There’s a moment during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai when thousands of glowing lanterns drift into the night sky, floating like golden stars above the city. It’s quiet for just a second, everyone holding their breath, and then the cheers, the laughter, and the clicking of cameras begin. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing this magical event in person, 2025 could be your year.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Yi Peng: the history and meaning behind the festival, exact dates for 2025, how to get tickets, where to stay, and the best tips to make your trip unforgettable.
What is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?
Yi Peng (sometimes spelled Yee Peng) is a Lanna-style festival celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. It coincides with Loy Krathong, Thailand’s nationwide festival of lights. 
While Loy Krathong is celebrated by floating small decorated baskets (krathongs) down rivers and lakes, Yi Peng is all about releasing paper lanterns into the sky as a way of making wishes and letting go of bad luck.
The sight of thousands of lanterns rising together is deeply symbolic, it’s about renewal, good fortune, and new beginnings. And, if we’re being honest, it’s also one of the most photogenic experiences you’ll ever have.
Yi Peng Festival Dates for 2025
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival doesn’t happen on the same day every year, it follows the Thai lunar calendar. In 2025, the main celebrations in Chiang Mai are expected to take place on:
November 5–6, 2025 (Wednesday & Thursday)
- November 5: Loy Krathong festivities start, with parades and river krathong floating.
- November 6: Main Yi Peng lantern release events take place in the evening.
Tip: The biggest lantern releases happen at ticketed mass events, but you’ll also see locals and visitors releasing lanterns around the city.
Do You Need Tickets?
Yes, if you want to join the official mass lantern release, you’ll need to buy tickets well in advance (sometimes months ahead). Popular venues include:
- Mae Jo University Mass Release (Iconic, very popular with photographers)
- Chiang Mai CAD Cultural Center Release (More organized and centrally located)
- Private hotel & resort lantern events (Smaller, more intimate, often part of a package)
Ticket prices: Expect to pay anywhere from $100–$300 USD depending on the event. Tickets usually include your lanterns, cultural performances, food, and seating.
How to Get to Chiang Mai
The easiest way is to fly directly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) from Bangkok or other Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: 1-hour flight
- Or take the overnight train from Bangkok for a scenic and budget-friendly option.
Where to Stay for the Festival
Chiang Mai gets very busy during Yi Peng, so book your accommodation at least 3–6 months in advance.
Best areas to stay:
- Old City: Close to parades, temples, and river krathong releases.
- Nimmanhaemin: Trendy cafes, boutiques, and a short ride to festival spots.
- Riverside: Romantic and scenic, with luxury hotels overlooking the Ping River.
Best Spots to Watch Yi Peng Without a Ticket
If you don’t want to join a paid event, you can still enjoy the magic. Some popular free spots:
- Nawarat Bridge: Locals gather here to release lanterns and krathongs.
- Ping River Banks: Plenty of lanterns floating and flying in every direction.
- Tha Phae Gate: Great atmosphere, though very crowded.
Important: Releasing lanterns in the city center is now restricted in some areas for safety, so check local guidelines before buying your own.
Tips for Experiencing Yi Peng Like a Pro
- Book early: Flights, hotels, and event tickets sell out fast.
- Dress respectfully: It’s a cultural and religious celebration; avoid overly revealing clothing.
- Arrive early to your event: You’ll get better spots for photos and enjoy the pre-show performances.
- Bring a tripod: If you want those stunning long-exposure lantern shots.
- Avoid cheap lanterns: Poor-quality ones can catch fire or fall too soon, harming the environment.
- Combine with Loy Krathong: Float a krathong one night, release lanterns the next.
- Be mindful of the environment: Choose biodegradable lanterns and dispose of waste properly.
The Meaning Behind the Lanterns
While the visuals are breathtaking, Yi Peng is more than just a photo op. Locals believe releasing a lantern helps symbolically release misfortunes and welcome good luck. It’s also common to make a silent wish before letting go.
Participating with respect and understanding adds depth to the experience, it becomes not just a travel highlight, but a personal memory you’ll carry for life.
Budget Tips for Yi Peng 2025
- Book flights early: Use fare alerts to snag deals before prices spike.
- Stay outside the Old City: Guesthouses in nearby neighborhoods are cheaper.
- Eat street food: Delicious, authentic, and budget-friendly.
- Skip taxis: Walk, rent a bike, or use Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber).
- Attend free events: Parades, cultural shows, and river krathong releases are all free.
Final Thoughts
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of those bucket-list experiences that truly lives up to the hype. From the moment your lantern leaves your hands and joins thousands of others in the night sky, you’ll feel a connection to the people around you and the centuries-old traditions that make Chiang Mai so special.
Plan ahead, respect the local culture, and prepare to be amazed, because Yi Peng isn’t just an event you see, it’s one you feel.
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