Floating Lantern Festival 2025 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

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Every November, the skies of Chiang Mai come alive with thousands of glowing lanterns drifting into the night, creating a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly. The floating lantern festival, known locally as the Yi Peng Festival, is an annual celebration deeply rooted in Lanna culture. More than just a visual marvel, this lantern ceremony in Thailand holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the release of bad luck and the welcoming of prosperity and enlightenment.

If you are wondering what is the best time to visit Thailand with an authentic Thai festival, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong together offer one of the most breathtaking cultural experiences you can have. The combination of floating lanterns in the sky and beautifully decorated krathongs (floating baskets) released into rivers makes the floating lanterns festival in Thailand’s Chiang Mai a must-visit event for both locals and travelers alike.

The History and Significance of Yi Peng Lantern Festival

The Yi Peng Festival Chiang Mai is celebrated on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar, which typically falls in November. Its origins date back to the ancient Lanna Kingdom, where it was traditionally held to honor Buddha.

The term “Yi Peng” comes from the Lanna language, where “Yi” means “two” (the second month), and “Peng” refers to the full moon. Historically, the festival was a time for locals to make merit, cleanse their spirits, and pay respect to their ancestors. The act of releasing floating lanterns symbolizes letting go of negative energy and misfortunes while making wishes for future blessings. Many also see it as a way to pay homage to the Buddha’s teachings and express gratitude for the past year’s blessings.

2025 Yi Peng Festival Schedule and Activities

If you’re planning to experience the lantern festival in Thailand, here’s what you can expect in Chiang Mai in 2025:

Festival Dates: November 5th-6th, 2025

Organized by Chiang Mai Municipality, this year’s festival will feature an array of cultural events, including:

Major Events and Highlights:

1. Krathong Contest: A competition showcasing beautifully crafted floating baskets
2. Lanna Yi Peng Lantern Contest: A showcase of the region’s most elaborate lanterns
3. Sapao Rafting Activity: Traditional raft floating on the river
4. Releasing of Krathong Sai: Small candlelit floats carrying wishes and prayers
5. Light and Sound Shows: Stunning mixed-media performances throughout the city
6. City-Wide Lantern Displays: Chiang Mai transforms into a glowing paradise with lanterns decorating homes, temples, and streets

As part of the lantern festival in Chiang Mai, visitors can participate in ceremonies at temples, experience cultural performances, and enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine at local markets.

Beliefs and Traditions of the Yi Peng Festival

Here are the details on beliefs and traditions associated with Yi Peng lantern festival.

Worship and Cleansing Rituals

During the lantern ceremony in Thailand, locals perform various rituals believed to bring good fortune and spiritual merit. Homes and temples are adorned with traditional Lanna lanterns, and people prepare offerings to monks.

A Unique Lanna Tradition:

1. Lighting of Lanterns: Considered an act of worship, the illumination of lanterns signifies wisdom and enlightenment.
2. Forest Gate Decor: Archways made of banana trees, sugarcane, and flowers are set up at temples and homes, symbolizing purification.
3. Listening to Sermons: In many temples, monks lead prayer sessions, and people gather to meditate.

The Spectacular Floating Lantern Release

One of the most anticipated moments of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai is the mass release of thousands of floating lanterns into the night sky. As the golden orbs ascend, the sight is nothing short of magical. Tourists and locals alike participate in this moment of reflection, sending their wishes skyward with the flickering flames of their lanterns.

Where to Experience the Floating Lanterns Festival in Thailand

While there are various locations to witness this breathtaking event, some of the best spots include:

1. Tha Phae Gate: The heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, where parades and cultural performances take place.
2. Nawarat Bridge: A prime location for launching floating krathongs into the river.
3. CAD Lanna Ethnic Cultural Center (Mae On District): One of the main event venues for mass lantern releases.
4. Wat Phan Tao: A historic temple that hosts traditional ceremonies and meditative chanting sessions.

How to Participate in the Thai Lantern Festival Respectfully

Given the deep spiritual roots of Yi Peng, it’s important for visitors to observe and respect local customs:

Do’s and Don’ts for the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai

✅ Dress Modestly: Wear traditional Lanna clothing or clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

✅ Follow Local Guidelines: Only release lanterns in designated areas to avoid fire hazards.

✅ Respect Buddhist Traditions: Many ceremonies involve monks and religious practices; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

❌ Avoid Bringing Alcohol: Drinking and partying are discouraged during religious activities.

❌ Do Not Release Lanterns Near Airports: Certain areas have restrictions for safety reasons.

In a Nutshell: Floating Lanterns Festival in Chiang Mai

Experiencing the lantern festival in Thailand is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you’re captivated by the stunning visual display of lanterns against the night sky, eager to take part in sacred traditions, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Thai culture, the floating lanterns festival in Thailand’s Chiang Mai offers something deeply meaningful for everyone.

Many of our volunteer travelers’ major travel destination in South East Asia is Thailand, we hope this information we provided above will be helpful to plan your next Thailand trip perfectly so that you won’t miss this incredible festival.