Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Why make this the reason for the trip?

Thailand's Public Relations Department confirms Chiang Mai's 2026 Yi Peng program for November 23 to 25. Public activity is distributed across the city, with the main opening area at Ton Lam Yai Market Public Park, lantern and river activity near the municipal office and Ping River, candle lighting around the old city, and a large krathong procession. Separately operated ticketed releases should never be presented as the whole tradition.

A realistic festival trip shape

1. Day 1Understand the two traditions

   Learn the relationship between northern Yi Peng lantern customs and the water-focused Loi Krathong observance before joining evening events.

2. Festival dayFollow the official city program

   Choose among the confirmed municipal, temple, riverside and procession activities, and allow extra walking time between the Old City, Ton Lam Yai Market and the Ping River.

3. Day 3+Add Chiang Mai beyond lanterns

   Use a quieter morning for markets, craft communities or a temple route after the late festival evening.

Getting there and moving around

The official city program is spread between Ton Lam Yai Market Public Park, the municipal office and Ping River area, the old city gates and corners, and the procession route from Tha Phae Gate. Private ticketed events can be far outside central Chiang Mai and include dedicated transfers. Confirm the organizer, venue and return transport before paying.

What to expect

From November 23 to 25, the public program can include Lanna lantern displays, river activity, candle lighting around the old city, exhibitions and a large krathong procession. Sky-lantern releases may still be regulated or restricted to approved times and places, and private mass-release events remain separate from the municipal program.

Weather and packing

November is generally part of northern Thailand's cooler season, but days can remain warm. Bring respectful temple clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a light evening layer.

Practical and respectful travel

• Release nothing unless the location, time and device are explicitly permitted by local authorities.
• Respect temple space and do not use worshippers as a photo backdrop without consent.
• Choose biodegradable and locally approved materials for any permitted river offering.

Build the wider trip

A lantern-season trip should still work if a release is canceled. Build the itinerary around Chiang Mai's culture, food and landscape, with the official festival program as an added layer.

• Old City temples and city walls
• Warorot Market and the Ping River area
• Local craft communities or a slower countryside day