Everyone dreams of their own magic moment. Looking beyond Disneyland? Look no further — Every November, Chiang Mai, Thailand lights up the skies with thousands of lanterns during its Yi Peng Lantern Festival.
Before you pack your bags for your “Tangled” dreams, Seawave Magazine prepared everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime experience:
A sea of glowing lights drifts into the night sky during one of the world’s largest and most breathtaking lantern festivals.
This is one of the most massive lantern festivals in the world
There are only a few countries where you can catch lanterns, let alone thousands of them all at once. Well, rest assured — Thailand’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival does not disappoint. This happens every November, during the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar. The lighting of the lantern symbolizes letting go of misfortune and past regrets, and welcoming good luck and fortune for the future. To some locals, this is also an opportunity to connect with their divine and reflect on their spiritual journey.
Designated launch sites offer a safe and stunning way to take part in Chiang Mai’s sky lantern tradition
There are only specific areas and multiple areas to fly these lanterns
Now equipped with a quick overview of the festival, you might wonder — where can I celebrate this festival? Back in the days, lanterns could be flown everywhere in Chiang Mai. However, with concerns on the environmental impact of paper lanterns and aviation safety concerns that lead to cancellation of flights, flying of lanterns is now concentrated in select areas of Chiang Mai.
The most massive one is the CAD (Chiang Mai Arts & Design) Khomloy Festival, where most lanterns are released yearly. This festival is home to traditional ceremonies, local Thai Lanna food, and other activities like foot massage and thai shows. Tickets are usually inclusive of 2 Sky lanterns, 1 Krathong, transfer from the city and access to its specific food zone. Other events hosting lantern festivals include Yi Peng Lanna Lantern Festival, Heritage Sky Lantern, Moonlight Sky Lanterns, and Heaven Lantern Festival.
All festival grounds are located outside the city, so tickets are usually inclusive of transfers. We recommend you check if your plan includes a transfer, since distance from the city and traffic might damp your travel plans.
During peak season, hotels and lantern events sell out fast—book well in advance.
Busy season means everything is sold out in advance
We cannot emphasize this more — book everything in advance. During this season, hotels are sold out early, especially those within the old city where most festivities happen. As dates go closer, remaining accommodations also hike in rates.
Some cities fly directly to Chiang Mai. Leading up to the festival week, flights are usually full. If coming from Bangkok, tourists may choose to take a plane, bus or train.
Festival tickets sold out even earlier, so it’s important to secure tickets ahead. For those who already missed their tickets, multiple Facebook pages help fellow travelers buy and sell their tickets — just be mindful of scams!
The festivities continue with vibrant parades through the heart of the city.
But the celebrations do not end there!
Missed the lantern festival tickets? There are still lots to see in the city and beyond! During festival week, parades, competitions, interactive activities and events happen throughout the city. The schedule of activities is often released on social media pages and news outlets. The closing parade is particularly busy, as roads close for this spectacle. Along the Ping River in Chiang Mai and in major rivers all over Thailand, Loy Krathong is being celebrated with floating baskets with candles upon the river at night. This is a must-see for those visiting other cities in Thailand, the grandest being in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
Chiang Mai welcomes all—whether you’re adventuring with friends or discovering its magic on your own.
Enjoy your company or just fly in solo!
There’s something so peaceful about watching your worries fly with your lanterns. This sense of calm and connection perfectly captures the spirit of Chiang Mai, whether you’re traveling with a group of friends, sharing the journey with a loved one, or backpacking on your own. Just like the rest of Thailand, Chiang Mai is safe and solo traveler-friendly. You have the choice to soul-search in the mountains of Chiang Mai, socialize with new people in night markets and bars, or simply lounge and sip coffee in the many cafes in this laid-back city.
With only limited days to catch the festival, you may be too busy perfecting your itinerary. But don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the wonders of Chiang Mai. From peaceful temples to unique cafe concepts, there’s always something for everyone. We’re sure you’d want to come back again.
Got more questions for your upcoming lantern festival experience? Comment down below!