The enchanting Yi Peng Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival or Floating Lantern Festival, is a cherished cultural celebration that takes place in northern Thailand. It is a spectacle that gathers people from all over the world to witness the night sky illuminated by countless glowing lanterns, creating a mesmerizing and magical atmosphere.
As you eagerly anticipate this stunning event, you might be wondering, “When is Yi Peng?”
When Is Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025?
In 2025, Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival will take place from November 5th to 6th, 2025.
Yi Peng Festival follows the lunar calendar and typically falls on the full moon of the 12th month. As a result, its timing varies every year according to the Western calendar.
Chiang Mai CAD is the most popular event to experience the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Tickets for 2025 are now on sale—click here to book before they sell out!
The festival is celebrated in conjunction with the equally captivating Loy Krathong Festival, which involves floating small lotus-shaped baskets, known as “krathongs,” on water bodies to pay respects to the goddess of water. In 2025, Loy Krathong will take place on November 6th.
Events Schedule for Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival. This eagerly anticipated event showcases a range of enchanting activities that will leave you spellbound.
To help you plan your visit to this remarkable festival, we present the preliminary schedule for the 2023 Chiang Mai Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) Festival for your reference.
Please note that the final schedule is typically confirmed one month prior to the event.
Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival Typical Three-Day Agenda
Day 1:
- Opening Ceremony: The grand inauguration of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival will be a magnificent affair, featuring traditional performances, music, and an awe-inspiring illumination ceremony.
- Street Markets: Wander through the bustling streets of Chiang Mai and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Explore a diverse array of street markets, offering local handicrafts, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs.
- Exhibitions and Workshops: Engage in interactive workshops and exhibitions that highlight traditional Thai art, craftsmanship, and cultural practices.
Day 2:
- Yi Peng Lantern Release: As the sun sets, join the captivating lantern release event, where thousands of shimmering lanterns will take flight, casting a magical glow over the night sky. As you release your own lantern, symbolically let go of worries and negativity, embracing hope and positivity.
- Loy Krathong Celebrations: Experience the awe-inspiring Loy Krathong ritual, where candle-lit lotus-shaped vessels, known as “krathongs,” are released onto water bodies like rivers and lakes. Participate in this symbolic act to pay respects to the goddess of water and let go of negativity.
- Cultural Performances: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Thailand through mesmerizing dance performances, live music, and theatrical displays at various venues throughout the city.
- Food and Entertainment: Relish the delectable flavors of Thai cuisine at food stalls, accompanied by live music and entertainment showcasing traditional Thai arts.
Day 3:
- Large Krathong Parade: Fantastic parades take place after dark, mainly at the east and south sides of the moat and on Thapae Road.
- Fireworks Display: End the festival on a spectacular note as the night sky illuminates with a dazzling fireworks display, creating a fitting finale for the enchanting celebrations.
Yee Peng Festival 2023 Agenda
Please note that the schedule is subject to change, and it’s advisable to check for updated information closer to the festival date.
| Events in the city | Time | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Ceremony of Worshiping the Spirit House and the White Pagoda | 08:00 a.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Chiang Mai Municipality Office, White pagoda |
| 2. The Ping River Apology Ceremony | 09:00 a.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Pier at Sri Khong Temple |
| 3. Yeepeng Lanna Lanterns Contest (Big Hanging Lanterns) | 04:00 p.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 4. Opening Ceremony Yeepeng Festival 2023 in Chiang Mai “ | 06:00 p.m. | Nov. 26, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 5. The Yeepeng Festival Queen and King Pageant in Chiang Mai | 07:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-27, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 6. The Forest Gate Ceremony Yeepeng Lanna Chiang Mai | For the duration of the event | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Community and temple in municipal area |
| 7. Ping River Krathong Release Ceremony | 6:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Ping River Bank at Municipality Office |
| 8. Lanna Arts and Culture Performance | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Tha Pae Gate |
| 9. The Happiness of the River: Yeepeng Festival in Chiang Mai | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | The Ping River, Mae Kha Canal |
| 10. Light, sound, and multimedia show | 8:00 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | The Stage at Wat Sri Khong Pier |
| 11.Royal Celebration Fireworks Display | 8:30 p.m. | Nov. 26-28, 2023 | Wat Sri Khong Pier |
| 12. Phra Mahachat Sermon Ceremony | 5:00 a.m-9:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Sri Don Chai Temple |
| 13. Handmade Lotus Leaf and Fresh Flower Krathong Contest | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Municipality office |
| 14. The Chiang Mai Yeepeng Little Miss and Mister Contest | 6:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Municipality office |
| 15. Lanna Yeepeng Lantern Boat Procession Contest | 7:00 p.m. | Nov. 27, 2023 | Tha Phae Gate – Municipality office |
| 16. Luk Thung Singing Contest with Tail Dancers, Preserving Thai Culture | 4:30 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Municipality Office |
| 17. The Toyal Procession of Large Floating Krathong Competition | 7:00 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Tha Phae Gate-Municipality office |
| 18. Award Ceremony of The Royal Procession of Large Floating Krathong Competition | 10:00 p.m. | Nov. 28, 2023 | Municipality office |
Yi Peng Lantern Festival Dates: 2025, 2026, 2027…
While the exact dates for future years may not be known, it is likely that the festival will coincide with the night of the full moon or occur one day before or after it. Here are the upcoming full moons and their corresponding tentative Yi Peng Lantern Festival dates:
| Year | Date |
| 2021 | Nov. 19-20 |
| 2022 | Nov. 8-9 |
| 2023 | Nov. 27-28 |
| 2024 | Nov. 15-16 |
| 2025 | Nov. 5-6 |
| 2026 | Nov. 24-25 |
| 2027 | Nov. 13-14 |
| 2028 | Nov. 1-2 |
| 2029 | Nov. 20-21 |
| 2030 | Nov. 9-10 |
| 2031 | Nov. 17-18 |
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