2025 Official Tickets for Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

Written by Cindy Updated Jun. 25, 2024

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 2025, Yi Peng festival spans November 5th and 6th.

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 2025.

chiang mai cad yi peng festival

Official Tickets for Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025

The Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival is renowned as the largest-scale event. We are AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENT to sell its tickets since 2019.

Tickets for 2025 are on sale. 

CAD 2025 Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival TICKETS

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival 2025

Select Date:

Select a Ticket Type:

Select Ticket Quantity

Adults and older children (8+ years old)
Total price: $149

Please provide correct personal info. Double check.

Once we receive your payment, our travel advisor will contact you within 24 hours and send you your e-ticket.

*For any booking of 10 tickets or more, you'll enjoy a discount of 5% off. If you're a travel agent, don't hesitate to contact us to benefit from our exclusive agent rates.

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng FestivalChiang Mai CAD Khomloy Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival seating map 2025

What is the difference between PREMIUM, VIP, and STANDARD?

  • Seat allocation: Premium seats are positioned closest to the Holy Pagoda show stage, spanning the first 1-9 rows, while VIP seats occupy rows 10-19, with standard seating in rows 20-31.
  • 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.
    * Meeting Point A for Premium & VIP: Maya Shopping Center (Fountain area).
    * Meeting Point B for Standard: MORe SPACE car park
yi peng festival cad tickets

*Children Policy

Children under 8 years old enter free; 8-year-olds and above are charged the same as adults. You can buy a ticket for your child under 8 if you would like her or him to enjoy the same provision.

*Cancellation Policy

  • 22+ days before: cancellations fully refunded
  • 0–21 days before: no refunds (canceled festival revenue goes to charity)
  • No ticket name/date changes
  • No lost ticket refunds/compensation

Why Book with Us?

yi peng festivalAsia Highlights team at CAD Yi Peng Festival in 2023

1. Instant Support: Benefit from our quick and responsive WhatsApp communication service, offering real-time support not only during the booking process but also throughout the event.

2. Flexible Cancellation Policy: Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellations up to 15 days before the event.

3. Expertise and Commitment: Since 2019, we've been deeply involved in the Yi Peng Festival, not just selling tickets but advocating for improvements in event processes and service levels, such as optimizing shuttle services and promoting QR code entry to streamline access.

4. Premium Upgraded Services:

  • Exclusive Tour Packages: Besides individual ticket bookings, we offer comprehensive tour packages that include the Yi Peng Festival. See our handcrafted Yi Peng Festival tours.
  • Prime Seating: Our tour clients get the best seats in the front three rows at the Chiang Mai CAD and dine at the finest riverside restaurant along the Ping River.
  • Top-notch Guides and Transportation: We've secured the best guides and ample vehicles, ensuring smooth logistics even during the festival's busiest times.
  • Private Transfers and On-site Support: Tour clients enjoy private transfers to the venue and dedicated on-site support from our staff, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Timeline for the Celebration

The schedules on November 5th and 6th are the same. The following is for reference:

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival Typical Schedule

The following is the detailed information of the schedule.

✔ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Meeting and transfer to the venue.

Arrange your own transportation and meet us at the meeting point. 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.

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival

✔ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Check-in. DIY activities and cultural performances.

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.

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival

✔ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Dinner time.

Enjoy an authentic Thai Lanna Buffet Dinner, snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. (Vegetarian food is available.)

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival

✔ 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm: Shows and religious ceremonies.

Enter the ritual area in from of the great pagoda. Witness an awe-inspiring display of drumming, candlelight shows, religious ceremonies, and monks chanting.

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival

✔ 8:15 pm - 8:45 pm: Launch your lanterns.

Launch your lanterns, watch fireworks, and enjoy the breathtaking spectacle.

Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival

✔ 8:45 pm: End and transfer back to the city downtown.

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 5th and 6th in 2025?

Both dates feature the same activities. If your schedule allows, we recommend selecting November 5th.

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 6th, 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 children's 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.

3. What is the dress code for the event?

Shorts, sleeveless tops, and miniskirts are not allowed. We recommend that you get dressed up in Lanna style with a longyi as bottoms and a Lanna-style shirt/blouse.

4. Drones, smoking, and drinking policies?

Alcohol drinking and smoking are not allowed in the event. Drones are not allowed in the venue area.

5. 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.

6. 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.

The lanterns are made of natural and recycled paper 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.

7. 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.

Yi Peng Sky Lantern Release Event E-Ticket Demo

Once we receive your payment, our travel advisor will contact you within 24 hours and send you your e-ticket. The picture below is a sample e-ticket for the Chiang Mai CAD Komloy Sky Lantern Festival 2024.

