Yi Peng Lantern Festival, This November: A Travel Guide to Chiang Mai’s Magical Celebration

When the crisp November air drapes itself over Chiang Mai, the city begins its quiet transformation for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. On the evenings of November 5th and 6th, 2025, both residents and travelers will gather to release the translucent, candle-lit khom loy that have floated across Thai skies for generations. Rooted in Buddhist cosmogony and the rhythms of the rice calendar, this luminous rite weaves devotion, gratitude, and artistry into one luminous tapestry.

What is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?

Yi Peng—or Yee Peng—is a traditional Lanna festival marked by the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. Originating in Northern Thailand, the custom centers on releasing khom loi, the delicate sky lanterns, as a gesture of releasing past troubles and inviting fresh, hopeful fortune. The sight of countless lanterns climbing into the night, their soft light shimmering in the darkness, offers an entrancing vision that leaves deep impressions on every viewer.

Though the festival spreads across the highlands, Chiang Mai draws the most pilgrims and spectators. The city’s ancient temples, ornate wooden houses, and misty mountain backdrop turn the ritual into an almost celestial scene, echoing the harmonies of Lanna history and letting the festival pulse through the very stones.

Key Events and Activities

The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai is a multifaceted celebration that offers a variety of activities for attendees:

• Sky Lantern Releases: The highlight of the festival, where thousands of khom loi are released into the sky, creating a sea of lights that drift gently upwards.
• Cultural Performances: Traditional Lanna music, dance, and rituals are showcased, providing insight into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
• Krathong Floating: In conjunction with Loy Krathong, participants float krathongs (decorative floats) on rivers, symbolizing the release of negative energy and the welcoming of positive influences.
• Temple Visits: Temples across the city are adorned with candles and lanterns, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer.

Ticketed Events

For those seeking a more organized and immersive experience, several ticketed events are available:

• Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival: Organized by the CAD Cultural Center Lanna, this event offers various ticket tiers, including Standard, VIP, Premium, and Elite packages. Prices range from 4,800 THB to 15,500 THB, with benefits such as reserved seating, traditional Lanna buffet dinners, and transportation options from Payap University to the venue .
• Other Celebrations: While the CAD event is among the most prominent, other celebrations are held at locations like Mae Jo University, Lanna Dhutanka, and Wat Doi Ti. These events may vary in scale and offerings, so it’s advisable to research and choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Attending the Festival

To make the most of your Yi Peng experience:

• Book Tickets Early: Due to the festival’s popularity, tickets for organized events can sell out quickly. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance through official channels.
• Arrive Early: For public events, arriving early ensures a good viewing spot. Popular locations can become crowded as the evening progresses.
• Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples and participate respectfully in rituals. The Yi Peng Festival is a spiritual event, and honoring local customs enhances the experience.
• Safety First: Only release lanterns in designated areas to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Unauthorized releases can result in fines or other penalties.

Airports Near CAD Cultural Center Lanna

1. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

• Distance to CAD Cultural Center Lanna: Approximately 35 km (22 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 40–45 minutes by car or taxi
• Details: Chiang Mai International Airport is the primary gateway for international and domestic flights to Chiang Mai. It offers various transportation options, including taxis and shuttle services, to reach the CAD Cultural Center Lanna.

2. Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)

• Distance to CAD Cultural Center Lanna: Approximately 190 km (118 miles)
• Travel Time: Around 3–4 hours by car
• Details: While farther than CNX, Chiang Rai International Airport is another option for travelers coming from certain regions. However, the longer travel time makes it less convenient for attending the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.

Recommended Hotels Near CAD Cultural Center Lanna

For a convenient and immersive experience during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, consider staying at accommodations near the CAD Cultural Center Lanna. Here are some options:

1. Sippa Hotspring

• Location: Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On
• Distance to CAD Cultural Center Lanna: Approximately 5.5 km
• Description: A serene retreat offering natural hot springs, perfect for relaxation after a day of festival activities.

2. Pine Village

• Location: On Nuea, Mae On
• Distance to CAD Cultural Center Lanna: Approximately 2.75 km
• Description: A rustic village-style accommodation providing a peaceful environment close to the festival venue.

3. Baanmaipai Tiamta Maekampong

• Location: Huai Kaeo, Mae On
• Distance to CAD Cultural Center Lanna: Approximately 15.4 km
• Description: A homestay offering an authentic Lanna experience with traditional wooden houses and local hospitality.

Conclusion

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai transcends a mere display of colorful lights; it embodies a living expression of northern Thailand’s soul. When you light a lantern and send it soaring among the stars, or guide a krathong down a quiet river, you become part of an ancient conversation between earth and sky. Even beyond these acts, the gently animated streets, the incense smoke swirling between the stalls, and the soft murmur of blessings spoken above flickering flames weave together an atmosphere so rich it almost feels like a warm embrace. Long after the last lantern fades from sight, the gentle glow it left inside you continues to shimmer.

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