Yi Peng & Loi Krathong

Once a year, on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar, Chiang Mai glows. Loi Krathong sends candle-lit floats drifting down the rivers and canals, while the northern Yi Peng tradition fills the sky with thousands of rising paper lanterns (khom loi).

Why It’s Interesting

Together the two festivals turn the whole city into light — water below, lanterns above. People release a krathong to carry away the past year’s misfortunes and make a wish; the sky lanterns do the same overhead. The Old City moat, Tha Phae Gate, and the Ping River become the beating heart of it all, alongside parades, fireworks, and street food.

Best Time to Visit

The festival follows the November full moon, so dates move each year — confirm before booking. It falls squarely in the pleasant cool season.

Getting There

It’s centred on Chiang Mai’s Old City and Ping River — walkable, and best explored on foot since roads close to traffic.