Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng bring floating offerings, illuminated temples, decorative lanterns and Lanna cultural celebrations to Chiang Mai. In 2026, the city’s municipal festival runs from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 November, with the main Loy Krathong full-moon night on Tuesday 24 November.

Visitors can experience the public city celebrations, book a separate organised sky-lantern event or combine both across different evenings. These experiences take place at different venues, so check the location carefully before planning transport or buying tickets.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Explained

Loy Krathong centres on floating small decorated offerings on water. Known as krathongs, these baskets commonly carry flowers, a candle and incense, reflecting traditions of gratitude and letting go of misfortune.

Yi Peng is associated with the second full moon of the Lanna lunar calendar and the northern Thai tradition of celebrating with light. Hanging lanterns, small clay lamps and religious observances are as much a part of the occasion as the large sky-lantern releases seen in travel photographs.

In Chiang Mai, the celebrations overlap. A visitor exploring the city may see illuminated streets and temple grounds, while someone attending a private event outside town will follow a structured programme of food, performances, ceremonies and coordinated lantern releases.

Confirmed City Celebrations for 2026

The municipal festival runs from 23 to 25 November. Its main venue and opening ceremony move to Ton Lam Yai Market Public Park, replacing Tha Phae Gate as the principal event hub.

Announced activities include lantern displays, competitions and cultural performances. Additional celebrations take place around the municipality offices, the Ping River and the Old City. The grand krathong parade route runs from Tha Phae Gate to the municipality offices.

Tha Phae Gate remains part of the programme, with a light, sound and multimedia exhibition. Check local announcements for individual activity times before choosing your evening route.

Floating a Krathong

Floating a krathong is a different experience from releasing a sky lantern. It can be a quieter, more personal part of the festival, particularly if you take time to watch how local families participate before joining in.

Use designated floating points and follow staff directions at the water’s edge. Choose a small krathong made from natural materials, avoid foam and plastic, and keep any packaging out of the river. Sharing one offering can also reduce the amount of material entering the water.

Busy riverside locations require patience. Keep children close, leave access routes clear and avoid leaning over barriers or stepping onto unstable banks to retrieve an offering or take a photograph.

Temples, Lanterns and Candlelight

Temple visits offer another way to experience the festival beyond a ticketed mass release. Hanging lanterns and small Lanna candle trays create an atmosphere that rewards a slower visit rather than a quick stop for photographs.

Temples remain places of worship during the celebrations. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where required and allow people to pray without interruption. Ask before photographing individuals closely and follow any restrictions around ceremonial areas.

Keep your evening flexible rather than assuming every temple will stage the same activities. A comfortable walking route with time to pause is usually more enjoyable than trying to visit numerous sites in a single night.

CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

The CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival takes place on 24 and 25 November at CAD Cultural Center Lanna in Mae On District. It is a separate paid event outside central Chiang Mai, with an organised programme and designated transport arrangements.

The published itinerary begins with meeting-point check-in and transfers from 1pm. Afternoon activities run from approximately 2:30pm to 5:30pm, followed by dinner until 7pm. Guests then move into the ceremonial area, with performances and chanting around 7:40pm, lantern release and fireworks around 8:15pm, and return transfers after the ceremony concludes around 8:45pm.

These are planned timings rather than guaranteed departure or arrival times. Follow the instructions on your actual e-ticket, particularly for boarding deadlines and the return journey.

CAD Tickets and Inclusions

Published ticket prices are 4,900 baht for Standard, 6,500 baht for VIP, 7,000 baht for Premium, 8,900 baht for Gold, 11,900 baht for Platinum and 15,900 baht for Elite.

Packages include admission, shared transfers, dinner, cultural activities, two sky lanterns and one krathong per ticketed participant. Seating position and transport arrangements differ between categories. Standard transport uses non-air-conditioned red vehicles, while higher categories include air-conditioned transport.

Children aged 0–7 can attend free under the published child policy, sitting on an adult’s lap without a separate seat, souvenir or lantern. Check your booking’s child and transfer conditions before purchasing. Sales through the cited CAD ticket partners are final and non-refundable.

Availability depends on the date, category and seller allocation. Some ticket sellers already show their allocations as unavailable, so a displayed price should not be treated as confirmation that a seat can still be booked.

CAD Meeting Points

Elite and Platinum ticket holders use the meeting point at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. Standard, VIP, Premium and Gold ticket holders use Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Reaching the meeting point is a separate part of your journey. Save the exact map pin and ticket offline, arrive with time to spare and confirm the return drop-off arrangements with your booking provider.

Other Organised Lantern Events

CAD is one of several private events operating during the festival period. CNX Loy Krathong at Miracle Land in Mae Taeng also takes place on 24 and 25 November, combining cultural activities, dining, krathong floating and a coordinated sky-lantern release.

Miracle Land’s advertised Elite Experience costs 9,800 baht per person and includes three sky lanterns, a floral krathong, dinner and designated round-trip transfers. This is a different event and venue from CAD; tickets and transport instructions are not interchangeable.

Transport and Planning Your Evenings

Choose your main destination before setting out. A city evening can focus on the public festival hub, riverside activities and nearby streets, while a private lantern event normally occupies the afternoon and evening because of its transfer schedule.

Allow extra time around crowded central areas and arrange a practical meeting point if travelling with others. Visitors with mobility requirements should check the actual walking surfaces, seating and vehicle access with their chosen venue or operator.

Sky-lantern releases must follow the permitted locations, times and safety measures. Do not assume that lanterns being sold nearby means you can release them from that location. At organised events, wait for staff instructions and use the supplied equipment.

Loy Krathong FAQs

When are Chiang Mai’s city celebrations?
The municipal festival runs from 23 to 25 November 2026. The main Loy Krathong night is 24 November.

Where is the main public festival venue?
The principal hub moves to Ton Lam Yai Market Public Park in 2026, with activities also spread across other city locations.

Do I need a ticket?
Public municipal celebrations are free to attend. Private mass lantern-release events require their own tickets.

Are Loy Krathong and Yi Peng the same?
They overlap in Chiang Mai, but Loy Krathong focuses on offerings floated on water, while Yi Peng celebrates Lanna traditions of light.

Should I book a private event on 24 or 25 November?
Choose the date that fits your plans. Spending 24 November in the city and booking a private event for 25 November allows time for both experiences, subject to ticket availability.