When travelers search for the Thailand Lantern Festival, they are usually looking for the magical Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, where thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky.
At the same time, Thailand also celebrates Loy Krathong, the floating lantern festival where people release candlelit krathongs on rivers and lakes.
Together, these two events create Thailand's most beautiful celebration of light, and joining a Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai is on the bucket list of countless travelers seeking this magical experience.
Reserve Your Official Yi Peng Festival Tickets! Join the official event for a safe, organized, and unforgettable sky lantern experience.
Quick Comparison: Yi Peng vs Loy Krathong
The Thailand Lantern Festival includes two main celebrations: the Yi Peng Festival and Loy Krathong Festival. While both involve lanterns, the experiences are quite different. Here's a quick comparison to help you plan your visit:
Yi Peng: Thousands of lanterns rising into the night's sky Loy Krathong: A girl is releasing a lotus-shaped basket on the river.| Feature | Yi Peng Festival | Loy Krathong Festival |
|---|---|---|
| When | Full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar (November) | Full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (November) |
| Main Activity | Releasing sky lanterns (Khom Loi) | Floating water lanterns (Krathongs) |
| Main Location | Chiang Mai | Nationwide (Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Bangkok, Phuket) |
| Symbolism | Letting go of bad luck and welcoming good fortune | Honoring the Goddess of Water and letting go of past mistakes |
| Participation | Official events, ticket required (e.g., CAD) | Community events, generally free |
Yi Peng Festival (Sky Lanterns in Chiang Mai)
The highlight of the Thailand Lantern Festival is the Yi Peng Festival, held every November in Chiang Mai. During the festival, thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky. This romantic and breathtaking spectacle draws travelers from around the world.
The term "Yi Peng" comes from the Lanna language, where "Yi" means "two" and "Peng" refers to the full moon day. This festival is deeply rooted in northern Thai culture and is held to make merit and release bad luck.
- Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
- Date: November 5-6, 2025 (exact dates vary according to the lunar calendar)
- Tickets: No free events are available. The best way to join is through official Yi Peng events, such as CAD Yi Peng Festival tickets, which provide a safe and organized way to experience the iconic mass lantern release.
During the festival, you can also explore Tha Phae Gate and nearby temples in Chiang Mai's Old City, where lantern displays and cultural performances bring the city to life.
Loy Krathong (Floating Lanterns in Thailand)
Loy Krathong usually coincides with Yi Peng. During this festival, people release decorated floating lanterns (krathongs) into rivers, lakes, and canals to honor the goddess of water and make wishes for good luck.
The term "Loy Krathong" comes from Thai: "Loy" means "to float", and "krathong" refers to a small basket, usually made from banana leaves and filled with candles, incense, and flowers.
This beautiful and serene festival offers a more relaxed experience compared to the mass sky lantern release of Yi Peng. It is widely celebrated in Bangkok, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and other parts of Thailand, giving travelers multiple opportunities to witness this enchanting tradition.
Attending the Loy Krathong festival is free. You can join a krathong-making workshop, with some hotels offering the experience. Alternatively, you can buy a krathong along the river and join the locals in releasing it.
Plan Your Thailand Lantern Festival Experience
After learning about Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, here's how to make the most of your Thailand Lantern Festival experience in 2025.
1. Highly recommend experiencing both festivals in Chiang Mai.
Stay at least 3-4 days in Chiang Mai to fully enjoy Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations. When in Chiang Mai, don't miss the Doi Suthep Temple or a trek to the nearby elephant sanctuaries for a truly immersive Thai experience.
2. Book Early!
- Yi Peng Lantern Release: Tickets for private events sell out months in advance, so it's crucial to secure your spot early.
- Hotels: Chiang Mai fills up quickly during the festival, so book your stay as soon as possible.
3. Join Us for a Magical Trip!
Our private tours include everything you need for an unforgettable experience:
- Exclusive premium tickets for the CAD Yi Peng Festival
- Loy Krathong experiences in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai
- Exclusive cultural activities, including Thai traditional costume experiences and an atmospheric full moon day dinner.
Our happy customers enjoyed our exclusive activities.Check out our Thailand Lantern Festival 2025 tours & book your spot today!
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