Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's Lanna festival of lights. When Yi Peng happens, where to see the lanterns, ticketed events and the rules on releasing lanterns.
Yi Peng (also written Yee Peng) is the northern Thai, or Lanna, festival of lights. It takes place around the full moon of the second month in the Lanna calendar, which usually coincides with Loy Krathong in November. In Chiang Mai the two festivals merge into several days of celebrations.
What happens
Homes, temples and streets are decorated with paper lanterns (khom), and candles are lit at temples to pay respect to the Buddha. The best-known image of Yi Peng is the release of sky lanterns (khom loi), which drift upwards in their thousands.
Where to see it
- Tha Phae Gate and the Old City host parades, lantern displays and candlelit temples.
- Nawarat Bridge and the Ping River are the focus for floating krathongs.
- Ticketed lantern-release events are held outside the city, including at the Lanna Dhutanka centre at Mae Jo. They are popular and expensive; buy only from official sellers.
Rules on sky lanterns
Because sky lanterns are a fire risk and a danger to aircraft, the authorities restrict where and when they can be released, and flights at Chiang Mai airport are rescheduled during the festival. Rules change from year to year; check the latest announcements from the city and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand before releasing a lantern.
Tips
Book accommodation months in advance, expect heavy traffic in the Old City, and check flight schedules carefully around the festival nights.