Thailand’s Lantern Festival: CelebrateYi Peng in Chiang Mai in 2023
Thailand’s lantern festival is called Yi Peng or (Yee Peng), celebrated in Northern Thailand on the 12th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in November. Yi Peng is also known as the full moon party, “Yee” meaning two and “Peng” meaning full moon. Yi Peng is celebrated on the full moon of the second month in the Lanna Calendar. This festival consists of releasing millions of floating lanterns into the night sky.
The other lantern festival is called Loy Krathong, which is celebrated at the same time by all of Thailand. This festival consists of releasing floating lanterns into nearby canals, rivers, or bodies of water.
Chiang Mai is the only part of Thailand that celebrates both Yi Peng and Loy Krathong at the same time, and by far the best part of Thailand to experience this full moon party.
I was lucky enough to experience Yee Peng in 2022 and it truly was a memorable experience I will never forget. When I visited Thailand in November 2022, I went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, and the Phi Phi Islands. Although all of these destinations were stunning, Chiang Mai was my favorite part of my trip and a big deal of it had to do with experiencing the lantern festival.
What is Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
Yi Peng
Yi Peng is celebrated in Chiang Mai because it is the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The biggest draw to this festival is the iconic lanterns that float into the night sky which is why this festival is also called Thailand’s sky lantern festival. The release of these lanterns symbolizes the release of negative energy and the wish for good karma in the new year.
The sky lanterns are called “khom loi”. These lanterns are made from rice paper, bamboo, and a candle or small fire, and they are believed to carry away negative energy and bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The sight of thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky during Thailand’s lantern festival is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.
Thailands lantern festival festival also features traditional dance and music performances, food and drink vendors, and other cultural activities. In addition to the lantern release, people also light candles and incense at Buddhist temples and make offerings to the monks.
Yi Peng is a deeply spiritual and cultural event that symbolizes the release of negativity and the welcoming of positive energy and good fortune. It is a time for people to come together in celebration and reflection, and to honor their traditions and beliefs.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is a traditional festival celebrated annually in Thailand and other countries with Thai communities. The festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November) and is a time for people to pay respects to the water spirits and make wishes for the coming year.
During Loy Krathong, people create and float “krathongs” on bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. A krathong is a small boat made from banana leaves or other natural materials and decorated with flowers, candles, and incense. The krathongs are believed to symbolize letting go of negative thoughts and emotions and starting anew with positive intentions.
The festival also features fireworks, traditional dance performances, and food and drink vendors. In addition to the krathongs, many people release paper lanterns into the sky, which are believed to carry away bad luck and bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Loy Krathong is an important cultural event in Thailand, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time for people to come together and honor their traditions while also enjoying the beauty of the natural world.
Buddhist monks take part in these festivities as well. The lit candles symbolize Buddha and the festival itself is rooted in the Brahmin ceremonies.
Buddhist Symbolism in Thailand’s Lantern Festival
If you don’t know much about the Thai culture, Thailand is 95% Buddhist.
Buddhism is a faith founded by Siddhartha Gautama or “The Buddha” 2500 years ago in India. Buddhists believe that life is full of suffering and the goal is obtaining enlightenment (Nirvana) through meditation and other practices that purify the mind.
Buddhism is very symbolic to the celebrations of Thailands lantern festival.
Buddhism plays a role in both festivals. In Yi Peng, the lanterns symbolize the release of negative emotions and the desire to let go of suffering, which is a central theme in Buddhist philosophy. In Loy Krathong, the floating of the krathongs represents letting go of negative emotions and starting anew, which is also a central Buddhist concept.
Overall, while Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are not exclusively Buddhist festivals, they are closely linked to the Buddhist culture and beliefs in Thailand.
Buddhism Core Beliefs
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. The core beliefs of Buddhism can be summarized as follows:
The Four Noble Truths: Buddhism teaches that the fundamental problem of human existence is suffering, and the cause of suffering is craving and attachment. The Four Noble Truths provide a framework for understanding the nature of suffering, its cause, and how to overcome it.
The Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is the Buddha’s prescription for the end of suffering. It consists of eight steps: Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These steps help to cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Dependent Origination: This is the Buddhist concept that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena. Nothing exists independently or in isolation. This understanding helps to break down the illusion of a fixed self and to cultivate compassion towards all beings.
Impermanence: Buddhism teaches that all things are impermanent and constantly changing. Understanding this truth helps us to avoid clinging to things that are ultimately fleeting and to develop a more accepting and peaceful attitude towards change.
Non-self: Buddhism teaches that the self is not a fixed, unchanging entity but a constantly changing process. Understanding this helps us to let go of the illusion of a fixed self and to cultivate compassion towards all beings.
Karma: Buddhism teaches that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in future lives. By cultivating positive actions and avoiding negative actions, we can create the causes for a more positive future.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness. This practice helps to cultivate clarity, compassion, and insight into the nature of reality.
