Ever wondered what it feels like to watch thousands of lanterns light up the night sky? 🏮
That’s the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival for you — also known as Yi Peng, Thailand’s most magical night of lights. Every year, the streets and skies of Northern Thailand glow with floating lanterns, cultural performances, and ‘gram-worthy photo ops straight out of a fairytale.
During the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025, you can witness breathtaking sky lantern releases, krathong floating on the river, and vibrant citywide celebrations. The 2026 festival is already shaping up to be another unforgettable spectacle — perfect for travellers planning ahead.
Whether you’re after the Yi Peng 2025 schedule, ticket options, free events, or want to know exactly what happens during the festival, this complete guide has you covered. From getting there to finding the best lantern viewing spots, here’s everything you need to experience one of Thailand’s most iconic celebrations in full glow.
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TL;DR
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| When | 📅 Yi Peng 2025: 5–6 Nov 2025 📅 Yi Peng 2026: 24–25 Nov 2026 |
| Where | CAD Cultural Centre Lanna, Mae On District, Chiang Mai |
| Tickets | From 4,800 to 15,500 THB (~S$190.52 to S$615.23) depending on package |
| Free Events | Available in Old Town parades and public celebrations |
| Transportation | Red cab or A/C vehicle transfers available with tickets; public transport options are limited |
📚 Table of Contents
- What is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
- Yi Peng 2025 & 2026: Dates & Schedule
- Ticket Options & Pricing
- Free vs. Paid Events
- What Happens During the Festival?
- How to Get There
- Best Viewing Spots for Yi Peng Lanterns
- Things to Do in Chiang Mai Beyond the Lantern Festival
- FAQs
What is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
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The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, also known as Yi Peng, is Thailand’s most magical lantern festival, celebrated during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. It coincides with Loy Krathong, a nationwide tradition where floating lanterns (krathongs) are released on rivers.
In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng is famous for thousands of sky lanterns, cultural performances, and immersive nighttime displays. Travellers from all over the world flock to experience the sky glowing with lights and the festive energy of Northern Thai culture.
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📅 Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025 & 2026: Dates & Schedule
- Yi Peng 2025: 5–6 November 2025
- Yi Peng 2026: 24–25 November 2026
Event Timing: 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM at CAD Cultural Centre Lanna, Mae On District, Chiang Mai.
This schedule ensures visitors can enjoy lantern releases, cultural shows, krathong floating, and fireworks all in one immersive day.
💡 Tip: Arrive early to capture the full magic of sky lantern releases and secure ideal viewing spots.
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🎟️ Ticket Options & Pricing
Tickets vary by package and include lanterns, krathongs, meals, and transfers:
| Package | Price (THB) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4,800 THB (~S$191) | Ceremony entrance, 2 lanterns, 1 krathong, Lanna Thai buffet, round-trip red cab |
| VIP | 6,400 THB (~S$254) | All standard inclusions + A/C vehicle transfer, premium seating |
| Elite | 15,500 THB (~S$615) | Exclusive access, additional perks, VIP services |
🏮 Tickets are available via the official Yi Peng Chiang Mai Lantern Festival website.
Free vs. Paid Yi Peng Events
While CAD Cultural Centre events require tickets, visitors can also enjoy free celebrations in Chiang Mai’s Old Town:
- Public lantern releases
- Traditional parades
- Street performances
These activities let you experience the festival atmosphere without buying tickets.
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What Happens During the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
Image Credits: InterContinental® Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
- Sky Lantern Release – Thousands of khom loi lanterns symbolise letting go of misfortune.
- Cultural Performances – Traditional Lanna music and dance showcase Northern Thai heritage.
- Krathong Floating – Locals and tourists float decorated baskets on rivers for good luck.
- Fireworks Display – The festival concludes with a grand fireworks show illuminating the night sky.
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🚗 How to Get to the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival
- From Chiang Mai City Centre: Approx. 30 km to CAD Cultural Centre Lanna
- Red Cab: Round-trip transfers included in ticket packages
- A/C Vehicle: VIP packages include transfers
- Public Transport: Songthaews (red trucks) and tuk-tuks; plan in advance due to limited availability
💡 Pro Tip: Book transfers with your ticket to avoid delays during peak festival days.
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Best Viewing Spots for Yi Peng Lanterns
Image Credits: Thailand Starts Here
If you want the perfect view (and photo), here’s where to go:
- Nawarat Bridge & Ping River – Watch thousands of krathongs float past under a sky full of lanterns. It’s the most atmospheric spot in the city.
- Tha Phae Gate – The heart of Old Town and the main gathering point for locals, lighting lanterns. Expect crowds but unbeatable energy.
- CAD Cultural Centre – The main ticketed event with coordinated lantern releases — best for guaranteed shots of hundreds of glowing lanterns at once.
- Mae Jo University – Famous for its mass lantern release, though now mostly private or ticketed events are held here.
- Hotel Rooftops (e.g. Meliá Chiang Mai, U Nimman Chiang Mai) – For travellers who want sky-high views without the crowds.
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Things to Do in Chiang Mai Beyond the Lantern Festival
Image Credits: KKday
Make the most of your trip with these must-do experiences around the city:
- 🧖 Unwind with a Thai Massage: Treat yourself after festival day at one of the city’s many spas.
- 🏯 Explore Old City Temples: Visit Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang for a dose of ancient Lanna architecture.
- 🌄 Catch Sunrise at Doi Suthep: Hike or drive up this sacred mountain for stunning views over Chiang Mai.
- 🛍️ Shop at Sunday Walking Street Market: Perfect for local crafts, street eats, and souvenirs.
- 🐘 Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: Support responsible tourism at sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park.
- ☕ Cafe-hop in Nimman: Chiang Mai’s trendiest district for coffee, coworking, and creative vibes.
🏮 For more activities: 21 Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai 2025: Top Attractions, Food & Tips
FAQs
Q: What is the best Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai?
A: The Yi Peng at CAD Cultural Centre Lanna is the premier event with organised lantern releases and cultural performances.
Q: Where is the Lantern Festival in Thailand in 2025?
A: Main celebrations are in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
Q: What happens during Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival?
A: Sky lantern releases, krathong floating, cultural performances, and fireworks.
Q: Do you have to pay for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
A: Some events are free (Old Town), but CAD Cultural Centre events require tickets.
Q: How do you get to the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
A: Fly to Chiang Mai International Airport and take a red cab, A/C vehicle, or public transport to CAD Cultural Centre.
Q: Is there a free version of the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
A: Yes, free events occur in Old Town parades and public lantern releases.
Q: What are the dates for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
A: Yi Peng 2025: 5–6 Nov; Yi Peng 2026: 24–25 Nov.
Live Out Your Tangled Dreams at Yi Peng!
Image Credits: yipenglanternfestival.in.th
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival isn’t just a celebration — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends tradition, culture, and pure magic. Whether you’re joining the ticketed CAD Cultural Centre event or soaking in the free Old Town festivities, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories (and a camera roll full of glowing sky shots).
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Happy travels!
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