Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are among Chiang Mai’s most beautiful and important festivals, filling the city with candles, floating krathongs, illuminated temples, and traditional Lanna celebrations.

In 2026, the main Loy Krathong full-moon night falls on Tuesday 24 November. Major ticketed Yi Peng lantern events are being held on both 24 and 25 November, giving visitors two nights to experience the wider festival period.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are closely connected in Chiang Mai but are not the same celebration. Loy Krathong centres on floating decorated offerings on water, while Yi Peng is the northern Thai Lanna festival associated with lanterns, lights and traditional ceremonies.

Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai

Loy Krathong is observed on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar.

People traditionally float small decorated baskets, known as krathongs, on rivers, canals, and other approved waterways as a symbolic act of gratitude, reflection, and letting go of misfortune.

Krathongs are commonly made from natural materials such as banana leaves, banana trunks, flowers, candles and incense.

Chiang Mai is one of the most atmospheric places in Thailand to experience the festival because Loy Krathong coincides with the northern Yi Peng traditions.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Yi Peng is a Lanna festival traditionally associated with the full moon of the second month of the northern Thai lunar calendar.

Homes, temples and public areas around Chiang Mai are decorated with colourful lanterns and small clay lamps, creating a distinctive atmosphere after dark.

Lanterns represent light, merit and the symbolic release of misfortune.

Mass sky-lantern releases now take place primarily at authorised ticketed events outside central Chiang Mai, where aviation and fire-safety requirements can be carefully managed.

Visitors should not independently release sky lanterns around the Old City, Tha Phae Gate, Ping River or other central areas unless specifically permitted by authorities.

2026 Festival Dates

The key 2026 dates are:

Tuesday 24 November:
Main Loy Krathong full-moon night
Public celebrations across Chiang Mai
Ticketed Yi Peng lantern festivals

Wednesday 25 November:
Second night of selected organised Yi Peng lantern festivals
Additional festival activities at participating venues

For visitors primarily interested in traditional Loy Krathong celebrations, 24 November is the main night.

Those wanting to combine the city celebrations with a large organised lantern release may choose to experience Loy Krathong in central Chiang Mai on 24 November and attend a ticketed Yi Peng event on 25 November.

Floating Krathongs

Floating a krathong remains one of the festival’s central traditions.

Approved locations around Chiang Mai are normally announced closer to the event, with areas along the Ping River traditionally playing an important role.

Visitors should only use designated floating points and follow directions from local officials.

Natural, biodegradable krathongs are the best choice, as they help reduce waste in Chiang Mai’s waterways.

Avoid krathongs made from foam, plastic or other materials that can contribute to pollution.

Temples and Candlelight

Temples throughout Chiang Mai become particularly atmospheric during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong.

Thousands of small oil lamps and candles may be placed around temple grounds, walls and courtyards, while decorative lanterns hang from trees and buildings.

Major temples in and around the Old City can attract large numbers of visitors and worshippers.

Visitors should remember that temples remain active religious sites even during the festival.

Dress modestly, remove shoes where required and avoid obstructing prayers or ceremonies when taking photographs.

CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

One of the largest confirmed organised Yi Peng events for 2026 is the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival at CAD Cultural Center Lanna in Mae On District.

The event will be held on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November.

It combines Lanna cultural activities, food, religious ceremonies, a coordinated mass lantern release and fireworks.

Unlike informal lantern releases, the CAD event takes place in a controlled venue with designated seating, transport, and scheduled launch times.

CAD 2026 Schedule

The current program for both 24 and 25 November is:

1:00pm:
Meeting and shuttle check-in begins

Elite and Platinum ticket holders meet at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center.

Gold, Premium, VIP and Standard ticket holders meet at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

1:00pm-4:00pm:
Transfers to CAD Cultural Center Lanna

2:30pm-5:30pm:
Venue arrival, registration, cultural activities, craft areas, village experiences and krathong activities

5:30pm-7:00pm:
Lanna Thai buffet dinner, snacks, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks

7:00pm:
Guests enter the main ceremonial area

Around 7:40pm:
Drum performance, candle show, Buddhist ceremony and monk chanting

Around 8:15pm:
Coordinated sky-lantern release and fireworks

Around 8:45pm:
Ceremony concludes, and return transfers begin

The organiser may adjust individual timings on the night if required.

