spirit and welcomes good fortune for the future.

Yi Peng vs. Loy Krathong

You'll often hear the name "Loy Krathong" mentioned alongside Yi Peng, and it can be a little confusing. They are two separate festivals, but in Chiang Mai, they happen at the exact same time.

Here’s the simple way to remember the difference:

• Yi Peng is for the Sky: This is the Northern Thai Lanna tradition where you release paper lanterns up into the night sky.

   

• Loy Krathong is for the Water: This is a nationwide Thai festival where people float beautifully decorated, candle-lit baskets (krathongs) on rivers and canals to thank the Goddess of Water.

So, when you're in Chiang Mai in November, you get the best of both worlds! You'll see thousands of lanterns ascending into the sky while the Ping River below shimmers with countless floating krathongs. 

Yi Peng Festival 2025

The official Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai for 2025 is set for Wednesday, November 5th, and Thursday, November 6th.

The main lantern release and biggest celebrations happen on the evening of the full moon, which is November 6th. They follow the full moon of the twelfth month in the traditional Thai Lanna lunar calendar. This is why the festival's date changes every year.

While you might see lantern releases in other parts of Northern Thailand, there's only one place to be for the most incredible experience is Chiang Mai. The entire city comes alive with decorations, parades, and a magical energy. You don't have to go to one specific venue to feel the magic. The celebrations happen all over the city, from ancient temples to the bustling riverbanks. 

Free vs. Ticketed Yi Peng Events

You have two main ways to experience the magic: joining a massive, ticketed event or soaking in the atmosphere at a free public gathering. Both options are incredible, but they offer very different experiences.

Ticketed Events

If you've seen those jaw-dropping photos of thousands of lanterns rising in perfect harmony, you're looking at a private, ticketed event.

These events are held in large, open areas outside the city center and are perfectly organized for the mass release.

The benefits include:

• The "Wow" factor: Countless lanterns are released simultaneously, illuminating the night sky.

   

• Less chaos: The events are well-managed with limited crowds.

   

• Everything's included: Your ticket usually covers transportation to the venue, a couple of lanterns, food, and souvenirs.

Top ticketed events:

The most well-known event is the CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival. Another popular choice is the Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival. Both festivals provide an entire evening filled with cultural activities, ceremonies, and a stunning mass launch. You should always buy from official online websites or reputable tour operators.

How much do tickets cost?

Be prepared, as this incredible experience comes with a price tag. Tickets generally range from $100 to over $150 USD. The price depends on the package, with VIP or Premium options offering better seating, more food choices, and other perks.

Free Public Celebrations

Want a more spontaneous and local experience? You can join the festivities for free right in the heart of Chiang Mai.

• Nawarat Bridge: This is the most popular public spot. It gets very crowded, but the energy is electric. You'll be surrounded by locals and travelers all releasing lanterns into the sky.

   

• Thapae Gate: This historic gate is a hub for parades and cultural performances during the festival. You'll see many lanterns released here as well.

   

• Along the Ping River: Find a spot anywhere along the riverbanks. It's a fantastic place to see both the khom loi (sky lanterns) and the floating krathongs on the water.

The free celebrations are more chaotic and less synchronized than the paid events, but they are full of life and offer a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. You can buy your own lantern from a street vendor and release it whenever you feel the moment is right.

Guide for Attending Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival

What to Wear

Remember, Yi Peng is a religious festival. The most important rule is to dress respectfully and modestly.

• Cover your shoulders and knees: When visiting, it's essential to dress modestly. Opt for long pants, maxi skirts, or long dresses. Please avoid shorts, short skirts, and tank tops.

   

• Bring a scarf or shawl: It's the easiest way to cover up if you need to. It's also great for when the evening gets a bit cooler.

   

• Wear comfortable shoes: You will do a lot of walking and standing, so leave the fancy footwear at the hotel.

What to Bring

Pack a small bag with these key items:

• Power bank: Your battery will drain faster than you think from taking photos and videos.

   

• Cash: You'll need it for buying extra lanterns (at public spots), snacks, or souvenirs.

   

• A marker pen: To write your wishes and messages on your lantern before you release it. This is a beautiful part of the tradition.

   

• A light jacket: Evenings in Chiang Mai can get surprisingly cool in November.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

The city gets incredibly busy during the festival. Expect heavy traffic. If you aren't attending a ticketed event with included transport, your best bets are:

• TravelThru pre-book transfer services

For total peace of mind, especially when traveling from the airport or to a ticketed lantern release event outside the city, pre-booking a private transfer is your best bet. Services like TravelThru allow you to arrange your rides in advance. This means you have a guaranteed car waiting for you at a fixed price, so you can skip the long taxi queues and avoid the hassle of negotiating fares during the busiest time of the year.

• Rod Daang (Red Truck)

For a taste of local life, hop on one of the iconic red trucks, or Rod Daang. These trucks operate as shared taxis, traveling on flexible routes. You can flag one down and tell the driver where you're going. Always confirm the price before you get in to avoid any surprises.

Safety & Etiquette

• Use approved lanterns: Only buy lanterns from official vendors. They are made with fire-retardant paper and bamboo frames that are safer and more eco-friendly.

   

• Release safely: Only launch your lantern in designated open areas, away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

   

• Respect the ceremony: During the monk's chanting and meditation, be quiet and respectful. It's a deeply spiritual moment for many.

   

• Watch your belongings: Like any crowded event, be mindful of your wallet and phone.

>>> Read more: Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai for First-timers  

Yi Peng is a magical experience that connects you to a timeless tradition of hope and renewal. It’s your chance to send a wish into the heavens and create a memory that lasts a lifetime. Don't just dream about it, plan your trip and experience the wonder of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.