The Yi Peng Lantern Festival, primarily held in Chiang Mai, is a celebration of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai Lunar calendar. As such, the date varies each year, and this year’s Yi Peng Festival will be celebrated from November 3rd to 6th, 2025, with specific times and dates for lantern release (see below).
Even if you have not heard of Yi Peng (alternatively spelt “Yipeng” or
Yee Peng”), there’s a high possibility you have seen one of the stunning images of paper lanterns drifting into the night sky. It is one of the most picturesque events in Thailand, and the awe-inspiring celebrations are a must-see moment.
Origins of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Also known as the Sky Lantern Festival, Yi Peng has its origins in the ancient Lanna Kingdom (literally, “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”) or modern-day northern Thailand. Typically held in November, the festival represents the transition from the dark and rainy monsoon season to the sunnier days of the cool season.
Yi Peng sees thousands of lanterns released into the night sky, while local homes and public buildings display bright and colorful lanterns or flags.
The meaning of Yi Peng
Yi Peng is a combination of two words that mean “two” and “full moon day,” respectively. Although the release of the lanterns is visually stunning, it also symbolizes letting go of all of the ills and misfortunes from the previous year, allowing people to start the New Lunar Year in the best possible way.
Many Thai Buddhists also believe that if you make a wish as you release the lantern, it will come true if you complete acts of kindness in the coming year.
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is closely associated with the Loy Krathong Festival, being held on the same day and carrying similar symbolism. The lanterns are known as khom loy, or “floating lanterns.”
Yi Peng celebrations
Festivities take place across the whole of Chiang Mai, but many of the activities are concentrated along the Chiang Mai City Moat and Ratchadamnoen Road. Alongside the lantern releasing ceremony, there are dance shows, parades, live music, and even various stalls to help you learn arts and crafts. There are also plenty of delicious food stalls, and you can also expect regular firework celebrations. Visitors can join in the celebrations and purchase their own lanterns from many of the local shops and street vendors.
Although, Yi Peng is widely celebrated, there’s a limitation to where you can participate since they pose flight risks and fire hazards (remember, what goes up must come down). Be sure to verify with the organizer of any event that they have obtained a permit to sell and release khom loy.
Because of the environmental risks associated with the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, visitors are encouraged to not release multiple lanterns into the sky, and there are many governmental restrictions regarding the release of lanterns.
Please be advised: In light of the passing of Her Majesty the Late Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, organizers have adjusted aspects of the celebrations and requested that festival-goers dress in white & black out of respect during this nationwide period of mourning.
How to launch your khom loy
1. There’s no need to purchase lanterns in advance; there will be plenty of street vendors selling them during the festival.
2. Some people opt for writing a wish or a message on the lantern. Lantern vendors often have markers on them that you can use to write.
3. Larger lanterns are easier to launch.
4. Be careful not to tear the lanterns, which are made of a thin paper material.
5. Release the lantern with friends! Ask a friend to help light the lantern while you hold it and make a wish.
6. Wait until the lantern is pulling against your hand (practically begging to fly) before letting go.
Sky lanterns are only permitted to be released on November 5th and 6th, between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. The lanterns themselves must not be larger than one cuber meter in volume and may only be released in designated safe zones, away of restricted airspace. For exact zoning information, see this map.
For more information on approved locations, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Mai Office via its Official Facebook Page or email at tatchmai@tat.or.th.