Yi Peng Festival, also known as Yee Peng, is a traditional lantern festival celebration in Northern Thailand, particularly in the city of Chiang Mai.
In 2024, Yi Peng festival spans November 15th and 16th.
With strong Buddhist roots, it’s a time for homage to the Buddha and making wishes for prosperity. During the festival, locals adorn their houses with lanterns and tiny candles (phang pratheep) and gather at temples to listen to monks’ prayers.
The highlight of the festival is the mass release of sky lanterns, with thousands flying into the sky to symbolize the release of worries and negative energy, as well as hope, prosperity, and renewal.
We welcome you to immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Yi Peng Lantern Festival in 2024.
Official Tickets for Yi Peng Festival 2024
Book with us for a truly magical experience. Since 2019, we’ve been deeply involved in the Yi Peng Festival, going beyond ticket sales to enhance event processes and service levels (especially for the CAD events), including optimizing shuttle services and advocating for entry through QR scanning instead of paper tickets.
We collect customer feedback to find out what you care about and enjoy, and we use this to enhance your experience, from providing exclusive services with a dedicated photographer to offering immersive activities like water lantern making.
This year, we are AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENT for the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival, renowned as the largest-scale event. We offer first-hand tickets to the events and a real-time seat availability check.
Here are the prices for three kinds of tickets.
- Premium ticket + transfer + dinner: US$ 179 (6400THB)
- VIP ticket + transfer + dinner: US$ 169 (5900THB)
- Standard ticket + transfer + dinner : US$ 129 (4600THB)
*Book a premium ticket for Exclusive Benefits!
Be a part of a select few who will be closest to the stage and the chanting monks. Enjoy exclusive services with a dedicated photographer and indulge in a buffet dinner at a designated special food zone.
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival 2024 - Secure Your Exclusive Tickets While You Can!
*Cancellation policy
- 30+ days before: cancellations fully refunded
- 0–29 days before: no refunds (canceled festival revenue goes to charity)
- No ticket name/date changes
- No lost ticket refunds/compensation
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We bought 10 tickets for the lantern
We bought 10 tickets for the lantern festival, at the end airline rescheduled our flight. We are so upset and no choice have to give up lantern festival schedule and proceed for refund. Bella is the sales person that liase with us, she did a very good job, help us proceed for refund. She is responsive and reliable. More |
Really excellent service!!
Really excellent service!! they still had an allocation of tickets available for the Yi Peng festival when other sellers had already run out. highly recommended More |
The process seemed seamless
Bella is was my agent assisting with my ticket for the festival. However, I was unable to make it there. And made the process seemed seamless. Thank you for your help. More |
Helpful and making my trip planning easy
Belle is very professional in helping me to decide on what I can do as a solo traveller. She is very helpful and making my trip planning easy. Your trip to Thailand already feel good even at the planning stage. More |
Easy, competitive price, front row tickets.
We got early bird ticket and Bella was assisting us through whatsapp. Easy, competitive price, front row tickets. Thanks Bella, for being patient explaining everything to me. Highly recommended. More |
Timeline for the Celebration
The schedules at the two venues are similar and the activities on November 15th and 16th are the same. The following is the schedule at CAD for reference:
15:30–16:30
Arrange your own transportation and meet us at the meeting point. This year, there are two pick-up points depending on your ticket type. Show your e-ticket to get on the free shuttle to the venue (about a 50-minute drive). Our shuttle leaves every 5 minutes from 15:30 to 16:30, and the last one departs at 16:30.
Meeting Point A: Premium ticket & VIP ticket pick up is at the Maya Shopping Center (Fountain area).
Meeting Point B: Standard ticket pick up is at the MORe SPACE car park.
16:30–18:30
Arrive at the Venue, and present your e-ticket to register your ticket at the main entrance. You’ll receive a lanyard badge and a souvenir. Then explore the Craft and Art zone and 'tribal village'. Watch cultural arts performances and enjoy activities, including releasing a traditional water lantern of the Loi Kratong.
18:30–19:30
Enjoy an authentic Thai Lanna Buffet Dinner, snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. (Vegetarian food is available.)
