Yi Peng Festival 2025: Magic lights and tradition in Chiang Mai!

Yi Peng Festival 2025: Magic lights and tradition in Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai is preparing for one of the most spectacular festivals of the year: the Yi Peng Lanna Light Festival 2025. Organized by the VisitLanna Association and several partners under the motto “Lanna, Worship & Lights”, the event will take place from November 3rd to 6th, 2025. The festival is part of the ambitious “Chiang Mai Two Moons 2025” project and has set itself the task of continuing the impressive Yi Peng tradition and reflecting the cultural beauty of Lanna. How Chiang Mai Citylife reports, the festival is already receiving high honors, having received the Asia Festival Award 2025 in the “Asia World Heritage City and Festival” category and two Asia Pinnacle Awards for excellent event programs and marketing.

What can visitors expect at the Yi Peng Festival 2025? The opening ceremony on October 1, 2025 at the RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort marks the start of exciting days full of culture and tradition. In addition to press briefings and panel discussions, business matching, special Yi Peng menus from renowned restaurants and workshops will also be offered. A special highlight is the Grand Yi Peng Parade on November 6th, during which thousands of clay lanterns are lit. The ceremony on November 4th and 5th, during which the lanterns are released into the sky, also attracts numerous visitors every year. Registration for the ceremony, known as “Tam Phang Prathip Song Fa Haksa Mueang,” is free.

Tradition meets modern celebration

The Yi Peng Festival has a long and proud tradition, closely linked to ancient Lanna Buddhism. Originally introduced to give thanks for the harvest, it has now also become a symbol of new beginnings. Legend has it that a princess released the first lantern into the sky in memory of her father, the king. How Living Nomads Adding, the festival falls on the full moon night of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar and is celebrated together with the nationally celebrated Loy Krathong Festival.

Although Yi Peng and Loy Krathong have different traditions, they are both deeply rooted in Thai culture. While Yi Peng emphasizes the release of sky lanterns, Loy Krathong emphasizes the release of floating krathongs. Visitors can experience the festivities up close at key locations in Chiang Mai such as Tha Phae Gate, Ping River and Wat Phan Tao Temple.

Preparation for the festival

For anyone who wants to experience the Yi Peng Festival, it is advisable to book tickets early. These are available on trustworthy online travel platforms, official tour operator websites or from recommended travel agencies. Estimated visitor numbers and anticipation are increasing noticeably, which is why you should be prepared for larger crowds. Another point to note is the safety precautions for releasing the lanterns to ensure the safety of all participants. Lanterns are not allowed to be released in the city center of Chiang Mai; instead, organized lantern releases take place about 30 kilometers outside the city, including at the popular Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, which enjoys wide appeal.

In addition to the lantern releases, the festival features cultural performances and community activities that reflect the healing power of nature and people's gratitude. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate participatory and enjoy the incomparable atmosphere during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Visit Chiang Mai in November – this magical time of year is sure to captivate you!