What’s waiting for you at the Thailand lantern festivals? Let’s immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, two of Thailand’s most celebrated festivals. With thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky and beautiful krathongs floating on the river, these festivals offer a perfect mix of tradition, culture and wonderful sights.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – explore these exciting festivals with Hanoi Voyages!

When is the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festival?

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are two of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Thailand, often collectively referred to as the Thailand lantern festivals due to their breathtaking displays of floating lanterns and illuminated decorations that light up the night sky and waterways. Both festivals typically take place in November, adding a magical glow to Thailand’s cool season.

Explore more Thailand’s festivals with our blog: Top 5 must-visit Thailand festivals for a vibrant 2025 trip

Yi Peng festival: The sky lantern festival

If you visit Thailand in November, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Yi Peng festival, known for its sky lanterns lighting up the night sky. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins and history of the Yi Peng festival, must-do activities during the celebration and the best locations to fully immerse yourself in the magic of this Thailand festival.

The origins and history of Yi Peng festival

Yi Peng has deep historical roots in Chiang Mai and the Lanna culture. It is traditionally celebrated during the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually falling in November. The release of lanterns, or khom loi, is a Buddhist practice believed to bring good fortune, expel bad luck and honor the Buddha. Historically, the festival was a way for people to pay homage to the Buddha and their ancestors while seeking blessings for the coming year.

Over time, Yi Peng evolved from a religious ritual into a cultural and tourism event. While the lanterns remain the centerpiece, modern festivities now include parades, music, traditional dances and vibrant processions that attract visitors from all over the world.

📌 Do you know? The name “Yi Peng” comes from the Lanna dialect, where “Yi” means “two” and “Peng” refers to “full moon,” symbolizing the second full moon of the year, which marks the festival’s timing.

Must-do activities at Yi Peng festival

SOME MUST-DO ACTIVITIES AT YI PENG FESTIVAL

✔ Release sky lanterns – Khom Loi: The highlight of Yi Peng is the release of thousands of sky lanterns into the night sky. Each lantern represents a wish or prayer and as they float away, they symbolize the release of past misfortunes ✔ Attend the lantern procession: The Yi Peng lantern parade is a beautiful event where locals dressed in traditional Thai costumes walk through the streets, carrying lanterns and performing cultural dances. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness Lanna culture during this Thailand lantern festivals ✔ Visit the temples: Many of Chiang Mai’s temples, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, hold ceremonies during the festival. You can release smaller lanterns and make offerings to the monks, allowing you to connect with the spiritual side of this Chiang Mai festival. ✔ Enjoy traditional Thai performances: Traditional dances, music and performances are held throughout the city during Yi Peng. Be sure to check out the cultural performances that take place in various venues, offering insight into the local culture and customs.

Best location to enjoy Yi Peng festival

To fully experience the magic of the Thailand lantern festival – Yi Peng, here are some main famous places to celebrate this festival you must know:

• Chiang Mai old city: The heart of the Yi Peng celebration is in Chiang Mai, particularly around the Old City area, filled with lantern releases, parades and temple ceremonies.
• Doi Suthep: For a more serene experience during the Thailand lantern festivals, head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop temple with city views – perfect for a quiet lantern release.
• Ping river: The Ping River is a beautiful location to watch the Loy Krathong festival, which coincides with Yi Peng. The peaceful waterway is lined with floating krathongs, adding to the mesmerizing ambiance of the lantern-filled skies above.
• Nimmanhaemin road: This trendy street is filled with cafes, shops and restaurants. While it’s more modern, it still offers great spots to enjoy the festivities and watch the lanterns.

Loy Krathong festival: The floating lantern festival

Loy Krathong, one of the most celebrated Thailand lantern festivals, is a mesmerizing event where locals release floating lanterns and Krathongs into the water to pay respects to the Goddess of Water. It’s a night filled with tradition, beauty and cultural significance. Here’s what you need to know to fully experience this iconic festival

The history and meaning of Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is celebrated annually on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. The festival honors the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, by floating krathongs (small, decorative boats made of banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense) onto rivers and lakes. The act symbolizes letting go of past grievances, misfortunes and bad luck, as well as offering thanks for the water that sustains life.

The festival’s origins are believed to stem from an ancient tradition in the Sukhothai Kingdom, where the local people used the festival to pay homage to the water goddess. Over the years, it has evolved into a grand celebration marked by grand floating lantern displays, fireworks, traditional dances and rituals performed by people across the country.

📌 Meaning of Loy Krathong: “Loy” means to float and “Krathong” refers to small baskets made of banana leaves decorated with flowers, candles and incense sticks. “Loy Krathong” means “floating basket”

How to make a traditional Krathong

A traditional krathong is typically crafted using banana leaves or lotus stems, shaped to form a boat-like structure. Here’s a simple guide on how to make one:

• Prepare the materials: Use banana leaves or lotus stems, flowers (usually marigolds), a candle, incense sticks and a coin.
• Shape the base: Fold the banana leaves into a circular or boat shape to form the krathong base.
• Add decorations: Place the flower arrangement on top and position the candle in the center, along with the incense sticks.
• Place the coin and release: Add a coin for good luck, then light the candle and incense before releasing your krathong into the water to float away.

📌 NOTICE: You don’t need extensive preparation for this event, as you can easily purchase a Loy Krathong on-site, with prices ranging from 30 to 100 baht (around $1-3 USD).

What to expect during the Loy Krathong festival

During the Loy Krathong festival, part of the vibrant Thailand lantern festivals, you can expect vibrant celebrations in cities and towns across Thailand. Here are some exciting highlights:

Best locations to experience Loy Krathong festival

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Tips for enjoying Thailand lantern festivals

The Thailand lantern festivals – especially Yi Peng and Loy Krathong – promise nights of glowing skies, floating wishes and unforgettable cultural beauty. To make the most of these iconic Thailand festivals, here are some must-know tips to light up your journey.

• Plan ahead: Thailand lantern festivals, especially in cities like Chiang Mai and Sukhothai, attract thousands of visitors. Book your accommodation and transportation early to secure the best spots.
• Choose the right location: Chiang Mai is famous for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival with sky lanterns; Sukhothai and Ayutthaya offer more traditional settings for Loy Krathong, with beautiful historical backdrops, while Bangkok hosts lively riverfront celebrations.
• Check for tickets or event passes: Some lantern release events, especially in Chiang Mai, require advance booking and tickets. Look for reputable organizers and book official spots if you want to join a mass lantern release.
• What to bring: When attending Thailand lantern festivals, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring essentials like a lighter, cash and a camera to capture the magic
• Respect local customs: Dress modestly at temples, choose eco-friendly lanterns and krathongs and join rituals with mindfulness. These small actions will help you enjoy Thailand festivals responsibly and meaningfully.

Whether you’re mesmerized by the sky filled with lanterns during Yi Peng or enchanted by the shimmering krathongs drifting on rivers during Loy Krathong, Thailand lantern festivals promise an unforgettable experience. These festivals are more than just beautiful sights – they are moments of reflection, celebration and cultural connection.

We hope the information above will be helpful to you. If you’re looking to experience an unforgettable trip to Thailand and enjoy the Thailand lantern festivals, don’t hesitate to contact us – Hanoi Voyages – your trusted travel companion on your journey.