Loy Krathong is Thailand's most photogenic festival — Thais release small lotus-shaped floats (krathongs) onto rivers and lakes by candlelight, symbolically letting go of bad luck and giving thanks to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. In Chiang Mai, the same day coincides with Yi Peng, a Lanna festival when thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) are released into the sky, creating an unforgettable celestial spectacle. ## Dates 2026 and 2027 - **2026:** November 24-25 (full moon) - **2027:** November 13-14 Loy Krathong always falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month — usually November. ## Loy Krathong — Nationwide Loy means "to float," krathong means a small vessel made from a slice of banana tree trunk decorated with banana leaves, flowers, three incense sticks, and a candle. Many include a small offering: coins, a strand of hair, or fingernails — symbolizing release of past misfortunes. After dark, Thais walk to the nearest river, canal, lake, or pond, light the krathong, make a wish, and gently release it onto the water. Watching thousands of glowing krathongs drift downstream is hypnotic. **Best Loy Krathong locations:** - **Sukhothai Historical Park** — the most spectacular AND authentic. Loy Krathong actually originated in 13th-century Sukhothai. Light shows projected on ancient temples + krathong release at Wat Sa Si lake. Tickets 750-1500 THB. Book a month ahead. - **Bangkok** — Asiatique Pier, Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Lumphini Park. Free. - **Chiang Mai** — Mae Ping River (Nawarat Bridge), free. Combine with Yi Peng. - **Phuket** — Saphan Hin park. Free, crowded. - **Pai** — bohemian Pai River release, intimate. **Eco issue:** plastic and styrofoam krathongs are now banned in most cities. Buy biodegradable krathongs (banana leaf, bread) only. ## Yi Peng — Chiang Mai's Lantern Festival Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong in northern Thailand. Tens of thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) are lit with a small candle/burner and released into the sky — they rise slowly, glow orange, then disappear above the clouds. There are TWO main Yi Peng experiences in Chiang Mai: ### A) Mass Lantern Release (Mae Jo University) — Paid Tickets Required The internet-famous synchronized release of 4000+ lanterns at once. Takes place at **Mae Jo University** north of Chiang Mai city. Ticketed event by **Yi Peng Lanna International** organization. - **Tickets:** $100-300/person. Book MONTHS ahead — sells out by August. - **Includes:** transport, dinner, ceremony participation, photo opps. - **Best for:** photographers and bucket-list travelers. - **Note:** This is the ceremony you see in viral photos. ### B) Free Lantern Release (City Center) Throughout the night of Yi Peng (Nov 24), thousands of locals and tourists release individual lanterns from the Nawarat Bridge, Tha Phae Gate, riverside hotels, and rooftops. Buy lanterns at any market for 50-100 THB. This is the more authentic, accessible experience. **Safety:** light the small candle/burner, wait for the lantern to fill with hot air (1-2 minutes), then release. Don't release near power lines, airports, or in strong wind. ## Other Yi Peng Highlights in Chiang Mai - **Lantern parade** down Tha Phae Road (Nov 24 evening) — illuminated floats, traditional music. - **Beauty contest** — Miss Yi Peng pageant. - **Wat Phan Tao** (Old City) — temple decorated with hundreds of lanterns + candle-lighting ceremony. - **Wat Lok Moli** — quieter, more spiritual lantern ceremony. ## Cultural Context Yi Peng has Lanna (northern Thai) roots dating back to the 14th century. The Lanna people believed that lighting a lantern would bring good luck, longevity, and would also chase away bad spirits and misfortune. The lanterns are made of rice paper stretched over bamboo frames, with a small wax candle or fuel cell at the bottom. As the lantern fills with hot air, it rises. ## What to Bring - **Loose clothing** — November Chiang Mai evenings are pleasant (18-25°C). - **Camera with low-light capability** — phone is fine for casual photos; bring a real camera for the magic. - **Cash** — vendors don't take cards. - **Bug spray** — riverside in November = mosquitoes. ## Aviation Note Chiang Mai airport (CNX) restricts air traffic during peak Yi Peng nights (Nov 24-25) due to lantern hazard. Flights are delayed/cancelled — don't fly out on these nights. Book flights for Nov 23 arrival, Nov 26 departure at the earliest. ## Where to Stay (Chiang Mai) Book 4-6 months ahead. Old City and Nimman district. - **Tamarind Village** ($150) — traditional Lanna inside Old City. - **Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort** ($120) — Mae Ping River view, watching krathongs float past. - **Anantara Chiang Mai Resort** ($250) — luxury riverside with private lantern release. ## Combining with Sukhothai The ideal Yi Peng / Loy Krathong trip: 3 nights Sukhothai (Loy Krathong nights — most authentic and atmospheric) + 3 nights Chiang Mai (Yi Peng nights). Distance Sukhothai-Chiang Mai = 4 hours by bus. ## Etiquette - **Don't touch other people's lanterns** without permission. - **Don't trespass** to access bridges or rooftops. - **Respect monks** at temples — many host quiet ceremonies during the festival. - **Don't bring own krathongs from styrofoam** — Thai locals will judge you. ## Photography Tips - **Best time:** 19:30-21:00 (lanterns peak). - **Shoot RAW** if you have a DSLR. - **Slow shutter (1-3 sec)** captures lantern trails. - **Wide aperture (f/1.8-2.8)** for stationary subjects. - **Tripod** essential for long exposures. - **Best vantage:** Nawarat Bridge Chiang Mai, riverbank near Anantara, or Sukhothai Historical Park during sound-and-light show. ## The Real Magic Yi Peng / Loy Krathong is more than a tourist event. Sit at the river bank in Chiang Mai or Sukhothai at 19:00, watch families gather, see kids light their first krathong of the year, hear quiet chanting from nearby wats. The 4000-lantern mass release is spectacular — but the smaller, slower, more personal moments are what people remember decades later.