Yi Peng Lantern Festival Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide to Thailand’s Sky Full of Lights
Yi Peng is the northern Thai lantern festival that coincides with Loy Krathong, usually in November. While Loy Krathong involves floating offerings on water, Yi Peng focuses on releasing sky lanterns (khom loi) into the air. The result is one of the most visually stunning spectacles in the world: thousands of glowing lanterns rising simultaneously into the night sky, like a river of light flowing upward. Chiang Mai is the epicentre, and this guide will help you experience it fully.
The Meaning of Yi Peng
Yi Peng (also written as Yee Peng) is the Lanna (northern Thai) version of the festival that coincides with Loy Krathong. The name means “second month” in the Lanna calendar, which corresponds to the second month of the Lanna lunar year — the full moon of which usually falls in November. The festival is deeply rooted in Lanna culture and is distinct from Loy Krathong, though they are celebrated simultaneously.
Releasing a khom loi (sky lantern) is an act of making merit and letting go. The lantern carries away misfortune, bad luck, and negative energy from the past year. As it rises, it symbolises the release of worries and the welcoming of new beginnings. The warm light also pays homage to the Buddha, and many people write wishes or prayers on the lantern paper before releasing them.
When Is Yi Peng?
Yi Peng falls on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar, which is the same night as Loy Krathong (the full moon of the 12th month of the central Thai lunar calendar). The dates change each year. Key dates: November 5-6, 2025; November 24-25, 2026; November 13-14, 2027.
Important: There are actually two Yi Peng celebrations in Chiang Mai. The main public festival, where anyone can release lanterns, coincides with Loy Krathong night. But there is also an organised “mass release” event (sometimes called the Yi Peng Lantern Festival) that is ticketed and held on a specific date, often a few days before or after the main night. This ticketed event features a coordinated release of thousands of lanterns and includes cultural performances. Check local listings for exact dates and ticket information.
Where to Experience Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
The Ping River Banks and Bridges
The banks of the Ping River, particularly around the Iron Bridge (Saphan Lek) and Nawarat Bridge, are the main public areas for lantern releasing. The river provides a safety zone below — if a lantern fails to rise properly, it falls into water rather than onto buildings. Both banks of the river are lined with people selling lanterns, food stalls, and live music. The atmosphere is festive and communal. Arrive by 5:30 PM to get a good spot.
Three Kings Monument (In the Old City)
The area around the Three Kings Monument (in the centre of the Old City) hosts a large public celebration with traditional Lanna dancing, music, and a market. Lanterns are released here too, though it is more crowded due to the narrow streets. The backdrop of ancient temple spires makes for stunning photography.
Tha Phae Gate
The area outside Tha Phae Gate, the eastern gate of the Old City, hosts a large Yi Peng market and celebration. It is one of the most accessible locations and a good starting point before walking to the river.
Ticketed Mass Release Events
Several temples and organisations host ticketed mass-release events where thousands of lanterns are released simultaneously in a coordinated ceremony. These events typically include a meditation session, a Buddhist ceremony, and cultural performances before the release. Tickets cost about 1,500-3,000 THB ($43-$86 USD) and should be purchased in advance. The most well-known is held at a venue outside the city centre (often at a large field). These are the events you see in the famous photographs of hundreds of lanterns rising simultaneously.
How to Release a Sky Lantern
- Buy a lantern: Available at street stalls and markets throughout Chiang Mai for 30-80 THB ($0.85-$2.30 USD) each. Buy several — you will want to release more than one.
- Find an open area: Away from trees, power lines, and buildings. The riverbank is ideal. In designated release zones, volunteers help ensure safety.
- Write a wish: Use a marker to write a wish, prayer, or the name of a loved one on the lantern. This is optional but meaningful.
- Light the fuel cell: The lantern has a small wax ring or pad attached to the bottom opening. Hold the lantern upright and light it. This takes about 30 seconds.
- Hold and wait: Hold the lantern by its rim (the bamboo hoop). Do not hold the paper — it gets hot. Wait about 30-60 seconds until you feel the lantern pulling upward.
- Release: When the lantern is pulling upward strongly, let go gently. Do not push it — let the hot air do the work.
- Watch and wish: Watch your lantern rise and join the hundreds of others in the sky.
Other Yi Peng Highlights
Khom Fai (Large Decorative Lanterns)
In addition to sky lanterns, the Lanna tradition includes khom fai — large, elaborate lanterns made from paper and bamboo that are displayed at temples and along streets. These are not released but hung as decorations. The Tha Phae Gate area and temples within the Old City are adorned with these beautiful lanterns, creating a festive, illuminated atmosphere throughout the city.
Lanna Cultural Performances
Throughout the Yi Peng period, there are traditional Lanna dance performances, music, and parades in the Old City. The Yi Peng Parade features participants in traditional Lanna costume, floats, and beauty pageants. These usually take place in the days leading up to the full moon night.
Floating Krathong (Combined with Loy Krathong)
Since Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong, you can do both — float a krathong on the Ping River moat AND release a sky lantern. Many people do one of each, symbolising letting go of the past on both water and air.
Practical Information
- Weather: November in Chiang Mai is cool and dry. Daytime temperatures are 28-32C, but evenings drop to 18-22C. Bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening.
- Accommodation: Book months in advance. Yi Peng/Loy Krathong is one of Chiang Mai’s busiest periods. Prices peak during this week.
- Transport: The Old City and river area will be closed to traffic in the evening. Walk or use a red songthaew. Traffic is heavy throughout the festival period.
- Cash: Bring 300-500 THB for lanterns, food, and drinks. Most vendors are cash-only.
- Fire safety: Do not release lanterns near buildings, trees, power lines, or gas stations. Use designated release zones. Do not release lanterns in high winds.
- Photography: Bring a camera with good low-light capability. A tripod or stabilised lens is essential for the famous long-exposure shots. Set ISO high (1600-3200), aperture wide open (f/1.4-f/2.8), and shutter speed to 1/30-1/60 for individual lanterns or several seconds for the mass release.
Environmental Considerations
Sky lanterns do have an environmental impact. They can cause fires, land in forests or on roofs, and create litter. In response, Chiang Mai has implemented several measures: designated release zones near water (so fallen lanterns land in the river rather than on property), restrictions on release during high winds, and clean-up efforts the morning after. Some temples now use biodegradable lantern materials. When you participate, choose lanterns made from biodegradable paper and wire-free frames where possible, and release only in designated areas. The city collects and cleans up thousands of lanterns the following morning — do your part by releasing responsibly.
A Final Word
Yi Peng is not just a photo opportunity. It is a moment of collective hope, release, and beauty that connects you to centuries of Lanna tradition and to every person standing beside you on that riverbank, watching their lantern rise. If you are in Thailand in November, make the journey to Chiang Mai. Stand by the river, light a lantern, let it go, and watch your worries float away into the night sky alongside thousands of others. There is no experience quite like it anywhere on earth.
