If you happen to be in Lamphun between October and November this year, look up. You won’t see just one or two lanterns, but countless colorful displays illuminating the city throughout the Lamphun Hundred Thousand Lanterns Festival.
From October 1st to November 30th, 2026, lanterns will fill Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan and other locations across Lamphun as part of this annual tradition.
The northern festival of a hundred thousand lanterns
Source: Radio Lamphun FM 95 Official Facebook Page
Held primarily at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan, the Lamphun Hundred Thousand Lanterns Festival is an annual tradition honoring Queen Chama Thewei, the first ruler of Hariphunchai, while paying respect to the revered Phra That Hariphunchai Pagoda.
The tradition also carries deep religious significance. In the Lanna culture of Thailand’s northern region, crafting and hanging lanterns is practiced as a form of Buddhist worship. The light from these lanterns symbolizes peace and prosperity and is associated with hopes for a brighter path in life.
Before the lanterns are hung, locals and festival participants traditionally write their names and wishes on them, expressing their hopes and aspirations for the future.
Source: Radio Lamphun FM 95 Official Facebook Page
While Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan serves as the heart of the festivities, the celebration also extends across Lamphun. Colorful lanterns appear throughout the city, transforming its streets and public spaces as night falls.
A major highlight is the Hundred Thousand Lantern Parade, which brings different communities together for a procession through the streets of Lamphun toward Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. Along the way, visitors can admire an array of intricately handcrafted lanterns representing creativity and craftsmanship behind the tradition.
Key Dates of the Hundred Thousand Lanterns Festival
While this year’s festivities stretch across October and November, here are some key dates and activities to look out for:
- October 1, 2026: First day of lantern-hanging activities
- November 14, 2026: Opening ceremony
- November 22, 2026: Hundred Thousand Lantern Parade
- November 30, 2026: Final day of the event
For more information, please follow the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Lamphun Office via Facebook.
About Lamphun
Source: Trip Advisor Official Website
Lamphun is one of Thailand’s smallest yet most historically significant provinces. Situated in the northern part of the country, it borders Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Tak and was once the heart of the ancient Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai.
Today, the province is known for its historic landmarks such as the Queen Chamadevi Monument and Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. Lamphun is also famous for its longan fruit, one of the province’s best-known agricultural products.