Yi Peng & Loy Krathong

When: November (full moon; date varies with the lunar calendar).

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand - across the old walled city, riverside and at organised release sites.

Cost: Mostly free to watch; organised lantern releases, workshops and some ticketed events require payment.

Don’t miss: Mass sky‑lantern releases over the old city and the illuminated Tha Phae Gate and krathongs floated on the Mae Ping River.

Chiang Mai, Thailand celebrates two linked traditions: Yi Peng, a northern Lanna ritual of releasing khom loi (paper sky lanterns) for merit and good fortune, and Loy Krathong, the national festival of floating decorated baskets to honour the water goddess.

The city fills with temple ceremonies, candlelit processions, parades, cultural performances and stalls selling lanterns and decorative krathongs. Main activity hubs are the old walled city, temple precincts and the riverfront along the Mae Ping River; large organised launches are often staged on fields or at universities to manage crowds and safety.

The festival falls each year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which usually lands in November; exact calendar dates move from year to year. The busiest time is the evening of the full moon when mass lantern releases and the majority of Loy Krathong floats appear.

Local communities and temples hold smaller ceremonies in the days leading up to and after the peak night, while commercial lantern releases and cultural programmes may be scheduled on adjacent nights to spread crowds.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the nearest international gateway to Chiang Mai, with regular domestic and regional flights from Bangkok, other Thai cities and nearby countries; the airport is a 15 - 30 minute taxi or ride‑hail into the city. Main festival areas (old city and riverfront) are compact and reachable on foot or by short tuk‑tuk/Grab rides; arrive 1 - 2 days early and book accommodation well in advance.

• Respect temple spaces: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) for ceremonies and remove shoes where required.

• Use biodegradable krathongs and avoid plastic - many vendors sell banana‑trunk and natural‑material floats to reduce river pollution.

• Lantern releases can be smoky and crowded; if you join an organised release, check the operator’s safety record and whether the launch site has permission.

• Expect road closures, heavy foot traffic and limited parking around the old city; use public transport or walk, and allow extra time to reach viewing spots.

• Nights in November are pleasantly cool - bring a light jacket and a headlamp or torch for navigating dark lanes; also carry small change for food stalls and offerings.

• Check local notices before releasing lanterns: restrictions are sometimes imposed near Chiang Mai airport or during dry conditions for safety and aviation reasons.