Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival Guide

Every November, Chiang Mai glows with lanterns, temple decorations and festival celebrations. The city’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival is famous for the breathtaking sight of sky lanterns rising into the night, while Loy Krathong brings water-lantern traditions to rivers and waterways.

For travelers, Chiang Mai’s lantern season can be experienced in different ways: through free public celebrations, temple visits, riverside activities, small local gatherings or organized sky-lantern events. This guide explains the traditions behind the festival, how to choose the right experience and how to plan your visit.

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival at a Glance

What Is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng is a traditional festival originating from the ancient Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand. It has been celebrated for centuries as part of local Buddhist and cultural traditions.

The name Yi Peng comes from the Lanna lunar calendar and refers to the full moon of the second lunar month, which normally falls in November. During this time, local communities may visit temples, make merit, offer food to monks, decorate homes and streets with lanterns, and gather with family and friends.

The release of sky lanterns, known locally as khom loi, is now the most internationally recognized part of the festival. Yet Yi Peng is more than one dramatic moment in the sky. It is also a time for temple ceremonies, Lanna music and dance, local food, traditional crafts and community celebration.

What Does Releasing a Sky Lantern Mean?

Sky lanterns are commonly associated with wishes, prayers, blessings and new beginnings. Many people release a lantern as a symbolic way to let go of worries and look forward to good fortune.

At organized events, guests normally receive approved lanterns and follow staff instructions before lighting and releasing them. Lantern releases are always subject to weather, wind conditions, safety requirements and organizer approval.

What Is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is Thailand's traditional water-lantern festival. During the celebration, people float decorated krathongs on rivers, lakes or other waterways. A krathong is often made from natural materials and decorated with flowers, candles and incense.

The tradition is associated with giving thanks to water, letting go of bad luck and wishing for good fortune. In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong is usually celebrated during the same festival period as Yi Peng, allowing visitors to see both water-lantern and sky-lantern traditions during one trip.

Some organized Yi Peng events may include a Loy Krathong activity as part of their annual program. However, the main highlight of large organized events in Chiang Mai remains the coordinated release of sky lanterns.

Yi Peng vs. Loy Krathong: What Is the Difference?

When Is the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are generally held around the full moon in November. Because the celebration follows lunar calendars, the exact public festival dates change each year.

For 2026, the major organized events listed in this guide are scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2026. Public celebrations and individual ticketed events may have different schedules, so travelers should confirm the latest details before booking.

Where Can You Experience the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?

Chiang Mai offers several ways to experience the festival season. The best choice depends on whether you prefer local cultural atmosphere, riverside traditions, a smaller gathering or a large coordinated sky-lantern release.

Chiang Mai Old City and Temples

The Old City is a good place to see lantern decorations, temple activities, local food and the festive atmosphere. Many temples hold ceremonies, candlelight activities and merit-making events during the Yi Peng period.

This is a good choice for travelers who want to explore local traditions independently, especially during the daytime and early evening.

The Ping River and Riverside Areas

The Ping River is one of the main places to experience Loy Krathong traditions in Chiang Mai. Visitors may see people floating krathongs, enjoying riverside dining and taking part in public celebrations.

Night Markets and Local Streets

Chiang Mai’s night markets and walking streets are good places to enjoy local food, handicrafts, souvenirs and seasonal decorations. They are especially suitable for travelers who want to combine festival sightseeing with shopping and dining.

Smaller Hotel or Local Lantern Activities

Some hotels, resorts and local organizers offer smaller lantern celebrations. These can provide a quieter or more intimate setting, particularly for guests staying at the property.

However, smaller events may not offer the same participant scale, synchronized lantern release, dedicated venue, cultural program, dining arrangements or organized transportation as a major Yi Peng event.

Large Organized Sky-Lantern Events

Large organized events are designed for travelers who want a scheduled, structured and coordinated experience. They typically include a dedicated venue, staff assistance, cultural performances, dining, transportation arrangements and a mass sky-lantern release.

If the iconic sight of thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky is your priority, a large organized event is generally the most suitable choice.

How to Choose a Chiang Mai Sky-Lantern Experience

The right experience depends on your travel style and expectations. Free public celebrations are ideal for travelers who want to explore temples, markets and local festival atmosphere independently. Smaller hotel or local events may suit visitors looking for a limited-scale gathering.

However, travelers seeking a dedicated venue and a coordinated mass release should consider a major organized event. These events usually provide more structured logistics, including scheduled transport, buffet dining, cultural performances, staff support and a designated lantern-release ceremony.

