The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of the most magical celebrations in Thailand. Thousands of glowing paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking view that feels almost like a dream. The festival is held in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, and is closely linked with Loi Krathong, another famous Thai festival where people float small decorated baskets on rivers.

Yi Peng is not only beautiful but also deeply spiritual. Releasing a lantern is believed to bring good luck and new beginnings, making it a special moment for both locals and visitors.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Yi Peng 2025, from the festival dates and best places to see it to traditions, travel tips, and how to take part in this unforgettable experience.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival, also called Yee Peng, is one of the most magical festivals in Thailand. It is a Buddhist festival where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a sea of glowing lights. The word “Yi” means “two” and “Peng” means “full moon.” Together, Yi Peng refers to the full moon of the second month in the Lanna calendar, which usually falls in November.

This festival is deeply spiritual. The act of releasing lanterns represents letting go of anger, worries, and bad luck while welcoming good fortune and happiness. For many people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the night sky filled with lanterns floating gracefully above.

Yi Peng is often celebrated together with Loy Krathong, another Thai festival where people float small decorated baskets on rivers. Together, these two festivals make November one of the most beautiful times to visit Thailand.

In 2025, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival will be celebrated on 5–6 November 2025.

Since Yi Peng follows the Lanna lunar calendar, the dates change every year. It usually happens on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which corresponds to November in the Western calendar.

If you are planning to visit Thailand for this special event, make sure to book your flights and hotels early. The city of Chiang Mai, the main centre of celebrations, becomes very crowded during the festival, and accommodations sell out quickly.

Yi Peng has its origins in the Lanna Kingdom, an ancient kingdom in Northern Thailand that existed from the 13th to 18th centuries. The festival has strong connections to Buddhist traditions and local beliefs about the moon and the river.

Historically, people released lanterns as offerings to Buddha, praying for wisdom and good fortune. The floating lanterns were also seen as a way to pay respect to the river goddess, Mae Phra Khongkha, thanking her for providing water and asking for forgiveness for polluting it.

Over time, Yi Peng became a grand celebration that mixes religion, culture, and tourism. Today, the festival is both a spiritual event for locals and a bucket-list experience for travellers from all over the world.

Yi Peng is more than just a beautiful display of lanterns — it is a festival full of rituals, traditions, and symbolism. Each act carries meaning, reflecting themes of renewal, gratitude, and spiritual harmony.

The most iconic part of Yi Peng is the release of sky lanterns into the night sky. Many people write their wishes or prayers on the lantern before lighting it. As it floats upward, the lantern symbolises letting go of negativity and welcoming good fortune and new beginnings.

Locals gather at temples to light candles and incense sticks as offerings to Buddha. The warm glow of thousands of candles across Chiang Mai creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, adding to the magic of the festival.

During Yi Peng, streets, homes, and temples are decorated with colourful lanterns of different shapes and sizes. Chiang Mai, the heart of the festival, looks especially stunning, with lanterns hanging from trees, bridges, and temple grounds, filling the city with festive light.

Yi Peng is often celebrated alongside Loy Krathong, another important Thai festival. Instead of lanterns in the sky, people float krathongs, banana leaf baskets decorated with candles, incense, and flowers, on rivers and ponds. Together, the two festivals highlight light, renewal, and gratitude to nature.

The Yi Peng Festival is a time of gratitude, renewal, and joy, where people come together to honour traditions and create lasting memories. The celebrations bring a sense of peace, community, and wonder that is felt throughout Chiang Mai and beyond.

If you want to truly experience the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, it’s best to join in the traditions the way the locals do. Here are some of the most meaningful ways:

Lanterns are sold by vendors throughout Chiang Mai during the festival. Locals often write their wishes or prayers on the lantern before lighting the fuel and gently releasing it into the sky. Watching it float upward symbolises hope, renewal, and letting go of negativity. Be sure to release your lantern carefully and respectfully, following safety rules.

Temples are at the heart of the festival. Popular ones like Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang host candle lighting ceremonies, prayers, and meditations. Joining locals at a temple lets you experience the spiritual side of Yi Peng, away from the crowds of lantern releases.

In Chiang Mai, some ticketed events are held where thousands of lanterns are released at the same time, creating a spectacular scene. These events often include cultural performances, traditional music, food stalls, and parades, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the festival in a more structured setting.

