Lantern Festival in Thailand, popularly known as YI PENG LANTERN FESTIVAL! The famous annual event that happens on the full moon night of the 2nd month of the Thai Lanna Calendar. This festival is a symbolic representation of the beauty of the full moon. The vibe of the Lantern Festival in Thailand is irreplaceable. If you are lucky enough to witness this once-in-a-lifetime, it would be a wholesome experience. Also, the Lantern festival is characterized by the decoration of houses with hanging Khom Loy Lanterns which pay homage to Lord Buddha.
Get ready to experience the magical atmosphere of the Lantern Festival in Thailand! Book the best Thailand tour packages now if you are ready to connect with a glimpse of this surreal world.
Join this enchanting Lantern Festival in Thailand with cultural traditions, vibrant lights, and spiritual significance.
Lantern Festival Thailand Date 2025
The Lantern Festival Thailand date will happen on 5th and 6th November 2025! Both nights will have the same activities. Make sure you book your tickets accordingly to witness a sight like never before. Also, if you are going to witness it on the 5th of November, then you must have free time on the 6th, which you can utilize well by having a stroll around the city to see the parade in the city by yourself at Thapae Road and Nawarat Bridge. Suggested read: Songkran festival in Thailand
Itinerary for Lantern Festival in Thailand 2025
It is one of the most important things to know about the Lantern Festival! This itinerary can guide you through well. So, here is a whole guide to the Thailand Lantern Festival. 13:00 – Arrival and Meet-up
- Please arrange your own transportation to the Meeting Point at Payap University PIH Student Dormitory.
- Location on Google Maps
13:00 – Shuttle Transfer to the Venue
- Shuttle buses will depart every 5 minutes from 13:00 to 17:00, with the last departure at 17:00.
14:00 – 18:00 – Arrival at the Venue
- Show your e-ticket on your mobile to register at the main entrance.
- Receive your hanging badge and souvenir upon arrival.
- 14:30 – 17:30: Enjoy activities such as:
- Tribal Village
- Loy Krathong Experience
- Light snacks available.
17:30 – 19:00 – Thai Lanna Buffet Dinner
- Indulge in a Lanna Thai Buffet with snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages.
19:10 – 20:15 – Cultural Ritual and Ceremony
- Enter the Ritual Area in front of the Great Pagoda.
- 19:40: Enjoy the Drum & Candle Show, Religious Ceremony, and Monk Chanting.
- 20:15: Participate in Launching Lanterns and watch the fireworks display.
20:45 – End of Ceremony and Return Transfer
- Transfer back to the city via shuttle service.
- Choose your drop-off point: Maya Shopping Mall or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (depending on traffic conditions).
- Please select your drop-off destination before boarding the shuttle at the venue.
- Ceremony entrance fee
- Lanna Thai Buffet (with non-alcoholic beverages)
- Souvenir: Hand-painted souvenir & small bag
- Lanterns: 2 lanterns per person (placed on your seat)
- Krathong: 1 kratong for floating at the Loy Krathong Floating Zone
- Enjoy activities and shows within the ceremony area
- All ticket types include shuttle transfer from Payap University PIH Student Dormitory to the venue, and return drop-off at either Maya Shopping Mall or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
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Why is the Lantern Festival in Thailand Celebrated?
The famous Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are historic festivals that are now deeply rooted in Thai culture, reflecting the local beliefs and the community’s way of life for centuries. Now, the Yi Peng is specific to Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, and is believed to have originated from Lanna traditions. It is known as the time which is for making merit and releasing the bad luck.
The Loy Krathong is thought to have Hindu origins and is widely celebrated across Thailand, it’s a festival for people to thank the water goddess for the water they receive throughout the year.
Best Places to See Lantern Festival Thailand
Here are the best places to see Lantern Festival in Thailand! Don’t miss out on these amazing places that can really blow your mind with the vibe over there. So, here is a complete guide to the Thailand Lantern Festival! 1. Chiang Mai
It is the best place to witness the glory of the Lantern Festival in Thailand! The region is covered with twinkling lights, sky, and waterways lit by myriad lanterns all over the Narawat bridge. It has an opening ceremony in the Three Kings Plaza, with hanging lanterns, which sets up a great festive mood!
For those who really want to witness the beauty of this festival, head straight to Chiang Mai.
2. Sukhothai
Get ready to dive into the heart of tradition in Sukhothai, where it is believed to be where Loy Kratong first originated! It is pure bliss to witness such amazing festivities – lit candles, fireworks display, folk dancing, and stunning light shows.
Here you witness the peak of beauty when the park becomes a sea of warmth and lights, with ponds and canals brimming with water lanterns, and echoing with the laughter and joy of people.
3. Ayutthaya
It is the hub of festivities around the King Naresuan The Great Memorial monument in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Have the best views from the banks and canals, which can really mesmerize you!
4. Bangkok
The capital of Thailand really offers a different vibe of the Lantern Festival in Thailand! The Chao Phraya River and numerous canals become a luminous spectacle, with floating lanterns. Also, the backdrop views of Bangkok’s skyline provide a view like never before!
Best Time to Visit Lantern Festival Thailand
The best time to visit the Lantern Festival in Thailand is during the months of November, specifically around the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, when the country is transformed with thousands of floating lanterns lighting up the night sky. This magical event typically takes place during the full moon, offering a breathtaking view, especially in Chiang Mai, where traditional ceremonies and vibrant festivities occur. The cooler weather and festive atmosphere make it the perfect time to experience the cultural richness and beauty of Thailand.Suggested read: Hidden gems in Thailand
