What is the Chiang Mai lantern festival?
Quick answer
The famous lantern festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is Yi Peng (also spelled Yee Peng), when people release thousands of glowing sky lanterns called khom loi into the night. It takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the Lanna lunar calendar, usually in November, alongside Loy Krathong.
Key facts
- Country
- Thailand
- City
- Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
- When
- Full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually November
- Lanterns
- Khom loi (sky lanterns) and khom fai (hanging lanterns)
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
| Yi Peng | Loy Krathong | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Mainly northern Thailand (Lanna region) | All of Thailand |
| What’s released | Sky lanterns rising into the air | Krathong, small decorated floats, placed on rivers and lakes |
| Meaning | Letting go of bad luck; making wishes | Thanking the water goddess and letting go of misfortune |
In Chiang Mai, the two festivals overlap, so visitors see lanterns in the sky and candles floating on the Ping River at the same time.
What people do
- Release sky lanterns, often making a wish as they rise
- Hang colorful paper lanterns around homes and temples
- Light candles and visit Buddhist temples
- Watch parades of illuminated floats and fireworks
Rules and safety
Sky lanterns can be a fire hazard and a danger to aircraft. Chiang Mai authorities now allow mass releases only at approved times and places, and flights at Chiang Mai airport are adjusted during the festival. Some large lantern events are ticketed and held outside the city. Visitors should check the official rules each year.
Environmental concerns
Fallen lanterns create litter and can harm animals. Some events now use biodegradable materials, and many people choose to float krathong made of banana leaves or bread instead of plastic or foam.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, about 700 km north of Bangkok, was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Its old city, surrounded by a moat, has more than 100 temples. For the Thai water festival in April, see what Songkran is. For a famous Thai vehicle, see what a tuk-tuk is.
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