Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Festival: Magical lights illuminate the city!

Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Festival: Magical lights illuminate the city!

In Chiang Mai, the anticipation of the traditional Yi Peng Festival is evident. On November 3, 2025, the city will open the enchanting installation “Divine Radiance of Wiang Ping: Gateway to the Enchanted Lanna Realm” on Tha Pae Road. This opening took place as part of this year's Yi Peng Festival, which is a celebration of lights and traditions for tourists and locals. Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn, who chaired the event, emphasized the importance of the Lanna heritage to the region and the goal of promoting Chiang Mai as a vibrant city of arts and culture.

What can visitors expect in this fascinating installation? The light tunnel combines traditional Lanna design with the latest light, sound and laser technology. The weekly simulated Northern Lights shows, which take place every week on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays at 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. until February 2026, provide an immersive experience that captivates visitors. An impressive statue of an angel crowns the arch of the light tunnel, symbolizing light, virtue and hope - a wonderful setting for the celebrations of the Yi Peng Festival, which has a tradition of over 700 years in Chiang Mai.

Traditions and events of the Yi Peng Festival

The Yi Peng Festival itself will take place from November 5th to 8th, 2025 in Doi Saket, which is about 25km from downtown Chiang Mai. Organized by the Luang Nuea Subdistrict Municipality, this celebration honors the deep-rooted Lanna tradition. What's special about it is that entry is free and everyone is invited to take part in the celebrations. The authentic experiences in Doi Saket feature local crafts, traditional music, dance and delicious regional dishes. Visitors can explore cultural trails and experience the village life of the Tai Lue community up close.

In Doi Saket, the lanterns, also known as khom loi, are allowed to be released - a rarity in Chiang Mai, where the release of lanterns is not allowed in the city for security reasons. Visitors should arrive before sunset to enjoy the cultural shows and diverse food stalls. The mood is inspired by the legend of the heavenly bird Phayung, which symbolizes the tradition of releasing lanterns. In addition to the lantern celebrations, Yi Peng also includes temple visits and special ceremonies that strengthen community spirit.

Common holidays and accommodation options

The Yi Peng Festival is celebrated at the same time as Loy Krathong, another nationwide festival that involves the release of floating lanterns on the water, called krathongs. While Yi Peng focuses on sky lanterns, Loy Krathong is known for its floating artwork and takes place the day after Yi Peng.

If you want to enjoy the atmosphere during these festivities, there are many accommodation options in Chiang Mai. The city offers a variety of hotels in the Old Town, on the picturesque banks of the Ping River or in the trendy Nimmanhaemin district, where you can merrily stroll and try the local cuisine in the restaurants and cafes. The unique traditions, colorfulness and warm hospitality promise an unforgettable stay in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations.

For more information about the current events and the Yi Peng Festival, you can read the articles from Chiang Mai City Life, Theo Courant, as well as the comprehensive reports from Highlights Travel visit.