CAD Ticket Prices

The current 2026 CAD ticket tiers are:

Standard:
4,900 baht

VIP:
6,500 baht

Premium:
7,000 baht

Gold:
8,900 baht

Platinum:
11,900 baht

Elite:
15,900 baht

Children under seven can attend free with a paying adult but do not receive a separate seat, souvenir, krathong or lantern.

Tickets are non-refundable.

What CAD Tickets Include

Current CAD packages include:

• festival admission
• shared transport from designated meeting points
• Lanna buffet dinner
• snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
• cultural and craft activities
• traditional performances
• souvenir
• two sky lanterns per person
• one krathong per person
• coordinated lantern release
• fireworks
• return transport after the ceremony

Transfer comfort and seating location improve across the higher ticket categories.

Standard ticket holders use non-air-conditioned red cab transport, while VIP and higher categories use air-conditioned vehicles.

Other Ticketed Lantern Events

CAD is not the only organised Yi Peng event around Chiang Mai.

Several authorised private events traditionally operate around the same dates in areas outside the city, offering controlled lantern releases, dining and cultural performances.

These events can differ considerably in size, atmosphere, transport and pricing.

Visitors should make sure they understand exactly which event and venue they are booking, particularly because many advertisements use similar “Chiang Mai Lantern Festival” wording.

Old City and Tha Phae Gate

Central Chiang Mai remains an important part of the festival experience even without unrestricted sky-lantern releases.

Tha Phae Gate, the Old City and the streets towards the Ping River traditionally become busy with decorations, cultural activities, food stalls and visitors heading towards approved Loy Krathong areas.

The full 2026 municipal festival program has not yet been published, so check exact parade routes, stage times, and city activities closer to November.

Parades and Cultural Performances

Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong celebrations traditionally include parades, performances and cultural displays.

Past events have featured decorative floats, traditional dancers, music and participants wearing Lanna costumes.

The detailed 2026 parade schedule and official city entertainment program have not been confirmed yet.

Visitors should avoid relying on previous-year parade times when planning their evening.

What to Wear

There is no formal dress code for public festival areas, but comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

If visiting temples, wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.

People attending premium ticketed lantern events may also want to bring a light layer, as temperatures outside central Chiang Mai can become cooler later in the evening.

Traffic and Transport

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng bring large crowds into Chiang Mai.

Traffic can become extremely congested around the Old City, Tha Phae Gate, Nawarat Bridge and the Ping River.

Walking is often easier than driving once you reach the central festival area.

Visitors attending CAD or another organised lantern event should follow the event’s official transport instructions rather than driving independently unless private parking has been specifically confirmed.

Allow significant extra travel time before and after major lantern releases.

Loy Krathong Chiang Mai FAQs

When is Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai in 2026?
The main Loy Krathong full-moon night is Tuesday 24 November 2026.

When is Yi Peng in Chiang Mai in 2026?
Major organised Yi Peng lantern festivals are being held on 24 and 25 November 2026.

What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?
Loy Krathong involves floating decorated offerings on water, while Yi Peng is the northern Thai festival associated with lanterns, illuminated temples and Lanna traditions.

Can tourists release sky lanterns in central Chiang Mai?
Visitors should not independently release sky lanterns in central Chiang Mai. Lantern launches are regulated for aviation and fire safety and should happen only at authorised events.

Where can I float a krathong?
Use only official floating locations announced for the 2026 festival and follow instructions from local authorities.

How much does the CAD Yi Peng festival cost?
Current 2026 tickets range from 4,900 baht for Standard admission to 15,900 baht for Elite admission.

What is included in a CAD ticket?
Tickets include event admission, transport, buffet dinner, cultural activities, a souvenir, two sky lanterns, one krathong, the organised lantern release and fireworks.

Should I attend on 24 or 25 November?
Choose 24 November for the main Loy Krathong full-moon celebration. Attending a ticketed lantern event on 25 November can make it easier to experience both the city festival and an organised mass lantern release.