Two major organized Yi Peng events are the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026, organized by CAD, and the 2026 Chiang Mai Authentic NUT Sky Lantern Festival, organized by NUT.

To review current dates, event formats and ticket options, you can compare Chiang Mai lantern festival events.

Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026

The Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026, organized by CAD, is one of Chiang Mai’s best-known large-scale Yi Peng events.

The event is built around a coordinated release of traditional khom loi sky lanterns and combines the ceremony with Lanna cultural performances, festival activities, buffet dining, shuttle transfers and fireworks.

CAD Festival Highlights

• Release sky lanterns together with thousands of participants.
• Enjoy Lanna cultural performances, drum and candle shows, religious ceremonies and monk chanting.
• Explore festival areas such as the Craft and Art Zone and Tribal Village.
• Enjoy a Lanna Thai buffet dinner, snacks, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Join the Loy Krathong activity area when included in the annual program.
• Watch fireworks after the lantern-release ceremony.
• Use round-trip shuttle transfers from designated Chiang Mai meeting points.

CAD Event Information for 2026

Who Is CAD Best For?

• Travelers who want one of Chiang Mai’s most recognized organized Yi Peng experiences.
• Visitors who prefer multiple ticket categories and different viewing or seating areas.
• Couples, families and photographers seeking a structured event program.
• Travelers who can book early and secure their preferred date and ticket type.

CAD is highly popular, and preferred dates or ticket categories may sell out well before the festival. If CAD is unavailable for your travel dates, the NUT festival below is one of the strongest large-scale alternatives.

2026 Chiang Mai Authentic NUT Sky Lantern Festival

The 2026 Chiang Mai Authentic NUT Sky Lantern Festival, organized by NUT, is a large organized Yi Peng event held at Dutch Farm in Chiang Mai.

The event is designed for approximately 4,000 participants and combines a coordinated sky-lantern release with cultural performances, traditional handicraft activities, buffet dining, round-trip shuttle transfers and fireworks.

NUT is widely regarded as one of the largest organized Yi Peng lantern events after CAD. It is a strong choice for travelers who want a dedicated large-scale festival venue and a structured program rather than a small hotel-based or informal local celebration.

NUT Festival Highlights

• Release a sky lantern with approximately 4,000 participants.
• Experience a spacious festival venue at Dutch Farm.
• Watch Lanna cultural performances and a traditional Yi Peng lantern-lighting ritual.
• Explore a traditional Thai Handicraft Village.
• Enjoy Thai snacks, herbal drinks and a Lanna Thai buffet.
• Watch fireworks after the coordinated lantern release.
• Use round-trip shuttle transfers from the designated Chiang Mai meeting point.
• Participate in a Loy Krathong water-lantern activity if included in the annual event arrangement; the exact format is subject to organizer confirmation.

To review the venue schedule, transfer arrangements, ticket categories and current availability, review the NUT festival schedule, ticket types and inclusions.

NUT Event Information for 2026

Who Is NUT Best For?

• Travelers who want a large coordinated sky-lantern release in a dedicated venue.
• Visitors who find CAD sold out or unavailable for their preferred date.
• Travelers looking for a more complete large-scale experience than a small local or hotel-based activity.
• Guests who value organized transfers, cultural activities, buffet dining and fireworks.

CAD vs. NUT: Key Differences

CAD is highly popular and may sell out early. If CAD is unavailable for your preferred date, review the NUT festival schedule, ticket categories and current availability.

Which Event Should You Choose?

• Choose CAD if tickets are available and you want one of Chiang Mai's best-known organized Yi Peng experiences.
• Choose NUT if CAD is sold out but you still want a large, scheduled and coordinated sky-lantern release.
• Choose NUT if you prefer a dedicated festival venue, cultural activities, buffet dining, fireworks and organized transfers over a much smaller local event.
• Choose free public celebrations if your main goal is to explore temples, markets, decorated streets and the riverside atmosphere independently.

How to Plan Your Yi Peng Trip

Book Flights, Hotels and Tickets Early

Yi Peng is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Chiang Mai. Flights, hotels and organized-event tickets can become more expensive or sell out as the festival approaches.

Book early if you have a preferred event, date or ticket category. If CAD is unavailable, check NUT availability promptly rather than waiting until the final weeks before the festival.

Plan Transportation in Advance

Traffic in Chiang Mai can be very busy during the festival period, especially before and after evening events. If you attend a ticketed event, arrive early at the designated meeting point and keep your e-ticket QR code ready.