Chiang Mai CAD yi peng festival E-ticket

How to Choose a Lantern Release Event?

In 2024, there were more than six Yi Peng mass lantern release events on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here, we would like to highlight three of them. Others may either have limited capacity, like the event at Doi Saket, be targeted at large groups of Chinese tourists, like the Northern Study Center event, or be new, potentially leading to issues like disorder or safety concerns.

Two events are the most famous: Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival (Chiang Mai CAD for short) and Yee Peng Lanna International (more commonly known as Mae Jo). Are you wondering which one to choose?

Event Name Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lanterns Festival 2024 Yee Peng Lanna International 2024 (Mae Jo) Chiang Mai Heritage Sky Lanterns 2024
Rating ★★★★★ ★★ ★★★★
Features The most spectacular event; rich in activities; abundant food choices Famous, but more modest; simple food options; few activities Cost-effective; rich in activities, abundant food choices; less crowded
2024 Dates Nov. 15–16, 2024 Nov. 15, 2024 Nov. 15, 2024
Capacity 8,000 seats 5,000 seats 4,500 seats
Established in 2018 2013 2023
Activities Light and sound show,
cultural arts performance,
DIY, rituals, the Lanna Orchestra, lighting ceremony
rituals, meditation Light and sound show,
cultural arts performance,
DIY, rituals, the Lanna Orchestra, lighting ceremony
Tickets Premium US$179
VIP US$169
Standard US$129
Standard and Premium US$200–300 Premium US$159
VIP US$109
Dinner Snack+Lanna Thai food buffet Set box with Thai snacks Snack+Lanna Thai food buffet
Received lantern per person 2 sky lanterns, 1 krathong 1 sky lantern 2 sky lanterns, 1 krathong
Location 30 km east of downtown Chiang Mai, a 35-minute drive 25 km northeast of downtown Chiang Mai, a 30-minute drive 19 km east of downtown Chiang Mai, a 30-minute drive

Among these events, Chiang Mai CAD stands out as the premier choice. It is the most spectacular event due to its unparalleled scale, boasting the highest number of lanterns and fireworks. The dazzling displays create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere. Additionally, the event offers a rich variety of food choices and an array of engaging activities, ensuring safety with experienced staff and standby emergency teams.

chiang mai yi peng festival, release sky lanternsThe large scale of lantern release at CAD

In contrast, the Mae Jo event, while famous, falls short in comparison. It offers simpler food options, lacks experiential activities, and features fewer lantern displays. One more downside is that the dates and ticket sales are typically confirmed very late each year, which can affect travel planning.

The scale of lantern release is smaller at Mae Jo.

(My personal experience attending both events in 2023 reinforced this contrast. At the Mae Jo event, long waits and basic food left much to be desired. Conversely, Chiang Mai CAD offered abundant food choices, engaging activities, and a breathtaking lantern release ceremony, solidifying its status as the preferred choice.)

Chiang Mai Heritage Sky Lanterns offers another option alongside Chiang Mai CAD. While its scale may not match CAD's, it provides a more affordable experience. Nevertheless, it still offers a rich array of activities and food offerings, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a less crowded and more intimate atmosphere.

Is There Any Free Event?

No. Due to safety concerns, free mass lantern release events were canceled by the local government in 2015.

You might find some information online suggesting that sky lanterns can be released in downtown Chiang Mai. That information is outdated or misleading. In fact, since 2020, for safety reasons, releasing sky lanterns has been prohibited in the downtown area. It is illegal to release sky lanterns in the city center.

The privately organized lantern release events usually occur on the outskirts, approximately 30km (20 miles) from the city center. This is primarily for safety and the convenience of collecting the lanterns afterward.

However, even if you don't attend a lantern release event, there are still many free activities in downtown Chiang Mai. You can release water lanterns on the Ping River, watch parades, and enjoy cultural performances in the old city area.

What Is the Difference Between the Yi Peng and the Loy Krathong?

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong typically occur around the same time, but they are two separate festivals with different origins, traditions, and main activities.

Yi Peng Festival vs.Loy Krathong Festival
yi peng festivalRelease Sky Lanterns in Yi Peng Festival
create loy krathong & riverside dinnerRelease Water Lanterns in Loy Krathong Festival

Yi Peng Festival vs. Chiang Mai's New Year Eve Countdown Festival

In recent years, alongside the mesmerizing Yi Peng Festival, Chiang Mai's New Year's Eve Countdown Festival has been increasingly in the spotlight.

In this year, Chiang Mai CAD is scheduled to take place on December 30-31, 2024. (We are the authorized ticket provider, and feel free to reach out to secure your tickets in advance.)

What sets these two festivals apart? In reality, the activities and experiences at both events are quite similar. 

