Guide to Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai 2024

In November 2024, Chiang Mai will host the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals from November 14 to 16. The city will be filled with sky lanterns, floating krathongs, parades, and traditional Lanna performances. You can explore and experience the unique blend of these two festivals.

Overview of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals are celebrated together in Chiang Mai, showcasing Thailand’s culture with beautiful lights and traditional ceremonies.

What is the Yi Peng festival?

Yi Peng is a Northern Thai celebration held during the full moon of November 12 Thai lunar month, usually in November. People release thousands of lanterns, called khom loy, into the sky to let go of misfortunes and make wishes for the future. The festival also includes temple ceremonies, cultural performances, and colourful lantern displays that light up the city.

What is the Loy Krathong festival?

Loy Krathong is a three-day festival celebrated across Thailand to honour the water goddess. People create krathongs—small decorated baskets made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense—and release them into rivers. This act symbolises letting go of past mistakes and inviting good fortune. The festival also features floating baskets, music, and dance.

Dates and schedule for 2024

The festivities will begin with an opening ceremony on November 14. Over the next few days, visitors can enjoy lantern releases, cultural performances, parades, and fireworks.

Key events and highlights

Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals have many exciting events that celebrate the area’s cultural heritage.

Lantern and krathong releases

During Yi Peng, people release thousands of lanterns into the sky, symbolising letting go of misfortunes and making wishes. Crowds gather at designated areas like the Three Kings Monument to watch the sky fill with glowing lanterns during Yi Peng.

Meanwhile, Loy Krathong involves floating krathongs on the water to honour the water goddess. Along the Ping River, most people celebrate Loy Krathong by floating krathongs on the water. Together, these events create a magical sight.

Parades

The festivals feature colourful parades with people walking and performers in traditional Lanna clothing. Local businesses and corporate companies also participate, adding a modern touch to the cultural display. Parades move through the city, accompanied by traditional music and dance. Monks, artisans, and representatives from local businesses also join in, adding spiritual, artistic, and modern elements to the celebrations.

Best locations to celebrate in Chiang Mai

There are several great places in Chiang Mai to experience Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Each spot offers unique festivities and cultural highlights.

Nawarat Bridge

Address: Q2Q3+2QR, Charoen Muang Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000

Nawarat Bridge, which crosses the Ping River in Chiang Mai, is a favourite place during the Loy Krathong festival. Many people come here to release krathongs—small floats made with flowers and candles—into the river. This is a way to let go of past mistakes and start fresh.

The river becomes full of glowing lights, making a beautiful scene. Around the bridge, there are also cultural shows with dancers in traditional clothes and music from the region. This makes the festival a wonderful mix of beauty and culture that people of all ages enjoy.

Tha Phae Gate

Address: Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Tha Phae Gate is the starting point of the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. The opening ceremony draws a large crowd, excited to see the traditional rituals and take part in the celebrations. The area comes alive with bright lights, colourful decorations, and lively performances.

Streets around Tha Phae Gate are filled with people enjoying music, dancers in traditional outfits, and food stalls offering local treats. The whole place buzzes with energy, creating a joyful atmosphere where everyone comes together to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the festival.

Three Kings Monument

Address: QXRP+3WX, Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

The Three Kings Monument is a wonderful place to enjoy the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. The area around the monument is decorated with colourful lanterns and flags, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.

The soft glow of lanterns adds warmth to the night, making it a perfect spot for taking photos and relaxing. Traditional performances take place here, with dancers and musicians showing the rich culture of the region. Nearby, food stalls offer a variety of tasty Thai snacks, from sweet desserts to spicy treats, allowing people to enjoy both the sights and flavours of the festival.

Iron Bridge

Address: Q2M3+HRW, Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000

The Iron Bridge is a favourite spot for taking photos during the Loy Krathong festival. The bridge itself is decorated with colourful lights that shine brightly at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The lights from nearby restaurants and bars add even more colour, making the whole area look lively and festive.

The reflections of these lights on the Ping River create a shimmering effect, which looks truly beautiful and is perfect for photos. Many people gather on the bridge to take pictures and enjoy the view, making it one of the most vibrant places to be during the festival.

Khlong Mae Kha

Address: 9 Sridonchai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

Khlong Mae Kha is a peaceful place to enjoy the Loy Krathong festival away from the busy crowds. The canal is decorated with beautiful lanterns that softly light up the area, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Traditional ceremonies and performances take place here, giving people a chance to see local customs up close.

The gentle flow of the water and the glowing lanterns make it a great spot for those who want a quieter experience during the festival. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking to relax, take in the beauty of the decorations, and learn more about the local culture.

In this video by the Sammy and Tommy YouTube channel, you can see the titular couple pass by some of the locations mentioned, especially the Three Kings Monument, and participate in the festivities.

Tips for attending festivals

To fully enjoy the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai, keep these tips in mind.

Safety guidelines

• Be careful during lantern releases to avoid accidents.
• Follow instructions from local authorities, especially near the Ping River.
• Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around busy streets.
• Use eco-friendly lanterns to protect the environment.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Planning your visit

• Plan your visit between a few days before November 14 if you want to attend the festivals earlier on.
• Book accommodations early near Tha Phae Gate or the Ping River for easy access.
• Arrange transportation in advance, as there will be many visitors.
• Create a schedule for key events like temple ceremonies, parades, and fireworks.
• Pack clothing for cool evenings and warm days, typical for November in Chiang Mai.

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai bring together beautiful traditions, cultural performances, and community celebrations. From November 14 to 16, you can see thousands of sky lanterns, floating krathongs, and lively parades. Key spots like the Ping River, Tha Phae Gate, and the Old City Moat offer unique experiences. Whether you love watching lanterns light up the sky, releasing a krathong, or exploring night markets, these festivals provide a rich cultural experience. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the magic of Chiang Mai’s beautiful festivals.