LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL, CHIANG MAI

Overview

Loy Krathong Festival is one of Thailand’s most beautiful traditional celebrations, and in Chiang Mai it is combined with the Yi Peng lantern festival, creating a spectacular display of light across the city.

In Chiang Mai, the festival features floating krathongs released onto rivers and canals, alongside thousands of sky lanterns rising into the night sky, symbolizing letting go of misfortune and welcoming new beginnings.

The city becomes a glowing landscape of candlelight, lanterns, parades, and cultural performances, attracting visitors from around the world for this unforgettable experience.

Key Highlights

• Floating krathongs released on rivers and waterways
• Mass sky lantern releases during Yi Peng celebrations
• Traditional parades and cultural performances
• Decorated temples and historic city areas illuminated at night
• Fireworks displays across Chiang Mai
• Spiritual ceremonies and merit-making activities

How to Access

From Chiang Mai Old City

• Walking distance to major temple and parade areas
• Short tuk-tuk or songthaew rides to river release points
• Main festival activities concentrated around the Old City moat

From Chiang Mai International Airport

• Approximately 15–25 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing service
• Roads may be congested during peak festival nights

By Tour

• Special festival tours arranged for lantern release events
• Popular guided experiences including cultural shows and dinner

Entry Information

• Entrance Fee: Free for public areas (some lantern events may require tickets)
• Festival Period: Usually held in November (full moon of the 12th lunar month)
• Activities: Krathong floating, lantern releases, parades, temple ceremonies
• Photography: Allowed, but drones may be restricted in certain zones

Event schedules, lantern release zones, and regulations may change annually. Please verify locally for updated festival guidelines.

Visitor Experience

• Lantern Sky Release: Witness thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky in synchronized releases.
• Krathong Floating: Participate in releasing decorated floats on rivers to symbolize renewal.
• Cultural Celebration: Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and temple rituals.
• Night Atmosphere: Experience Chiang Mai transformed into a glowing city of lights and celebration.

Best Time to Visit

• Main festival nights during November full moon period
• Arrive early evening for temple visits and parades
• Lantern releases typically occur after sunset
• Weekdays may be slightly less crowded than peak nights

Nearby Attractions

• Tha Phae Gate
• Chiang Mai Old City Moat
• Wat Phan Tao
• Wat Chedi Luang
• Ping River Waterfront
• Night markets around the Old City