These core beliefs form the foundation of Buddhist practice and provide guidance for how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
When is Thailand’s Lantern Festival?
Thailand’s Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 12th month of the lunar calendar, which is normally held in November. The date varies every year. Thailand’s Lantern Festival in 2022 was held on November 8th, 2022.
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong held on November 27th-28th, 2023.
Where is the Festival of Lights?
Yi Peng is located throughout the city of Chiang Mai, but here are the main spots to choose from based on what you’re looking for during this mesmerizing event:
- The Chiang Mai Arts and Design (CAD) will be outside of the city where the release of thousands of lanterns takes place, prices start at USD 122 and includes 2 khom loi sky lanterns, 2 krathong floating lantern, all you can eat buffet, a Buddhist release ritual, and Thai Lanna performances. Get there before dark because the mass lantern release starts around 6:30.
- Mae Jo University also does a lantern mass release where the profits go to the local hill tribe communities. This is more of a religious-focused lantern release with 1 lantern, a Buddhist release ritual, and group meditation. It is about $290 for a ticket with a shuttle.
- Yee Peng Doi Saket is about 20 km outside the city surrounded by mountains and rice fields. Tickets are around $110 for an all-you-can-eat buffet and 1 sky lantern.
- Chiang Mai’s Northern Study Center includes a Thai dinner and Thai performances for $125 a ticket. You are to meet at the Mercure hotel for a transfer.
PSA: Lanterns can not be released in the city center because it is a hazard for the nearby airport. Travel outside the center city to release your lantern.
For those who want to experience free options to experience Yi Peng and do as the locals do, head to Nawart Bridge, Thapae Gate, and Three Kings Monument are areas with music, traditional Thai dancing, street food vendors, fireworks, and floating lanterns down the. Tha Phae Road is where the parade is located (this is where I started and everything was walkable from there).
What Should I Wear to the Lantern Festival?
What to wear in Chiang Mai for females is something that fits the culture, but isn’t too revealing. I wore a vibrant bohemian free people two pieces, which I think is the perfect style for this festival. Something like this Free people tapestry pants & tank set on Amazon is perfect. You could also go for a colorful Bohemian Floral Maxi Dress or a Boho Colorful Romper to keep it comfortable.
Don’t forget! The mosquitos come out at night, so make sure you get bug spray with DEET, its a must for Thailand! I made the mistake of forgetting bug spray at a night market in Chiang Mai and I walked back to my hotel to get it due to the bugs being so crazy!
Click for the Bug Spray with Deet I used in Thailand.
Tips for Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival:
- Do not worry about purchasing a lantern, there will be plenty of lanterns for sale all around the city of Chiang Mai.
- Book your hotel EARLY, hotels tend to fill up fast due to this being one of the most popular times to visit Chiang Mai.
- Be respectful. Respect the Thai people and monks, wear modest clothing, and remember this is a celebration of the Buddhist religion.
- I mentioned this earlier but you cannot release sky lanterns in the city center, and you will get in trouble if you do.
- You will not be able to light the lantern yourself! So have someone help you, people are super friendly in Thailand so don’t be afraid to ask!
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has 204 subdistricts. The question is which district of Chiang Mai is the best to stay in for the lantern festival?
The old city is the most popular place to stay in Chiang Mai, this is located by Tha Phae Gate. This is where I recommend staying during your first time in Thailand and a great place to stay for the lantern festival.
You could also stay in Nimmanhaemin which is a trendy neighborhood of Chiang Mai that has been growing in popularity over the years.
The Night Bazaar is a shopper and foodie’s dream. Thailand’s markets are filled with goods at an inexpensive price, which is why I recommend bringing room in your suitcase when coming to Thailand. Anusarn Market is a great market to get goods and Kalare Market is a great place to get Chiang Mai’s street food.
Yi Peng is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime. It was the highlight of my two-week Thailand trip. Thailand made me feel so safe that I could travel alone to this country and feel at home. There is so much to experience in the city of Chiang Mai, making it my favorite part of Thailand. Check out the best places to visit in Chiang Mai to plan a perfect itinerary.
Read: Why you should Travel Solo as a Female
The lantern festival is November 27th-28th in 2023, so book your trip because you will not regret experiencing this incredibly vibrant and spiritual festival!
Want to read more about traveling to Thailand?
Read: Hong Island: a day trip from Krabi
Read: Krabi vs Phuket: Which Thailand Destination should I visit?
Thailand Articles: The Travel Scrapbook: Asia
Hi, I’m Becca
It is my passion to see as much of the world as I can. I created this blog to give my tips and tricks to traveling that I learn along my journey in hopes that it helps and inspires you to go out and see the world. Life is like a scrapbook that you fill with memories and life experiences, so what’s next in your travel scrapbook? Say hi to me on social media!
2 responses to “Thailand’s Lantern Festival: Celebrate Yi Peng in Chiang Mai in 2023”
I want to go to bad this year, do you have to buy tickets?
Oh my gosh, thank you for all these great tips and advice