Experience the charm of Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 in Chiang Mai, from the best places to see lanterns and explore the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival to helpful tips for enjoying the celebrations like a local.

Every November, the sky above Chiang Mai glows with thousands of golden lanterns, carrying people’s hopes and prayers into the night. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and meaningful celebrations, where locals and visitors come together to release lanterns, float Krathongs, and honor the spirit of light and renewal. If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai in November, get ready for Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026. From free public celebrations to spectacular mass lantern-release events, here are the places worth adding to your itinerary.

What is Yi Peng Lantern Festival? Yi Peng is a traditional Lanna festival in Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. Celebrated around the same time as Loy Krathong, it is best known for the sight of sky lanterns, or khom loi, floating into the night sky, making it one of the must-see festivals in Chiang Mai.

Cultural Meanings Behind the Lanna Lanterns

Yi Peng is an ancient Lanna tradition from Northern Thailand. The word “Yi” means “two,” while “Peng” refers to the full moon, together referring to the full moon of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar, which generally falls in November. Traditionally, Yi Peng was a time for people to make merit, listen to Buddhist teachings, decorate temples and homes with lanterns, and pay respects to sacred figures before the tradition gradually evolved to include the release of sky lanterns, or khom loi, which has become one of the festival’s most iconic sights.

Yi Peng lanterns are more than just about beauty, they represent merit-making, paying respect, and wishes for the future. Meanwhile, releasing a lantern is also seen as a symbolic way of letting go of negativity and welcoming new beginnings. These traditions reflect the influence of Buddhism and the close-knit community life of Lanna culture. Today, the Yi Peng tradition in Chiang Mai is celebrated alongside the Loy Krathong festival, which takes place during the same period. Together, they transform the entire city into a mesmerizing display of glowing lanterns, candlelight, grand parades, sacred rituals, and cultural performances. For travelers, it becomes a magical time to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the festivities and the authentic charm of Lanna culture all at once.

When and Where to Celebrate Yi Peng Lantern Festival

If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai during Yi Peng 2026, mark your calendar for 23-25 November 2026. We’ve rounded up the highlights of the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, from celebrations around the city to popular mass lantern-release events worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Three Kings Monument

Located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, Three Kings Monument is a convenient starting point for soaking up the Yi Peng atmosphere. The surrounding area is typically decorated with lanterns and becomes part of the city’s wider cultural celebrations.

Free Highlights:

• Yi Peng lantern displays around the city gates
• Candlelight tribute ceremonies
• Krathong (floating basket) contests
• Traditional Lanna art and handicraft exhibitions
• Parade and cultural performances

Admission: Free to access the public area. Specific 2026 activities may vary.

Organized by: Vitsit Lanna Association for MICE and Tourism Industry

2. Tha Phae Road, Chiang Mai

One of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks, Tha Phae Gate becomes especially lively during Yi Peng. Surrounded by lanterns and the charm of the Old City, it’s a great place to stroll around, soak up the festive atmosphere, and capture beautiful photos with a distinctly Lanna backdrop. Its central location also makes it easy to continue exploring nearby attractions, shops, and streets around the Old City. 

The main festival includes traditional activities that continue as part of Chiang Mai’s heritage:

• Grand Krathong Contest (Royal Cup)
• Forest Gate Decoration Contest
• Lanna Lantern Contest
• Ping River Worship Ceremony
• “Sat Long Tham Luang” Buddhist chanting
• Krathong made of banana leaves and fresh flowers competition
• Opening Ceremony of Yi Peng Festival

Admission: Free to access the public area. Specific 2026 activities may vary. 

Organized by: Chiang Mai Municipality

3. Wat Phra Singh

If you’d like to experience Yi Peng in a more peaceful setting, Wat Phra Singh is a lovely stop in Chiang Mai’s Old City. The temple is known for its beautiful Lanna architecture and tranquil surroundings, making it a nice place to admire the temple, take in the local culture, and enjoy a quieter moment before continuing your exploration of the Old City.

Highlights:

• Beautiful traditional Lanna architecture
• A cultural and religious atmosphere
• Convenient location in the heart of the Old City

Admission: Check the latest visiting hours and entry arrangements before your visit, and dress respectfully according to temple rules.

4. Nawarat Bridge and the Ping River

For a change of scenery, head to Nawarat Bridge and the Ping River to see Chiang Mai after dark. During the festival, the riverside comes alive with lights and festive colors, making it a lovely place to take a stroll, enjoy the riverside views, watch lantern traditions, and experience Loy Krathong activities that add to the atmosphere of the evening.

Highlights:

• Riverside festival atmosphere
• Traditional sky-lantern celebrations
• Loy Krathong activities and floating Krathongs

Admission: Free to enjoy the public atmosphere, although some activities may have separate arrangements.

 CR : https://www.facebook.com/cmCADFestival/

5. Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026

For those who want to see a spectacular mass lantern release, Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival 2026 is one of the major events to consider. Held at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna on 24–25 November 2026, the event brings together Lanna cultural activities and ceremonies, traditional performances, food, and Krathong activities for a full Yi Peng experience. 

