Every November, as the rainy season ends and the air turns cool, northern Thailand hosts one of the most beautiful celebrations on earth. During Yi Peng, thousands of glowing paper lanterns rise into the night sky over Chiang Mai, while across the country, Loy Krathong fills rivers and lakes with candlelit offerings. Here is everything you need to know about Thailand's lantern festivals in 2026: what they mean, when and where they take place, and how to join in legally and respectfully.
Thailand Lantern Festival Dates 2026
- Yi Peng: November 24 and 25, 2026, centered on Chiang Mai.
- Loy Krathong: November 25, 2026, celebrated nationwide.
Both festivals follow the lunar calendar, so the dates change every year. This is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Chiang Mai, so book flights, hotels, and lantern event tickets as early as possible.
What Is Yi Peng?
Yi Peng is an ancient tradition of the Lanna Kingdom, which once ruled northern Thailand. The name refers to the full moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar, which usually falls in November. People release khom loi, sky lanterns made of rice paper and bamboo, as an act of making merit, letting go of bad luck, and sending wishes into the sky.
Beyond the famous mass lantern releases, the festival includes temple ceremonies, Lanna music and dance, lantern-making workshops, and streets and temples decorated with hanging lanterns, especially in Chiang Mai's Old City.
What Is Loy Krathong?
Loy Krathong, celebrated across Thailand on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, means "to float a basket." People float a krathong, a small raft traditionally made from a slice of banana trunk, folded banana leaves, flowers, a candle, and incense, on rivers, canals, and lakes. It is a way of giving thanks to the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, asking forgiveness for polluting the water, and letting go of the past year's troubles.
Legend links the festival to Nang Noppamas, a court lady of the Sukhothai kingdom said to have made the first decorated krathong. Beauty pageants named after her are still part of many celebrations.
Yi Peng vs. Loy Krathong
- Element: Yi Peng sends wishes up into the sky. Loy Krathong sends them down onto the water.
- Where: Yi Peng is mainly a northern tradition, centered on Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide.
- What you release: Sky lanterns (khom loi) for Yi Peng. Floating baskets (krathongs) for Loy Krathong.
- Cost: Mass lantern releases are ticketed events. Floating a krathong at a riverbank is free, apart from the cost of the krathong.
In Chiang Mai, the two festivals overlap, so you can release a lantern at an authorized event and float a krathong on the Ping River in the same trip.
How to Release a Sky Lantern Legally
Sky lanterns are a real hazard for aircraft, buildings, power lines, and farmland. For this reason, releasing lanterns is restricted in Chiang Mai, and the authorities only allow releases at approved events, in designated zones, and at set times. Releasing your own lantern in the city can lead to a fine or worse.
The best option is a ticketed lantern release event at an authorized venue outside the city. The best-known is held at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna, about 45 minutes from the center, on both main nights. Tickets usually go on sale months in advance, cost several thousand baht, and often include round-trip shuttles, a buffet dinner, cultural performances, a krathong, and two lanterns per person. Book only through the official website or verified agents, as fake tickets are common.
A typical evening includes an afternoon shuttle, dinner, monk blessings and chanting, Lanna music and dance, and then the countdown to the mass release, when thousands of lanterns rise together in silence.
How to Join Loy Krathong
- Make or buy a krathong: Join a workshop at a guesthouse, temple, or community center, or buy one from the vendors who line the riverbanks from the afternoon of the festival.
- Choose eco-friendly: Pick krathongs made from banana trunk, leaves, flowers, or bread, and avoid foam ones.
- Float it: Light the candle and incense, make a wish, and gently place your krathong on the water. It is said to be a good sign if your candle stays lit until it drifts out of sight.
Best Places to Celebrate
- Chiang Mai: The Ping River around Nawarat Bridge and the Iron Bridge, plus the parades and lanterns around Tha Phae Gate and the Old City.
- Sukhothai: The most historic setting, with celebrations and light shows among the temple ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park.
- Bangkok: Along the Chao Phraya River, with fireworks and illuminated boats. Arrive early, as riverside areas get very crowded.
Tips for Thailand's Lantern Festivals
- Book early: Chiang Mai hotels and event tickets sell out months ahead.
- Allow for flight changes: Chiang Mai International Airport often adjusts or cancels flights during the main lantern nights, so keep your schedule flexible.
- Pack a light layer: Evenings in Chiang Mai can feel cool in late November.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Expect lots of walking and slow-moving crowds.
- Be respectful: These are religious festivals. Dress modestly at temples and follow local customs.
- Stay connected: You will need your phone for shuttle pickups, tickets, and maps. An egoViet Thailand eSIM connects as soon as you land. Traveling on to other countries? Try the Southeast Asia eSIM.
Planning your trip? Read our Thailand travel guide and the best time to visit Thailand.
FAQs: Thailand Lantern Festivals
When is the lantern festival in Thailand in 2026?
Yi Peng takes place on November 24 and 25, 2026, mainly in Chiang Mai. Loy Krathong is on November 25, 2026, across the country.
What is the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
Yi Peng is a northern Thai festival where people release sky lanterns. Loy Krathong is a nationwide festival where people float decorated baskets on water. In Chiang Mai, they happen at the same time.
Can I release my own lantern in Chiang Mai?
Lantern releases are restricted in Chiang Mai and only allowed at approved events and designated zones. The safest option is to buy a ticket for an authorized lantern release event.
Do I need a ticket for Loy Krathong?
No. Floating a krathong at a riverbank or lake is free. You only need to buy or make a krathong.