Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2024, 2025, and 2026

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival are two renowned lantern festivals celebrated in Thailand. Traditionally held in November, these festivals often coincide, though their specific dates vary from year to year. To experience these vibrant celebrations in 2024, check the dates and explore the top places to visit.

When is Loy Krathong in 2024?

Loy Krathong, also named Festival of Lights or Water Lantern Festival, is a national-wide Festival in Thailand. On the evening of Loy Krathong, Thai people gather together to release floating rafts called Krathongs onto rivers, lakes, and canals to give thanks to the Goodness of Water and let go of negativity.

Loy Krathong is observed on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, usually aligning with November in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration date may vary slightly across different cities.

In 2024, it will be celebrated on November 16th, while in Bangkok, festivities will commence on November 15th.

When is the Yi Peng Festival in 2024?

Yi Peng (sometimes written as Yee Peng), called the Sky Lantern Festival, is a Lanna Festival rooted in the ancient Lanna kingdom. It is a festival unique to northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. It features countless lanterns glimmering throughout the sky.

The Yi Peng Festival's date follows the Lanna Lunar Calendar, coinciding with the full moon of the second month. In the Gregorian calendar, it typically falls in November, usually one or two days before Loy Krathong.

This year, Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Lantern Festival is scheduled for November 15th to 16th, 2024.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai in 2024

Chiang Mai is the only city in Thailand to host both of the lantern festivals. During these festivals, various activities take place around the city, typically lasting for 2-3 days. Some are free and some require tickets. 

Free activities are usually centered in Chiang Mai Old City and along the Ping River, featuring parades, traditional performances, and water lantern releases.

If you want to witness the renowned sight of the Yi Peng Festival, where thousands of sky lanterns ascend into the night sky, admission to a private lantern release event is required. In 2024, there will be six venues hosting mass lantern releases, including the famous and largest-scale Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival.

Tickets for Chiang Mai CAD 2024 are selling fast – secure your spot now before it's too late!

Loy Krathong in Bangkok in 2024

Bangkok, as the capital of Thailand, is a great place to experience Loy krathong Festival. You can join the locals to float water lanterns into Chao Phraya River. Dive into the festivities at temples like Wat Arun, where you can join prayer processions, donation ceremonies, candlelight processions, and blessings. And don't miss out on the vibrant cultural performances at Asiatique!

For an unforgettable experience, why not stay at riverside hotels like Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and The Peninsula? They often host Loy Krathong events paired with special dinners.

See more on Loy Krathong in Bangkok. 

Loy Krathong in Sukhothai in 2024 

Loy Krathong in Sukhothai holds a special significance, being widely regarded as its place of origin.

During the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai, the ancient ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park become a breathtaking backdrop for the celebrations.Here, locals and visitors alike gather around the park's ponds and waterways to float krathongs. Additionally, attendees can enjoy enchanting dance performances, live music, and indulge in delicious Thai cuisine.

A highlight of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong festival is the grand procession, featuring elaborately decorated floats, traditional Thai dancers, and musicians adorned in colorful costumes. This procession winds its way through the ancient city streets, captivating spectators with vibrant displays of culture and heritage.

See more on Loy Krathong in Sukhothai. 

Loy Krathong Dates: 2024 to 2030

The official date of Loy Krathong is announced the year before. So we don't know exactly when the festival will take place in future years, but we know it will likely happen on the night of the full moon, or one day before or after. Here are the upcoming full moons (and tentative Loy Krathong dates).

Yi Peng Dates: 2024 to 2030