The Thai Lantern Festival comprises two distinct celebrations: Loi Krathong and Yi Peng. These two festivals are the most interesting and are celebrated throughout the country. Loi Krathong literally translates to "floating a basket." People craft small baskets, usually from banana stems, and set them adrift in rivers or lakes.

This festival symbolizes new beginnings and good fortune for the future. It is usually celebrated on the first full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. In 2026, Loy Krathong falls on Tuesday, November 24th, and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai will be celebrated on November 24th and 25th, 2026.

The Yi Peng festival is celebrated by lighting colorful lanterns and hanging them in the sky. The sight of thousands of lanterns against the glittering night sky is mesmerizing. Yi Peng means "second full moon" and is celebrated to welcome the cooler season and the end of the rainy season.

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When and where is the Lantern Festival celebrated?

The Sky Lantern Festival in Thailand is celebrated every year on the full moon throughout Thailand and neighboring countries where Thai culture is cherished. You can visit Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi, Kelantan, Kedah, and Xishuangbanna.

History and origin of the Lantern Festival in Thailand

Loy Krathong has its roots deep in the Hindu and Buddhist culture of deity worship. The festival can be traced back to the Sukhothai period (1238–1438). At that time, it was celebrated to thank the river goddess and ask for forgiveness for the abundant riverbeds and springs, despite the river's pollution. Initially, people followed a Brahmanical ritual in honor of the river goddess Mae Kongka. Later, however, the locals incorporated Buddhist elements into their worship. Yi Peng originates from Chiang Mai and is rooted in the Lanna traditions. The main reason for celebrating it is to ward off misfortune and achieve success in life.

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Traditions and activities at the Sky Lantern Festival

Today, people celebrate not only for religious reasons, but it is also a time when Thais come together, spend time with their loved ones in nature and by bodies of water, and pray for their happiness and well-being. The casting of baskets or krathongs into canals, rivers, and lakes symbolizes appreciation for nature's bounty. Thais believe that by doing so, they release all the negative thoughts, anger, hatred, and similar feelings they have carried with them throughout the year.

Care is taken to use natural materials such as banana leaves, tree trunks, flowers, and organic candles for making krathongs. They are generally smaller and beautiful to look at.

During a full moon, people flock to lakes, coasts, rivers, and canals. There, they release the glowing krathongs into the water, and the entire bottom of the water illuminates with their radiance. Some also throw personal items wrapped in krathongs into the water to cleanse themselves of their sins.

  • Cultural programs and ceremonies in temples

    • Throughout the festival, musical and cultural dance performances take place in various locations to create a festive atmosphere. Loy Krathong is also celebrated in the country's Buddhist temples. Arrangements are made to allow people to enter the waters and pray during the festival.

    People also participate in Khom Loy, the release of sky lanterns into the night sky. It is an impressive sight when thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky.

  • Krathong competitions at the Lantern Festival in Thailand

    • In some parts of the region, Krathong competitions are held, where participants create the most beautiful Krathongs. In addition, other activities such as boat races, lantern parades, processions, and beauty pageants are also held during the festival.

    Generally, people dress according to their culture, which makes watching all the more exciting. Thousands of people wear traditional clothing and celebrate the festival.

    You can also check out these top activities in Chiang Mai to make your trip unforgettable.

    Places to celebrate the Lantern Festival in Thailand

    Chiang Mai

    It lies in the north of the country. The Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals are celebrated with particular exuberance in Chiang Mai. A visit is a must for anyone who wants to experience sky lanterns, parades, exhibitions, and fireworks. The opening ceremony takes place in Three Kings Square, which is decorated with beautiful lanterns. Those who want to admire both water lanterns and sky lanterns should do so from Tha Phae Gate. Traditional dance performances also take place there.

    Please note that releasing sky lanterns is not permitted within Chiang Mai city limits. Mass lantern-launching events take place at paid venues outside the city, such as Lanna Cultural Village and Tudongkhasathan Lanna near Mae Jo University. Book your tickets well in advance. Flights to and from Chiang Mai are frequently rescheduled around the lantern-launching nights, so plan your arrival by November 23rd at the latest.

    If you're spending New Year's Eve 2027 in Chiang Mai, you can look forward to the Canadian New Year's Countdown on December 31st – an unforgettable experience with music, lights, and fireworks. Check out the current events in Chiang Mai to plan your trip.

    Sukhothai

    It is said that the Thai Lantern Festival originated right here in Sukhothai. Loy Krathong is celebrated here for five days, and you can enjoy all the cultural programs non-stop for five days.

    Bangkok

    Bangkok is known for its many waterways, making it the ideal place to watch the Krathongs float down the river. Popular spots include the Chao Phraya River, Lumpini Park, and Benjasiri Park. For a close-up view of the Krathongs on the river, book a Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise on Loy Krathong night. For more information and inspiration, Bangkok invites you to an unforgettable journey.

    Phuket

    Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, and the release of thousands of illuminated krathongs into the sea is an unforgettable experience. These locations include Patong Beach, Nai Harn Lake, and Suan Luang Park. Discover the many other popular activities Phuket has to offer.

    Tips for visiting the Lantern Festival in Thailand

  • Do not wear inappropriate clothing in the temples or at the place where the festival is being celebrated, and respect the culture.
  • If you want to float a krathong on the water, always choose an organic or biodegradable one. Avoid krathongs made of plastic or polystyrene.
  • During the festival, take a walk to the events; this way you can enjoy the cultural atmosphere in the streets.
  • Don't forget to record, otherwise you'll miss something.
  • It is also recommended to check the best time to travel to Thailand to ensure a trouble-free trip.

    • History of the Lantern Festival in Thailand

    Every year, the people of northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, celebrate the traditional Lantern Festival, also known as Yi Peng. The festivities originated in the ancient Lanna Kingdom and are deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition. Yi Peng takes place on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in November, at the end of the rainy season. During the festival, people release sky lanterns to ward off misfortune and make wishes for the coming days. Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong, a festival where people float elaborately crafted bouquets of water flowers on the water. Famous for the ascending sky lanterns, which create an unforgettable spectacle, Yi Peng is a truly special event.