CAD and NUT provide organized shuttle arrangements from designated city meeting points. Hotel pickup and hotel drop-off are generally not included, so check the event page for the latest transport details.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

When attending a large organized event, consider the location of the designated meeting point and shuttle schedule, not only the distance between your hotel and the event venue.

What to Wear

• Wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for an outdoor event.
• Bring a light jacket or shawl for the evening.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Dress modestly if visiting temples.
• Traditional Thai or Lanna-inspired clothing is popular for festival photos.

What to Bring

• A mobile phone with a fully charged battery
• A power bank
• Your e-ticket QR code
• Cash for small shops, markets and street food
• A small bag and light outer layer

Safety and Cultural Etiquette

• Only release lanterns in approved areas and at the scheduled time.
• Use approved lanterns provided by the event; outside lanterns are generally not allowed.
• Follow staff instructions when receiving, lighting and releasing your lantern.
• Respect religious ceremonies, temples and local customs.
• Smoking, alcohol, drones and certain prohibited items may not be allowed at event venues.
• Lantern releases may be delayed, changed or suspended because of weather or safety conditions.

Missed the November Festival? Consider the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival

If you miss the November Yi Peng and Loy Krathong period, another option is the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival 2027.

This separate event takes place on the evening of December 31 and offers an organized New Year celebration with sky-lantern activities, cultural performances, food and shuttle transportation.

The New Year Countdown Festival is separate from the November Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations. Its date, program, ticket price and included activities may differ from the November events, so please check the product page for the latest details.

Explore the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng is a traditional Lanna festival in Northern Thailand, best known for releasing sky lanterns into the night sky. It is usually celebrated around the same time as Loy Krathong.

Is Yi Peng the same as Loy Krathong?

No. Yi Peng is mainly associated with sky lanterns, while Loy Krathong is associated with floating water lanterns. They are different traditions but usually occur during the same festival period in Chiang Mai.

Do I need a ticket to attend Yi Peng?

Many public celebrations are free. However, a ticket is generally required to join a designated event where thousands of participants release sky lanterns together at a scheduled time.

What are CAD and NUT?

CAD and NUT are the organizers of two major Yi Peng events in Chiang Mai: the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival and the Chiang Mai Authentic NUT Sky Lantern Festival.

Which is better: CAD or NUT?

CAD is one of Chiang Mai’s best-known organized Yi Peng events. NUT is widely regarded as one of the largest organized Yi Peng lantern events after CAD and is a strong choice for travelers seeking a large coordinated release when CAD is unavailable.

What should I do if CAD tickets are sold out?

If the CAD event is unavailable, the NUT Sky Lantern Festival is one of the strongest large-scale alternatives. It is designed for approximately 4,000 participants and includes a coordinated lantern release, cultural activities, buffet dining, transfers and fireworks.

Does NUT include a Loy Krathong water-lantern activity?

A Loy Krathong activity may be included depending on NUT’s annual event arrangement. The exact format should be confirmed for the selected year. The main highlight remains the coordinated sky-lantern release.

How many people attend the NUT event?

The NUT event is designed for approximately 4,000 participants, creating a much larger and more organized atmosphere than many smaller hotel-based or local lantern activities.

What is included in CAD and NUT tickets?

Both events generally include admission, organized transportation, cultural activities, dining and a coordinated sky-lantern release. Exact inclusions differ by event, year and ticket category.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Same-day purchase is not recommended. CAD often sells out early, and NUT availability may also become limited as the festival approaches.

What happens if it rains?

Events may continue in light rain, but organizers may delay, adjust or suspend activities, including lantern releases, if weather or safety conditions require it.

Can I bring my own lantern?

Outside lanterns are generally not allowed at organized events. Guests should use approved lanterns provided by the organizer and follow staff instructions.

Can I fly a drone during the festival?

Drone use is generally prohibited or restricted at event venues because of safety, crowd management and aviation regulations.

What if I miss the November Yi Peng Festival?

You may consider the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival, held on December 31. It is a separate New Year event with organized sky-lantern activities, cultural performances, food and transfers.

Plan Your Chiang Mai Lantern Festival Experience

Free public celebrations are an excellent way to explore Chiang Mai’s temples, streets, markets and riverside atmosphere. However, travelers who want the iconic moment of thousands of sky lanterns rising together should choose a designated organized event.

• View the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival →
• View the Chiang Mai Authentic NUT Sky Lantern Festival →
• Explore current Chiang Mai Lantern Festival events →

Event dates, ticket prices, availability, venues and program inclusions may change each year. Please check the relevant event page before booking.

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