Here’s everything you need to know about the annual cultural extravaganza and how to make the most of it.
Yi Peng, meaning “two” and “full moon day”, is also known as the Sky Lantern Festival. It originates from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, or the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, located in what is now northern Thailand. During the festival, Thai Buddhists traditionally release lanterns while making wishes, believing that the act, accompanied by a kind deed, can fulfil those wishes.
Initially, the Yi Peng festival was celebrated singularly, however in recent years, it has been held concurrently with the Loy Krathong Festival, a traditional Siamese celebration observed by Thais to honour the Goddess of Water and the Buddha.
Celebrated during the second or last week of November, the festival marks the transition from monsoon to winter, coinciding with the full moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar. In 2024, the festival will occur from November 15-16 in Chiang Mai.
Paid tours: A more touristy way to experience the festival is by booking a travel package on a private or group tour. The cost of a tour can range from THB 4,600-15,500, which is approximately USD 135-450, depending on if you want pick-up and drop-off, lantern-making workshop and temple visits. Exclusive events can be booked via CAD Yipeng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, Klook, Viator and more.
Join a local community or group to release a lantern (and make a wish): This is a must-do! You can either sign up for a paid event or create your lantern and watch it float away in one of the many designated public spaces.
Learn about the Three Kings Monument: Erected in 1984, this monument features bronze sculptures that honour the friendship of northern Lao Thai kings—King Mangrai, King Ram Khamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang of Phayao. This is a free location where many of the festival activities take place alongside the everyday Buddhist worship rituals. Exploring Chiang Mai through a tour to discover more such attractions is one of the best things to do in Thailand.
Float krathongs: Celebrated alongside Loy Krathong, this activity allows you to learn how to make Krathongs, traditional circular rafts made from banana tree trunks that you can float in a nearby lake, canal, or pond.
Night photography: A niche but must-try activity for photography enthusiasts, the lantern ceremony is a great time to capture the glowing flames in low-light conditions.
Where to release paper lanterns in Chiang Mai
Publicly arranged locations in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival include the Mae Jo University, Wat Lok Moli and Wat Suan Dok. Tha Phae Gate’s plaza, Doi Saket, and Nawarat Bridge are also popular. The festival’s opening ceremony and lantern releases take place at the Three Kings Monument.
While Yi Peng and Loy Krathong occur simultaneously and both involve the release of lanterns, they have distinct characteristics: Yi Peng features sky lanterns, whereas Loy Krathong focuses on water lanterns.
Yi Peng is primarily celebrated in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, where paper sky lanterns, known as khom loi, are released into the sky on the full moon night. In contrast, Loy Krathong is celebrated nationally, with water lanterns called krathongs floated on rivers, lakes, or ponds as offerings to the Water Goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. Yi Peng lanterns are typically made of rice paper and bamboo, while krathongs for Loy Krathong are traditionally made from banana leaves and adorned with flowers, incense sticks, and candles.