How to Plan a Chiang Mai Trip with Yi Peng Festival

If you want to experience the Yi Peng Festival and classic Chiang Mai attractions, we recommend staying for 4 nights (2 days for the festivals, and the rest for exploring Chiang Mai and enjoying an elephant experience).

Here is a sample 4-day itinerary:

Day 1 (Nov. 4th): Arrive in Chiang Mai
Day 2 (Nov. 5th): Visit Mount Doi Suthep and participate in the Yi Peng Festival Sky Lantern Release
Day 3 (Nov. 6th): Enjoy a Memorable Lantern Festival Full Moon Day (or a free morning followed by a cooking experience)
Day 4 (Nov. 7th): Meet Elephants in the Jungle at Elephant Rescue Park
Day 5 (Nov. 8th): Depart from Chiang Mai

Insider Tips: On the morning of the third day, it's best to rest or take on light activities since the Yi Peng Festival will keep you out late the night before. In the afternoon, you can experience the Loy Krathong Festival. Besides watching the grand parade in the old town, you can also engage in activities like making floating lanterns. If you're not interested in this, you could join a cooking class instead.

CAD yipeng lantern festival

If you're short on time, consider this 3-day time-smart itinerary. The first two days follow the same schedule as the 4-day itinerary.

On the third day, you have four choices:

  • A. For those who love the outdoors: A full-day tour of an elephant experience, waterfall trek, and bamboo rafting in the Mae Wang area of Chiang Mai.
  • B. For those who love nature and culture: A full-day tour of Cave Exploration (Chiang Dao Cave) and a visit to a Long Neck Tribe.
  • C. For those who love history: A full-day tour to visit the temples in Lampang and Lamphun.
  • D. For those interested in Chiang Rai: A full-day Chiang Rai Temple Tour to visit the White Temple), Black House, and Blue Temple.
elephant farm

See our hand-crafted Thailand lantern tours, or contact us to customize a tour for you.

Tours Including Yi Peng Festival 2025

Here are the recommended tours including Yi Peng Festival 2025. 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.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai for the Yi Peng Festival?

In Chiang Mai, we recommend three accommodation areas:

where to stay in chiang mai

(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.

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 6 pm, 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

The schedule for the 2025 Loy Krathong Festival has not been released yet. The following information is based on last year's schedule for reference. Typically, the festival's activities span three days each year, usually starting the day before the actual festival.

Events in the city Time Date Venue
1. The Ceremony of Worshiping the Spirit House and the White Pagoda 08:00 a.m. Nov. 14, 2024 Chiang Mai Municipality Office, White Pagoda
2. Ping River Worship and Respect Offering Ceremony 09:00 a.m. Nov. 14, 2024 Pier at Sri Khong Temple
3. Yeepeng Lanna Lanterns Contest (Big Hanging Lanterns) 04:00 p.m. Nov. 14, 2024 Tha Pae Gate
4. Opening of “Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival“ 06:00 p.m. Nov. 14, 2024 Tha Pae Gate
5. Mister & Miss Yee Peng  Contest 07:00 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 2024 Tha Pae Gate
6. Traditional Lanna Archway Display For the duration of the event Nov. 14-16, 2024 Temples in the city moat
7. Ping River Krathong Release Ceremony 6:00 p.m. Nov. 14-16, 2024 Ping River Bank at Municipality Office
8. Lanna Arts and Culture Performance 6:00-9:00 p.m. Nov. 14-16, 2024 Tha Pae Gate
9. Celebrating the Glorious Ping River Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival Activity 6:00-9:00 p.m. Nov. 14-16, 2024 The Ping River, Mae Kha Canal
10. Light, sound, and multimedia show 8:00 p.m. Nov. 14-16, 2024 The Stage at Wat Sri Khong Pier
11. Royal Celebration Fireworks Display 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14-16, 2024 Pier at Sri Khong Temple
12. Phra Mahachat Sermon Ceremony 5:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Nov. 15, 2024 Sri Don Chai Temple
13. Handmade Lotus Leaf and Fresh Flower Krathong Contest 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Nov. 15, 2024 Municipality office
14. Yee Peng  Kids Contest 6:00 p.m. Nov. 15, 2024 Municipality office
15. Large Krathong Parade Contest for Royal Trophy  (highlights) 7:00 -10:00 p.m. Nov. 15, 2024 Tha pae gate – Chiang Mai Municipality office
16. Thai Country Music and Dance Contest to preserve Thai culture 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024 Municipality Office
17. Large Krathong Parade Contest for Royal Trophy 7:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024 Tha Phae Gate-Municipality office
18. Award Ceremony for Large Krathong Parades 10:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024 Municipality office
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival
yi peng festival, CAD
CAD yipeng lantern festival

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