19:30
Enter the ritual area in from of the great pagoda. Witness an awe-inspiring display of drumming, candlelight shows, religious ceremonies, and monks chanting.
20:15
Launch your lanterns, watch fireworks, and enjoy the breathtaking spectacle.
20:45
At the end of the celebration, transfer back from the venue to the city. You can select a drop-off point at the venue to drop off at Maya Shopping Center or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (depending on traffic conditions).
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival FAQs
1. How to choose between November 15th and 16th in 2024?
Both dates feature the same activities. If your schedule allows, we recommend selecting November 15th.
This would afford you the opportunity to be among the first to experience the ceremony and share it with your friends on instant apps. Additionally, you'll then have the chance to partake in the downtown folk activities that are exclusive to November 16th, such as the city center parade near Tha Phae Gate, candle ceremony at Wat Pan Tao, and releasing a 'floating lantern' on the Ping River.
2. What is the difference between PREMIUM, VIP, and STANDARD?
Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival provides three kinds of tickets: Premium, VIP, and Standard.
- Seat allocation: Premium seats are positioned closest to the Holy Pagoda show stage, spanning the first 1-8 rows, while VIP seats occupy rows 9-17, with standard seating in rows 18-28.
- Dining area and food: The premium zone offers a richer food selection and a better ambiance than VIP, while standard ticket holders have fewer food choices and dine on blankets. Premium and VIP dine in less crowded buffet zones, and standard ticket holders in a designated area.
- Transportation: Both Premium and VIP ticket holders will be transported by a business van, while standard ticket holders will be transported in a local open red cab.
3. What is the children policy?
Children under 8 years old enter free, but no separate seats, sky lanterns, and souvenirs are provided for them. Children of 8 and above are charged the same as adults and receive the same provision. If you wish for your child under 8 to enjoy the same provisions, you may purchase a ticket for them.
While there's no strict age limit for entry, it's important to consider the atmosphere of the event. The celebratory chaos, crowded entry areas, heavy traffic, and the use of fire for launching lanterns may pose risks, especially for children under 12 years old. Ultimately, this depends on the maturity level of each child.
4. What is the dress code for the event?
No shorts, sleeveless tops, or miniskirts are allowed. We recommend that you get dressed up in Lanna style with a longyi as bottoms and a Lanna-style shirt/blouse.
5. Drones, smoking, and drinking policies?
Alcohol drinking and smoking are not allowed in the event. Drones are not allowed in the venue area.
6. How do I launch the lantern?
At the event, there will be a demonstration on stage showing how to launch sky lanterns. Moreover, volunteers will be stationed at the venue to provide assistance. You can also watch a video tutorial to learn the process.
7. Will the floating lanterns cause environmental problems such as earth and water pollution or forest fires?
As a tour operator with a high awareness of social responsibility, we only provide our clients with lanterns that fit the local governmental standards.
At the Chiang Mai CAD, we will provide traditional Dhammachai lanterns that are approved by Thai Industrial Standards TIS808/2552.
Such lanterns are made of natural and recycled papers and bamboo. All the materials are biodegradable and will not cause pollution.
This kind of lantern, although large in size, is smartly designed: it has a short heat-proof wire attached to the small candle wick which will likely quench out after floating up for about 10 minutes. The heat-proof wire prevents fire or a short circuit if a lantern falls on high-voltage power transmission cables.
8. Is it possible to see sky lanterns in downtown Chiang Mai?
Since 2020, for safety reasons, releasing sky lanterns has been prohibited in the downtown area. Lantern release events occur on the outskirts, approximately 30km (20 miles) from the city center. However, in downtown Chiang Mai, you can still enjoy the sight of water lanterns floating on the river.
Tips for Experiencing Yi Peng Lantern Festival To The Fullest
- Plan early. The Yi Peng Festival is so famous that it's best to get ready for it as early as possible. Book your tickets and hotel accommodations months in advance. Tourism doubles during the time of the festival.
- Avoid booking flights to Chiang Mai on November 15th or 16th, the days of the festival. It's safer to arrive at least a day earlier due to the high likelihood (over 90%) of flight cancellations or delays caused by airspace restrictions during the lantern release.