Yi Peng often coincides with Loy Krathong, when people float small baskets called krathongs, decorated with banana leaves, candles, incense, and flowers, on rivers or ponds. In Chiang Mai, the Ping River is the most popular spot. It’s a way to thank the water spirits and let go of past misfortunes.

By taking part in these traditions, you won’t just be watching Yi Peng, you’ll be living it the way locals do, with gratitude, joy, and hope for new beginnings.

The heart of Yi Peng celebrations is in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. The city glows with lanterns, candles, and krathongs, offering both free public celebrations and private ticketed events.

Main Spots in Chiang Mai:

One of the most famous gathering spots. Here you can enjoy free celebrations with lantern releases, street parades, and cultural performances. It’s lively, crowded, and full of festive energy.

A popular place to take part in Loy Krathong. Locals and visitors float beautifully decorated baskets (krathongs) into the Ping River, creating a magical scene of lights on the water.

For a more spiritual experience, visit these historic temples. They host candlelit ceremonies, prayers, and meditations, allowing you to connect with the peaceful side of Yi Peng.

Ticketed Yi Peng Events

If you’d like a more organised and safer way to experience the lantern releases, consider joining a private ticketed event. These are especially popular with tourists and include:

Cost of Tickets

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets sell out very quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance, especially if you want to join the large-scale lantern releases. Whether you prefer the bustling streets of Tha Phae Gate, the serenity of temples, or the grand ticketed events, Chiang Mai offers unforgettable ways to celebrate Yi Peng.

Food is at the heart of celebrations in Chiang Mai, and the Yi Peng Festival is no exception. As lanterns fill the skies and krathongs float on the rivers, the streets come alive with aromas of Northern Thai delicacies and festive treats. You’ll find both traditional meals and quick snacks at markets, temples, and festival grounds.

The signature dish of Northern Thailand, rich and creamy curry noodles topped with crispy fried noodles, lime, shallots, and pickled vegetables. A comforting meal perfect for cool November evenings.

A fragrant, spicy sausage made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and herbs. Often grilled fresh and served in bite-sized pieces, a street food favourite.

A Thai dessert classic like sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango and drizzled with coconut milk. Light, refreshing, and loved by festivalgoers.

From chicken satay to pork skewers, the smoky flavours of grilled meats are everywhere during Yi Peng. Affordable, quick, and perfect for snacking while exploring.

Soft, sweet, bite-sized pancakes made from coconut milk and rice flour, cooked in a special pan until golden. A must-try street dessert.

At festival grounds, temples, and near the Ping River, food stalls line the streets selling everything from noodles and soups to snacks, desserts, and drinks. Many stalls are family-run, adding a warm, local charm to the experience. Yi Peng is a foodie’s delight and a chance to taste authentic Northern Thai flavours.

To make the most of your Yi Peng Festival experience in Chiang Mai, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some helpful tips for first-time visitors:

Book Early: Flights and hotels in Chiang Mai get fully booked months before the festival. Secure your trip early through platforms like Traveloka to enjoy better deals and avoid last-minute stress.

Yi Peng is about releasing sky lanterns into the sky, while Loy Krathong is about floating decorated baskets on water. They usually happen on the same day in November.

Chiang Mai is the best place, especially at Tha Phae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, and organised lantern events.

Public celebrations are free, but large mass lantern release events usually require tickets.

Public celebrations are free. Ticketed events range from 1,500 – 5,000 THB (SGD 55 – 185).

Yes, it’s family-friendly. Kids enjoy releasing lanterns and watching the performances.

Yes, but be careful when lighting lanterns. Organised events are safer than crowded public areas.

Yes, you can book flights, hotels, and even tickets for Yi Peng through Traveloka.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025 is one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. Seeing thousands of lanterns float into the sky is an unforgettable experience that combines spirituality, culture, and community.

Whether you want to pray for good luck, enjoy Thai traditions, or simply capture stunning photos, Yi Peng is worth the journey. Make sure to plan ahead, book your travel early, and join the celebration with an open heart.

If you are visiting Thailand in November 2025, don’t miss the chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime festival. Book your activities, flights, and hotels easily on Traveloka today and start your adventure with confidence.