Every November, Thailand lights up with two of its most enchanting celebrations:
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, where thousands of sky lanterns rise into the night sky, and
- Loy Krathong, the floating lantern festival celebrated across Thailand.
Together, these events create one of the world's most beautiful displays of lights, attracting travelers from across the globe.
Planning to witness these magical festivals? Start here to understand the differences and plan your visit.
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.
Yi Peng: Thousands of lanterns rising into the night's sky Loy Krathong: A girl is releasing a lotus-shaped basket on the river.Here's a quick comparison to help you plan your visit:
| 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) |
| 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 |
| Best Experience | Join the official mass lantern release | Riverbanks, workshops, local celebrations |
Want to see the iconic Yi Peng sky lantern release? Explore the Yi Peng Festival. Interested in joining Loy Krathong festivities? Discover Loy Krathong Festival.
When and Where to Experience Thailand Lantern Festivals
Timing:
Both festivals usually take place in November, during Thailand's full moon of the 12th lunar month. Exact dates vary each year according to the lunar calendar. Here are some recent and upcoming dates for reference:
| Year | Yi Peng Festival | Loy Krathong Festival |
| 2024 | Nov 15‑16 | Nov 16 |
| 2025 | Nov 5‑6 | Nov 6 |
| 2026 | Nov 24‑25 | Nov 25 |
| 2027 | Nov 13‑14 | Nov 14 |
| 2028 | Nov 1‑2 | Nov 2 |
Locations
Yi Peng Festival – Chiang Mai
- Main celebration in Chiang Mai's Old City and around Tha Phae Gate.
- Nearby temples and streets feature lantern displays, cultural performances, and local markets, perfect for exploring during the day and evening.
Loy Krathong Festival – Nationwide
- Celebrated across Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other cities.
- Bangkok and Sukhothai are famous for their large-scale river celebrations, while Chiang Mai offers a combination of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng.
Tips for Experiencing the Thailand Lantern Festival
After learning about Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, here's how to make the most of your Thailand Lantern Festival experience.
1. Decide which festival to join
- Sky lanterns in Chiang Mai → Yi Peng Festival
- Floating water lanterns → Loy Krathong Festival
- Want both? → Spend a few days in Chiang Mai to enjoy Yi Peng's mass lantern release and Loy Krathong by the river.
- Alternative route: Sukhothai offers beautiful, less crowded Loy Krathong celebrations about a week earlier than Chiang Mai. Start in Sukhothai, then continue to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng. Let us tailor-make a tour for you.
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. Be sure to secure your Yi Peng festival tickets (CAD) for a safe and organized sky lantern experience.
- Hotels: Chiang Mai fills up quickly during the festival, so book your stay as soon as possible.
3. Enhance your 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.
Check out our Thailand Lantern Festival 2026 tours & book your spot today!
Our happy customers enjoyed our exclusive activities.FAQ about Thailand Lantern Festivals
Q: What is the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
A: Yi Peng features sky lanterns in Chiang Mai, while Loy Krathong focuses on floating lanterns on rivers nationwide. Both symbolize letting go of bad luck and welcoming good fortune.
Q: Can I experience both festivals in one trip?
A: Yes! Many travelers combine Sukhothai for Loy Krathong and Chiang Mai for Yi Peng in one itinerary.
Q: Are Loy Krathong celebrations free?
A: Most are free, especially community events, but some workshops or hotel experiences may charge a fee.
Q: When should I book Yi Peng tickets?
A: Tickets for private lantern releases sell out months in advance, so book as early as possible.
Q: Where are the best locations to see floating lanterns?
A: The most picturesque floating lanterns in Thailand can be seen in Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.
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