- Arrive at the meeting point early to avoid long queues and traffic jams caused by the large crowds. Early arrival also allows more time for photography and enjoying the festival activities at the venue.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng Festival?
In Chiang Mai, we recommend three accommodation areas:
(1) Old City: best area for first-time visitors
This area is perfect for exploring the ancient city as it's just a few minutes' walk away from most cultural attractions. It boasts a central location, making it convenient for travelers.
While it's the most commercialized part of Chiang Mai, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options available. A recommended 4-star hotel in this area is the Smile Lanna Hotel.
(2) Riverside: best area for families and luxury
This area offers a more upscale experience with many 5-star hotels, such as the recommended Maladee Rendezvous Hotel. It's known for its tranquil ambiance, making it suitable for families and older travelers seeking a relaxed stay. Most hotels there cater to luxury resort seekers.
You'll find numerous waterside restaurants, bars, and cafés, along with reasonably priced luxury resorts and hotels. The atmosphere is quiet at night, and you can enjoy picturesque views of the River Ping. However, shopping and nightlife options are limited.
(3) Nimmanhaemin: great for nightlife
This area is known for its boutique shopping scene, trendy restaurants, and cafés. It is an ideal destination for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife and a modern urban vibe. It is close to Maya Shopping Center and conveniently located to the airport. It's less congested compared to other areas and relatively cheaper.
Recommended hotels in this area include the Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem and Makka Hotel.
How to Plan a Chiang Mai Trip with Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival
Chiang Mai is a city full of various unique experiences. It is easy to spend 3 nights there. Here is a sample itinerary for your reference:
Day 1 (November 14): Arrival
Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle into your accommodation.
Day 2 (November 15): Chiang Mai Highlights and Yi Peng Festival
Begin your day by exploring the highlights of Chiang Mai. Visit the spectacular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
In the late afternoon, go to attend the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival.
Day (November 16): Elephant Encounter and Loy Krathong Festive Parade
Embark on a half-day elephant tour, caring for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. (Insider tip: Kanta Elephant Sanctuary is ideal for families or elderly couples, while Elephant Rescue Park caters more to young couples.)
Alternatively, indulge in a cooking class to master the art of authentic Northern Thai cuisine.
Later in the afternoon, join the Loy Krathong Festival’s parade near Tha Phae Gate and partake in the tradition of releasing krathong on the Ping River.
Additional Days:
If you have more time, consider exploring the picturesque Mae Wang area with a scenic trek and bamboo rafting adventure.
Alternatively, embark on a day tour to Chiang Rai, where you can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the White Temple and Golden Triangle.
Tours Including Yi Peng Festival 2024
Here are the recommended small group tours including Yi Peng Festival 2024. We are also happy to customize a private tour including the experience of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival according to your interests and schedule.
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More Festive Activities in Chiang Mai during the Festival
Apart from attending the mass sky lantern release, there are many things to do in downtown Chiang Mai. These are some top activities you should not miss:
1. Join the locals to float your krathong on the Ping River.
The best spots to release floating lanterns (krathongs) are Nawarat Bridge and the Iron Bridge along the Ping River. You can buy a krathong on site to experience releasing it. Alternatively, you can choose one of our customizable Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Tours that includes a krathong-making experience.
Dining in a fancy riverside restaurant to watch the river lanterns floating by during dinner is also very nice.
2. Don’t miss the ‘big krathong parade’.
The big parade is a highlight of the Loy Krathong festival. This year, it will take place on November 16th.
Giant illuminated krathongs are paraded with candidates for an upcoming beauty contest perched on top. Groups in traditional dress line up, cheered on by lively flute and drum music.
Starting at around 6pm, the parade goes from Tha Phae Gate to the Chiang Mai Provincial Municipality building, passing through Tha Phae Road.
It is free. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
3. Visit Wat Phan Tao.
For a serene and reverent festive experience, consider visiting Wat Phan Tao (located just west of Tha Phae Gate). The temple is adorned with colorful lanterns in the traditional northern Thai style, as well as traditional oil lamps. There, you can participate in lighting an oil lamp and receive a blessing from the monks.
