• By: admin
• Oct 05, 2026
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Thousands of glowing lanterns in the sky. But release your own the wrong way and you could be in serious trouble.

Yi Peng is Chiang Mai’s famous lantern festival, and in 2026 it runs on 24 and 25 November. Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including the rule that catches a lot of tourists out.

What is Yi Peng?

Yi Peng is a festival from the old Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand. People release khom loi, paper sky lanterns, as an offering to the Buddha. Watching them rise is meant to be like letting go of bad luck and making a wish for the year ahead.

It happens at the same time as Loy Krathong, which is celebrated all over Thailand.

Yi Peng vs Loy Krathong

• Yi Peng: lanterns float up into the sky.
• Loy Krathong: small decorated baskets, often made from banana leaves, float on the water.

In Chiang Mai you get both at once. Lanterns above, candles on the river.

The rule most visitors don’t know

You can’t just buy a lantern and let it go anywhere. Because of aviation safety, unlicensed sky lantern releases are banned across Chiang Mai during the festival.

Breaking the ban can mean a fine of up to 200,000 baht, and even prison time. If you want to release a lantern, do it at an official, licensed event.

Ticketed lantern events

Organised mass releases are where you get that famous photo of thousands of lanterns rising together. Tickets start at around 3,000 baht and go up to about 6,000 baht for the bigger events. The largest one, CAD Khomloy, has already sold out for 2026, so book early if you want one.

Free ways to enjoy the festival

• Wat Phan Tao: a teak wood temple lit with lanterns and candles. Beautiful and peaceful.
• Wat Chedi Luang: right next door, with a huge ancient brick stupa.
• The Old City moat: walk around and see lanterns and decorations everywhere.
• The Ping River: watch people float their krathongs and join in.

How to get there

Fly to Bangkok, then take a short flight to Chiang Mai, about one hour. There’s also an overnight train from Bangkok if you want the scenic way.

Tips

• Book flights and hotels early. This is Chiang Mai’s busiest week.
• Stay in or near the Old City. You can walk to the temples and the moat.
• Carry small cash. Street food stalls and krathong sellers are everywhere.
• Be respectful at temples. Cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off where asked.

A simple 3-day plan

• Day 1: Explore the Old City temples by day. In the evening, walk the moat and see the lanterns go up around Wat Phan Tao.
• Day 2: Your ticketed lantern release, if you booked one. If not, join the krathong crowds along the Ping River.
• Day 3: Head up to Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain above the city, for views and cooler air.

Food you have to try: khao soi, a rich northern Thai curry noodle soup, and sai oua, a herby local sausage. You’ll find both at night markets during the festival.

Your challenge

What’s the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong? You already know the answer now, so go prove it on my post at @explor_shan.

Then try the AI prompt challenge and create your own lantern sky over a Thai temple.

FAQ

Can I release a lantern for free?
Not legally during the festival unless it’s at a licensed event. You can float a krathong on the river for free, or for the price of a basket.

Is it worth going without a ticket?
Yes. The temples, moat and river are full of lights and atmosphere, and you’ll still see lanterns in the sky.

Is Yi Peng only in Chiang Mai?
It’s a northern Thai tradition, so Chiang Mai is the centre, but it’s celebrated across the north.

Save this so you remember the rules, and tag your Thailand crew.

Explore with me every day. Follow @explor_shan on Instagram for the daily challenge, and comment EXPLORE on any post to get the guide in your DMs.