Highlights:

• Mass sky lantern release
• Lanna cultural activities and ceremonies
• Cultural performances
• Food and Krathong activities
• Transportation from designated meeting points, depending on the ticket package

Admission: Ticketed event with several packages available, with inclusions and services varying by package.

CR:https://www.facebook.com/yeepenglannainternational/

6. Yee Peng Lanna International 2026

Another major mass lantern release event, Yee Peng Lanna International 2026 takes place at Thudongkasathan Lanna (Lanna Dhutanga) in San Sai on 24–25 November 2026. The event combines the lantern release with Lanna cultural activities and ceremonies, traditional performances, and Northern Thai food, making it a good choice for travelers looking for a more organized festival experience.

Highlights:

• A spectacular mass sky lantern release
• Authentic Lanna cultural performances and activities
• Sacred rituals and candlelight processions
• A wide variety of Northern Thai food and beverages
• Standard and premium seating options
• Round-trip shuttle service from designated meeting points in Chiang Mai (included in select packages)

Admission: Ticketed entry only. Both standard and premium tiers are available, with select packages including convenient round-trip transfer services.

7. The Zentric of Lanna Legacy

For those looking for a more intimate and curated Yi Peng experience, The Zentric of Lanna Legacy – Yi Peng, The Heritage of Lanna Lights will take place on 24–25 November 2026 at The Zentric Lanna Chiang Mai, Suan Dok Mae On. The event features a lantern release alongside cultural performances and other festival activities.

Highlights:

• Lantern release
• Cultural performances
• Festival activities

Admission: Ticketed event. Check the latest ticket availability and details before booking. 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

Yi Peng Festival 2025 in Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most iconic celebrations, with festivities beginning in the early evening and lasting late into the night. This ancient Lanna tradition transforms Chiang Mai into a city of shimmering lanterns and spiritual beauty. For visitors, this is a rare opportunity to witness how Thai traditions adapt with grace. Instead of loud celebration, you will find peace and unity

Travel Tips for Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Dress Modestly: Avoid bright or flashy colors and choose calm tones to show respect. Yi Peng is a cultural celebration, so it’s best to dress respectfully, especially when visiting temples or joining religious ceremonies. If you want to add a local touch, try Lanna-inspired clothing and choose comfortable, breathable outfits with shoes that are easy to walk in.

Support Local Businesses: Pick up lanterns, Krathongs, local crafts, or snacks from local shops and markets to support the communities behind the festival. 

Plan Your Transportation Ahead: Chiang Mai can get busy during Yi Peng, especially around popular venues. Book your ride in advance and check whether transportation is included with your event ticket. 

Arrive Early: Popular areas can fill up quickly, so arriving early gives you time to explore, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy the festival without rushing. 

Check the Latest Festival Updates: Schedules, road closures, and lantern-release rules can change from year to year. Check the latest information from local authorities or event organizers before heading out.

How to Travel Respectfully During the Festival

• Follow Local Rules: Sky lanterns should only be released in permitted areas and during designated times. Check the latest regulations before releasing one, as violations may result in legal penalties.
• Respect Aviation Safety: Never release sky lanterns near airports or restricted aviation areas, as they can pose a risk to aircraft.
• Respect Local Culture: Dress appropriately when visiting temples or joining ceremonies, keep your voice down during religious activities, and avoid entering restricted areas or disturbing local activities for photos.

Yi Peng is one of the festivals that showcases the charm of Chiang Mai through glowing lanterns and Lanna culture. From strolling around Tha Phae Gate and visiting temples in the Old City to enjoying the lights along the Ping River and spectacular mass lantern releases, each spot offers a different way to experience the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival. As Yi Peng takes place around the same time as Loy Krathong, it’s also a great opportunity to experience both traditions in one trip. If you’re planning a visit to Chiang Mai, Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 is a memorable time to enjoy the lanterns, discover Lanna culture, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

FAQs About Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Q1. When is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026?

A: The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations in Chiang Mai are expected to be lively from 23-25 November 2026, while major organized mass lantern-release events are scheduled for 24-25 November 2026. Check the latest announcements before traveling for the exact dates and times of activities at each location. 

Q2. Where can tourists release sky lanterns?

A: Sky lanterns should only be released in officially permitted areas and during designated times. While Tha Phae Gate and the Ping River are popular places to enjoy the festival atmosphere, visitors are not automatically allowed to release lanterns in these public areas. 

Q3. Do I need to buy tickets for the Yi Peng Festival?

A: Not necessarily. Many public activities around Chiang Mai can be enjoyed for free, while organized mass lantern-release events such as CAD and The Zentric of Lanna Legacy require tickets. 

Q4. Where can I buy sky lanterns?

A: If you plan to release a sky lantern, buy one from an authorized event organizer or permitted local vendor and make sure the location, date, and time of release are officially allowed. Do not simply purchase a lantern and release it in a public area on your own.