I was able to experience Loy Krathong (Thailand's annual lantern festival, which takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month) before I even knew what it was.

Imagine this: 2010, Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, me completely exhausted after a 24-hour flight (at the behest of the Thai tourism authority, mind you). Me and the other bloggers – back then the term "influencer" didn't even exist yet – on a boat in the middle of the water, surrounded by thousands of floating lanterns.

The bad news? Although I've experienced the festival many times since then, including in ancient Ayutthaya, I hadn't yet experienced Loy Krathong and Yi Ping in Chiang Mai. At least not until a few weeks ago, when I finally got to experience Loy Krathong (and the similar, but not identical, Yi Ping) there.

The difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng

Many people think they want to visit Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, but actually mean Yi Peng. While Loy Krathong (where lanterns made of plants and flowers are set adrift on rivers and other bodies of water) is more well-known, Yi Peng refers to the festival where paper lanterns are released into the sky.

So, if you arrive in Chiang Mai and ask where you can celebrate Loy Krathong, the hotel staff will likely point you to the banks of the Ping River. There, you'll see numerous lanterns floating on the river, but not a single paper lantern rising into the sky. This is because these lanterns (and therefore the entire Loy Krathong festival) are banned in central Chiang Mai for safety reasons.

Where to see lanterns in Chiang Mai

Ping River

If seeing the Loy Krathong water lanterns is particularly important to you, simply walk east for about 20 minutes from the Thapae Gate of the Old City walls. This will lead you to the banks of the Ping River, where thousands of people release their krathongs into the water. Along the way, you can buy street food, watch a parade, and of course, get yourself a krathong if you don't already have one.

Nong Bua Pra Chao Luang Lake

If, however, you'd like to see the sky lanterns of Chiang Mai, I recommend arranging a round-trip transfer to Nong Bua Pra Chao Luang Lotus Lake through your hotel or guesthouse. This atmospheric lake is located in Doi Saket, northeast of Chiang Mai's city center (there's a stupa on the hill above it – simply breathtaking!). Thousands of people release lanterns into the sky there, and admission is free!

Wat Pra Singh

These days, releasing sky lanterns is prohibited in the center of Chiang Mai. However, an official Loy Krathong celebration takes place at Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai's most famous temple (during which some lanterns don't rise and some krathongs remain relatively stationary). On the Sunday after Loy Krathong, be sure to visit Chiang Mai Walking Street, located on Ratchadamnoen Road, east of the temple entrance.

Wat Phan Tao

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Wat Phan Tao (right next to Wat Chedi Luang) was the best place in Chiang Mai to experience Yi Peng, at least in the city center. The bad news? Apparently due to the pandemic (which ended years ago, but that's beside the point), the monks at the temple decided to cancel the Lantern Festival entirely. The good news? A beautiful candlelit ceremony still takes place.

Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

Do you want to see sky lanterns and are willing to pay a bit more for it? Then an organized trip to the Khomloy Sky Festival is definitely a worthwhile investment. The packages usually include round-trip transportation. Since the lantern launches take place at a set time, the spectacle is undoubtedly more impressive than at the free events in Nong Bua Pra Chao Luang.

Is Chiang Mai the best place in Thailand for Loy Krathong?

If you absolutely want to see Yi Peng, Chiang Mai is definitely the best place in Thailand to do so. However, releasing lanterns is prohibited in Chiang Mai's city center. While smaller celebrations take place in other parts of Thailand, those in the Chiang Mai region are the largest, most impressive, and most atmospheric you can experience.

If, however, by "Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai" you actually mean Loy Krathong, I'm a bit more undecided. The atmosphere in the center of Chiang Mai is undoubtedly special at this time of year, if only because of the many temples and other sacred sites. On the other hand, the city is then overcrowded (and expensive!), which is why I think other destinations (like Sukhothai or even Bangkok) are a better choice.

More frequently asked questions about floating lanterns in Chiang Mai

When will the floating lantern festival take place in Chiang Mai in 2026?

The dates for Loy Krathong and Yi Peng vary annually, as they are based on the lunar calendar. Loy Krathong 2026 will take place on November 23, while the festival will be celebrated on November 14 in 2027. Yi Peng is usually the day after Loy Krathong, although some lanterns are released in Chiang Mai the night before.

Where can you release lanterns in Chiang Mai?

The best free place to release sky lanterns in Chiang Mai is Pra Chao Luang Lake in Doi Saket, near Chiang Mai. However, there are also festivals with more elaborate displays that require an entrance fee. To release krathongs (water lanterns), simply head to the banks of the Ping River, about 15–20 minutes east of the Thapae Gate in the old city wall.

Is the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai worth visiting?

If you only come to Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong and/or Yi Peng and then leave again, I wouldn't consider Loy Krathong worthwhile. However, combined with the magic of Chiang Mai in general, it's an unforgettable experience that's worth its weight in gold.

Conclusion

Participating in Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai is quite simple, as long as you keep a few things in mind. First, Loy Krathong is based on the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar; therefore, the date varies each year. Second, although Loy Krathong (water lanterns) and Yi Peng (sky lanterns) take place within a few days of each other, they are not the same thing. If you want to see sky lanterns, you'll need to leave Chiang Mai's city center. Need help planning your trip to Northern Thailand? Then consider creating a customized Thailand itinerary!