Imagine thousands of glowing lanterns floating into the night sky while the rivers shimmer with candle-lit baskets drifting away. Feels like a Disney scene, right? Well, it’s real — and it happens every November in Thailand. The Lantern Festival in Thailand, also known as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival , is scheduled for November 5th and 6th, 2025 , with the main sky lantern release taking place in Chiang Mai. At the same time, the Loy Krathong Festival (the floating lantern festival) lights up rivers across the country. Together, these events create the most magical nights among your Thailand tour packages — blending spirituality, community, and just a pinch of fairytale vibes.
Whether you’re dreaming of lighting up the sky in Chiang Mai or setting a krathong afloat on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, this guide is your one-stop plan. From dates to tickets, we’ve covered everything. And yes, if you’re booking with WanderOn, you’re in for the smoothest lantern-filled adventure of your life.
Guide to Thailand Lantern Festival 2025
Here’s a quick guide to Thailand Lantern Festival in 2025:
- Main Dates: November 5–6, 2025
- Top Venue: Chiang Mai (Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival)
- Other Destinations: Bangkok (Chao Phraya River), Sukhothai (Historical Park), Ayutthaya (temple ruins and riversides)
- Activities: Releasing lanterns, floating krathongs, cultural performances, traditional Lanna buffet dinners, parades, and fireworks
- Tickets: It’s best to book your Lantern Festival Thailand tickets in advance, especially for the official Chiang Mai ceremony
When is the Lantern Festival in Thailand in 2025?
The Lantern Festival Thailand date is November 5–6, 2025. Both nights feature the same schedule of events, including the grand lantern release, cultural shows, and ceremonies.
- Main Location: Chiang Mai (Yi Peng sky lantern release)
- Nationwide Celebrations: Loy Krathong, the floating lantern festival, happens everywhere — Bangkok, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and smaller towns.
- Best Day to Attend: November 5th for the official Yi Peng ceremony. Pro tip: keep November 6th free so you can catch parades at Tha Pae Road and Nawarat Bridge.
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What is the Difference Between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
This is where most people get confused — so let’s clear it up.
Yi Peng (Sky Lantern Festival Thailand):
- Celebrated mainly in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand).
- Thousands of paper lanterns, called khom loy, float into the sky.
- Symbolizes letting go of bad luck and making merit.
Loy Krathong (Floating Lantern Festival):
- Celebrated across Thailand.
- Candle-lit baskets (krathongs) made of banana leaves float on rivers.
- A way of thanking the water goddess and seeking forgiveness.
Full Itinerary: Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025
If you’re heading to the Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, here’s what your day will look like. Follow this step-by-step itinerary (and yes, it feels like a real-life fairytale with some tasty snacks thrown in).
Yi Peng Festival 2025 Itinerary (November 5–6):
1. 13:00 – Arrival & Meet-up
2. 13:00–17:00 – Shuttle Transfers
- Shuttle buses run every 5 minutes from the meeting point to the main venue.
3. 14:00–18:00 – Check-in & Explore
- Show your e-ticket, grab your souvenir, and enjoy cultural activities like the Tribal Village and Loy Krathong floating zone. Light snacks available.
4. 17:30–19:00 – Buffet Dinner
- Feast on a traditional Thai Lanna buffet with desserts and non-alcoholic drinks.
5. 19:10–20:15 – Cultural Ceremony
- Watch monk chanting, a drum & candle show, and religious rituals in front of the Great Pagoda.
6. 20:15 – Lantern Release & Fireworks
- The magical moment: launch your lanterns into the night sky with thousands of others.
7. 20:45 – Return Shuttle
- Head back to the city, with drop-offs at Maya Shopping Mall or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Lantern Festival Thailand Tickets 2025
Getting tickets early is key — they sell out faster than street food in Thailand at midnight. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lantern Festival Ticket type: Standard Ticket
Lantern Festival Ticket Inclusions
- 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.
For More Details: Visit the Official website
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Excludes
- Personal expenses such as taxi fares to the meeting point.
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What is the Best Time to Visit Thailand for the Lantern Festival?
The best time to visit Lantern Festival Thailand is in November, during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, the dates are November 5th and 6th. Chiang Mai is the most famous destination, but other cities offer unique local experiences.
- Weather: Cooler evenings, less humidity — perfect for outdoor celebrations.
- Festival Spirit: Streets, rivers, and temples decorated with lanterns everywhere.
- Bonus: You can also enjoy the nightlife in Thailand during this season — it’s buzzing, and everything feels extra festive.
Things to Do at Lantern Festival Thailand
When you attend the Lantern Festival in Thailand, there is much more to experience than just watching lanterns float into the sky. Here are the main activities you should not miss:
- Tribal Village Experience: Explore local Lanna culture, traditional crafts, and performances. It’s a chance to learn about Northern Thailand’s heritage.
- Loy Krathong Floating Ceremony: Release a krathong (a small banana-leaf basket with candles and incense) on the water. This symbolizes letting go of past misfortunes and making merit.
- Cultural Shows: Enjoy traditional Thai dances, drum and candle performances, and ceremonial chanting by monks. These performances give insight into the spiritual significance of the festival.
- Lantern Release Ceremony: The highlight of Yi Peng — release your khom loy lantern into the sky during the official ceremony. Participating is considered an act of merit and spiritual cleansing.
- Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Thai dishes and snacks at the venue, offering a cultural taste of Northern Thailand.
By following these activities, you can fully immerse yourself in the spiritual, cultural, and visual beauty of the festival.
Things to Know About Lantern Festival
Understanding the background and customs of the Lantern Festival in Thailand enhances your experience and ensures respectful participation.
Why is the Lantern Festival in Thailand Celebrated?
The history of Lantern Festival dates back to the Lanna Kingdom in Northern Thailand. Yi Peng was originally a merit-making ritual connected to Buddhist traditions, while Loy Krathong is believed to have Hindu origins. Over time, both festivals merged into one nationwide celebration of gratitude, renewal, and cultural unity. It is a way to thank the water goddess for the resources provided throughout the year.
The festivals showcase centuries-old traditions, combining spiritual rituals, community gatherings, and artistic displays. Lighting lanterns and floating krathongs are acts of merit and blessings that connect you to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Practical Tips for Lantern Festival:
- Arrive early to secure the best viewing spots.
- Use the shuttle services provided by the festival, especially from Payap University to the venue.
- Carry essentials like water and light snacks.
- Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, particularly for the official Yi Peng ceremony in Chiang Mai.
- Modest and respectful clothing is recommended.
- Avoid revealing outfits and inappropriate footwear.
- Many people wear traditional Thai attire to honor the customs.
- Always handle lanterns and krathongs carefully.
- Do not release lanterns near trees, power lines, or crowded areas.
- Show respect during ceremonies and avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
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