Below is the official program from 2023 for your reference. The activities are similar each year. Typically, the Tourist Authority of Thailand publishes the program about one month before the festival.
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival Agenda
| Events in the city | Time | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Ceremony of Worshiping the Spirit House and the White Pagoda | 08:00 a.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Chiang Mai Municipality Office, White Pagoda |
| 2. The Ping River Apology Ceremony | 09:00 a.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Pier at Sri Khong Temple |
| 3. Yeepeng Lanna Lanterns Contest (Big Hanging Lanterns) | 04:00 p.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 4. Opening Ceremony Yeepeng Festival 2023 in Chiang Mai " | 06:00 p.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 5. The Yeepeng Festival Queen and King Pageant in Chiang Mai | 07:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-27, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 6. The Forest Gate Ceremony Yeepeng Lanna Chiang Mai | For the duration of the event | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Community and temple in municipal area |
| 7. Ping River Krathong Release Ceremony | 6:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Ping River Bank at Municipality Office |
| 8. Lanna Arts and Culture Performance | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 9. The Happiness of the River: Yeepeng Festival in Chiang Mai | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | The Ping River, Mae Kha Canal |
| 10. Light, sound, and multimedia show | 8:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | The Stage at Wat Sri Khong Pier |
| 11.Royal Celebration Fireworks Display | 8:30 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Wat Sri Khong Pier |
| 12. Phra Mahachat Sermon Ceremony | 5:00 a.m-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Sri Don Chai Temple |
| 13. Handmade Lotus Leaf and Fresh Flower Krathong Contest | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Municipality office |
| 14. The Chiang Mai Yeepeng Little Miss and Mister Contest | 6:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Municipality office |
| 15. Lanna Yeepeng Lantern Boat Procession Contest | 7:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Tha Phae Gate – Municipality office |
| 16. Luk Thung Singing Contest with Tail Dancers, Preserving Thai Culture | 4:30 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Municipality Office |
| 17. The Toyal Procession of Large Floating Krathong Competition | 7:00 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Tha Phae Gate-Municipality office |
| 18. Award Ceremony of The Royal Procession of Large Floating Krathong Competition | 10:00 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Municipality office |
Mass Sky Lantern Release Venues 2024
Currently, we've learned that this year there will be six venues hosting the Yi Peng mass lantern release in Chiang Mai. They all feature similar schedules and activities. Here's an overview of the events:
| Event Name | Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival 2024 | Chiang Mai Heritage Sky Lanterns 2024 | Heaven Lantern Thailand 2024 | Yee Peng Lanna International 2024 (Mae Jo) | Northern Study Center 2024(Mae Rim) | Wat Doi Ti & Kruba Srivijaya Monument 2024 |
| Features | The biggest-scale event | Cost-effective | A brand-new event in 2024 | The event with the longest history | Mainly for large groups, especially Chinese groups | Small scale and good prices |
| 2024 Date | Nov 15-16, 2024 | Nov 15-16, 2024 | Nov 15-16, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 |
| Capacity | 10000 seats | 4500 seats | 5000 seats | 5000 seats | 3000 seats | 750 seats |
| Established in | 2018 | 2023 | 2024 | 2013 | 2019 | 2016 |
| Activities |
Shows, culture, |
shows, culture, hill tribe, rituals, local market, loi krathong | shows, culture, hill tribe, rituals, local market, loi krathong | rituals, meditation | shows, rituals | rituals, local market |
| Ticket | $120-180 | $ 110 | $120-180 | $200-300 | $120-180 | $80-110 |
| Dinner | Snack+Lanna Thai food buffet | Snack+Lanna Thai food buffet | Snack+Lanna Thai food buffet | Set box Thai Dinner | Thai dinner set | Thai dinner set |
| Received lantern per person | 2 sky lanterns 1 krathong | 2 sky lanterns 1 krathong | 2 sky lanterns 1 krathong | 1 sky lantern | 2 skylanterns 1 krathong | 1 sky lantern |
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