Yi Peng Festival 2026: Tickets & Guide to Chiang Mai's Lantern Festival

Imagine a night where thousands of glowing lanterns float into the sky, creating a magical sea of light above the ancient city of Chiang Mai.

This is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival — one of Thailand's most iconic celebrations and one of the most breathtaking sights you can witness in Asia.

In 2026, Yi Peng will take place on November 24–25, coinciding with Thailand's beautiful Loy Krathong Festival.

If your travel dates are flexible, plan your trip around these days — it's an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.

What Is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng (sometimes written as Yee Peng) is a centuries-old Lanna tradition that originated in Northern Thailand. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of a new cycle — a time to release the old and welcome new blessings.

The festival is rooted in ancient Lanna Buddhist traditions, yet also tied to local folklore. One popular legend tells of Phayung, a celestial bird who brought light to the darkness, inspiring locals to release lanterns into the sky as symbols of hope and renewal.

Each lantern, or khom loi, carries a wish for happiness, health, and prosperity.

Today, Yi Peng transforms Chiang Mai into a glowing wonderland. Locals and visitors visit temples to make merit, light candles, and pray, while thousands of sky lanterns rise together — a truly spiritual and emotional sight that unites everyone watching.

The Meaning Behind Yi Peng

Beyond its visual beauty, Yi Peng is deeply spiritual.

Releasing a lantern is a symbolic act of letting go of misfortune and starting fresh.

It's also an offering to Buddha, representing wisdom, enlightenment, and the wish for good karma.

For the people of Chiang Mai, Yi Peng is a time of community and gratitude — a blend of reflection, celebration, and renewal under the full moon.

When and Where to Celebrate in 2026?

The name "Yi Peng" comes from the Lanna language, meaning the "second full moon day" of the lunar calendar.

Yi Peng is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November.

In 2026, it will take place on November 24th and 25th.

It happens at the same time as Loy Krathong, Thailand's nationwide floating lantern festival, but Yi Peng's famous sky lantern celebrations are unique to Chiang Mai.

Here are the estimated Yi Peng dates for the coming years to help you plan your trip:

How to Experience Yi Peng (and Loy Krathong)?

The highlight of Yi Peng is undoubtedly the mass lantern release — an awe-inspiring moment when thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky, carrying people's hopes and wishes. But Yi Peng is much more than just that single moment. It's a weeklong celebration of light, culture, and spirituality across Chiang Mai.

Here's how you can make the most of it:

1) Join a Lantern Release – The Signature Experience

If you want to release your own sky lantern, you'll need to attend one of the officially designated events outside the city center (as free-floating lanterns are prohibited downtown). Each venue offers a slightly different atmosphere:

CAD (Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy sky lantern Festival)

– The grandest and most organized event, featuring synchronized releases, cultural shows, and fireworks. 

We are the largest ticket agent for CAD, offering easy and reliable booking. Tickets are limited, so book early to secure your spot and make sure you don't miss this unforgettable experience!

Mae Jo University

– The most traditional venue, known for its strong Buddhist influence. This event is quieter and more spiritual, making it perfect for those who want a more meaningful experience.

Smaller Local Venues

– Several temples and resorts around Chiang Mai also host intimate lantern releases. These smaller gatherings are ideal if you want to avoid large crowds and still take part in the magic.

2) Immerse Yourself in the Cultural Heart of Yi Peng

Beyond the sky lanterns, Yi Peng is a week-long celebration of Northern Thailand's spiritual and artistic heritage. Throughout Chiang Mai's Old City, you'll find the streets glowing with devotion, music, and craftsmanship:

• Candlelit temple ceremonies – Join locals at Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Lok Molee, where monks chant, light candles, and bless the lanterns before release.
• Lanna performances and processions – Watch graceful traditional dance shows, drumming performances, and cultural parades that tell the story of ancient Lanna beliefs.
• Lantern and craft workshops – Learn to make your own khom fai (paper sky lantern) or Phang Prathip (clay candle lantern) at community workshops held across the city.
• Nighttime ambiance in the Old City – Stroll under thousands of hanging lanterns that line the gates, temples, and walkways — it's a photographer's dream and a rare glimpse of living tradition.

3) Celebrate Loy Krathong – Thailand's River of Light

Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand's water lantern festival.

While Yi Peng fills the sky, Loy Krathong fills the rivers — thousands of glowing krathongs (banana-leaf floats) drift down the Ping River, symbolizing gratitude and new beginnings.

How to join:

• Head to Ping River or Nawarat Bridge to release your own krathong (you can buy one from local vendors or join a workshop to make it yourself).
• Watch the grand parade through Chiang Mai Old Town, featuring illuminated floats and traditional costumes.
• Visit temples or hotels hosting krathong-making classes for a hands-on experience.

4) Join Our Exclusive Experience!

What we offer:

• Premium VIP tickets to the biggest sky lantern release
• Exclusive krathong-making workshop
• A full-moon dinner with breathtaking views
• Traditional Thai costume & make-up for stunning festival photos

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime festival—book your experience today!

Official Festival Events in Chiang Mai

Here's a quick overview of key official events planned for the Chiang Mai Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival (dates subject to confirmation):

Travel Tips for Yi Peng Festival

• Book early – Hotels and flights fill up quickly during festival week.
• Stay near the Old City or Riverside for easy access to Loy Krathong events.
• Respect local customs – Dress modestly when visiting temples and avoid releasing lanterns in restricted areas.
• Arrive early to events and parades — roads are often closed and traffic can be heavy.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Yi Peng

1. Are there any free lantern release events for Yi Peng?

No, free mass lantern release events have been canceled since 2015.

You might see outdated or misleading info online suggesting you can release sky lanterns in downtown Chiang Mai—but that's not true. Since 2020, sky lanterns have been banned in the city center due to safety regulations.

If you want to participate in a lantern release, you'll need to attend one of the private, ticketed events, which are held about 30 km (20 miles) outside the city for safety and easier cleanup afterward.

2. What are the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for easy festival access?

The lantern release venues are located outside the city, so where you stay won't affect your participation in the lantern release event. However, your choice of accommodation does impact your access to citywide Loy Krathong celebrations.

For the best festival experience, consider these areas:

• Old City – Close to major Loy Krathong events, including krathong floating and temple celebrations. Ideal for walking access.
• Riverside – A scenic option where you can see krathongs floating down the Ping River, with some hotels hosting their own celebrations.
• Nimmanhaemin – A trendy area with great restaurants and cafes, offering a comfortable stay with a short ride to the festivities. It is an ideal destination for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife and a modern urban vibe.

Regardless of where you stay, book early, as hotels fill up fast during the festival!

3. What's the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?

Although they happen at the same time, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are two separate festivals with different traditions.

Yi Peng (Sky Lantern Festival)

• Mainly celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai
• Involves releasing sky lanterns (khom loy) into the night sky as a symbol of good luck and new beginnings
• Rooted in Lanna culture and closely linked to Buddhist traditions

Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)

• Celebrated throughout Thailand, including Bangkok and Sukhothai
• People float krathongs (small, candle-lit boats made of banana leaves) on rivers and lakes
• A way to give thanks to the water goddess (Mae Khongkha) and release bad luck

Planning to Join Yi Peng 2026?

We've been helping travelers experience this once-in-a-lifetime festival since 2018 — from securing the best-view seats at the CAD Lantern Release to crafting personalized itineraries across Thailand.

Get your official Yi Peng Festival tickets here. Or let us tailor-make your Thailand trip to include Chiang Mai's Festival of Lights and other unforgettable highlights.