Explore Loy Krathong and Yi Peng: Your Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festivals

One of the most beautiful celebrations in Thailand is definitely in Chiang Mai during the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals.

People often confuse Loy Krathong with Yi Peng. However, they are two distinct festivals occurring simultaneously over a four-day span in November. Each year, the date varies to align with the full moon of the Thai Lunar calendar.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals of Chiang Mai

Thanks to social media, tourists flock to Northern Thailand each year to capture stunning photographs of paper lanterns floating on rivers and released into the sky. Nevertheless, there is far more to Yi Peng and Loy Krathong than simply a photo opportunity.

Loy Krathong Festival Thailand

Loy Krathong involves placing candles in banana leaf boats and lighting them as they float down the Ping River, thanking the Goddess of water for a good harvest. It is also a chance to release negative thoughts and seek forgiveness for your misdeeds.

As people release lanterns into the river, they make wishes. In English, Loy Krathong translates to float (Loy) in a small container (Krathong). Incense, flowers, and trinkets are also placed inside the banana boats, with some Krathongs being ornately designed.

A competition for the best Krathong is held, prompting many to get creative! Vendors line the roads leading to the Ping River, offering you the opportunity to purchase your own Krathong to light and set free.

About Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

Yi Peng festival (also spelled Yee Peng) features lanterns being released into the air, illuminating the night sky with a golden hue. This particular event draws crowds hoping to capture that perfect Instagram shot.

Candles are placed inside the lanterns, and as individuals ignite them, they make a wish. The heat from the flame causes the lanterns to rise, floating until the fire extinguishes. Witnessing thousands of lights twinkling like stars in the night sky is spectacular.

Be Kind to the Environment – Eco Friendly Yi Peng

Important Note: Be cautious of cheap lanterns made of metal, as they are harmful to the environment. Numerous tourists have released wire-made lanterns, which have significant negative effects on nature. Be responsible and ensure you purchase biodegradable bamboo-framed lanterns prior to your arrival in Thailand. Biodegradable floating lanterns are available on Amazon – Set of 5 Large for $23.99

We Chose Not to Release our Lanterns

Unfortunately, we refrained from releasing our lanterns upon discovering that their frames were metal. We wanted to avoid harming wildlife, so instead, we took photos and videos, hoping that others in the crowd made eco-friendly choices.

We learned the crucial lesson to acquire our lanterns days in advance to guarantee an environmentally friendly option.

Choose Wire-Free Biodegradable Lanterns

We recommend bringing your own wire-free lanterns to Thailand for the release to prevent environmental harm or endangerment to delicate wildlife. You can purchase on Amazon. In the lead-up to the event, we found it challenging to locate lanterns in Chiang Mai. We searched thoroughly, discovering only one vendor on the night of the release. It seems imperative that Thailand establishes stricter regulations.

If shops were permitted to sell lanterns in advance, this would minimize the market for wireframe vendors, which we unfortunately ended up supporting.

We suggest acquiring tickets for the mass release (which purportedly offer environmentally friendly lanterns) to purchase biodegradable lanterns on Amazon before embarking on your trip to Thailand.

Paid Yi Peng Festival Mass Release

If you are eager to witness lanterns released in Chiang Mai, it is wise to secure a spot for one of the mass releases in advance. Various types of tickets are available, providing options for VIP access or general admission.

We reached out to YeePeng Lantern Festival for ticket information. Despite our last-minute inquiry, they responded promptly (though no tickets were available), indicating that it’s a reliable booking site, as others have also reported positive experiences.

Our Loy Krathong Yi Peng Experience

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai for an assignment, we were fortunate that the Loy Krathong festival coincided with our visit. However, we had not prepared adequately.

Unfamiliar with the details of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, our only goal was to partake in the festivities. Consequently, we took an inexpensive Uber ride from our hotel at the Rati Lanna Riverside Resort to the Old City.

Getting around Chiang Mai is easy via tuk-tuks and songthaews. Once in the old city, it’s simple to navigate to the celebrations by foot.

Chiang Mai’s Sparkling Festival

Finding the Loy Krathong celebrations around Chiang Mai was straightforward; however, locating the Yi Peng festival proved slightly trickier.

Since we were too late to purchase tickets, we were determined to celebrate with locals. Surely, they would be celebrating Yi Peng somewhere, right?

After some research, we learned about a potential lantern release at Nawarat Bridge. Eager with anticipation, we searched for lanterns on our way, but had no luck.

Though vendors sold boats, candles, flowers, and decorations along the river and road leading to the bridge, we were unable to find anyone selling lanterns for the sky.

As the sun set and crowds gathered on the bridge, we noticed very few people holding lanterns. Were we in the wrong spot?

Eventually, individuals arrived with paper lanterns, and I quizzed each person on where they obtained theirs. Each provided a different response.

Determined to find lanterns, I ventured off while Dave saved our place. Frantically searching through the old city streets, I located a vendor in a corner, surrounded by a crowd. I squeezed my way through, purchased four lanterns, and rushed back to the bridge before nightfall.

Despite the throng of people, I eventually spotted Dave in a prime spot overlooking the river. With about ten minutes to go, individuals began lighting their lanterns and releasing them into the sky! The sight was utterly breathtaking.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Dates

The 2019 Loy Krathong festival occurred from November 11 – November 13 in Thailand.

While Loy Krathong festivities span all four days, the Yi Peng mass release happens only once, on the night of November 23.

Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand, but only in Northern Thailand does Yi Peng occur simultaneously. Chiang Mai is the most popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Other Places to Celebrate Loi Krathong in Thailand

• Bangkok – Chao Praya River
• Sukhothai
• Lampang
• Phuket
• Chiang Rai – Also Celebrates Yee Peng

Tourists are often more drawn to Yi Peng due to its stunning visuals. Nonetheless, Loy Krathong is equally beautiful. Moreover, Loy Krathong stretches across several days, allowing for an immersive cultural experience.

“It is a truly magical time to visit Chiang Mai”

Hotels in Chiang Mai

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong attract an immense number of tourists; thus, it is wise to secure accommodations well in advance. Chiang Mai becomes extremely crowded during the lantern festivals, with many booking their stays long ahead of time.

We chose the Rati Lanna Riverside, although the city offers numerous hotel options to accommodate various budgets. We appreciated the tranquility of the Rati Lanna, which is slightly farther from the Old City (a 30-minute walk) but finding transportation around Chiang Mai is inexpensive, and we preferred the quieter environment, avoiding potential stress.

During the day, there are numerous activities to enjoy in Chiang Mai. Should you decide to visit during the lantern festivals, do allocate time to explore the city and its picturesque hills. Thai hospitality remains as warm and welcoming today as it was on our first visit in 2000.

Our hearts will always hold a special fondness for Thailand and its vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the nation.

Are you planning to attend the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai or the Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand? Save this guide for your future reference.

When is Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals?

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are generally celebrated in November during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. Read more here.

Where is Yi Peng Festival Celebrated?

Yi Peng Festival is primarily celebrated in Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai.

What is the difference between Yi Peng Festival and Loy Krathong?

Yi Peng festival (also spelled Yee Peng) features the release of lanterns into the sky. Meanwhile, Loy Krathong celebrates with candles placed in banana leaf boats, floated down the Ping River.