An editorial look at Yi Peng in Chiang Mai, from its link with Loy Krathong to the festival atmosphere and the key festival dates to know for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
In Thailand, Loy Krathong is the water-based festival most travelers already know, with candlelit krathongs floated on rivers and canals during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. Yi Peng is the northern lantern tradition that takes place at the same time, which is why Chiang Mai feels especially atmospheric during this period.
Much of the mood comes from the temple setting. Candles, prayers, offerings, and local community rituals are part of what makes Yi Peng feel more meaningful than a simple lantern spectacle, especially once the city moves from daylight into evening.
Expect a combination of floating krathongs, decorated temples, lantern displays, and special evening events across Chiang Mai. The sky lantern release that many visitors associate with Yi Peng is only one part of the wider experience, and not every area or event follows the same format.
Yi Peng is especially tied to northern Thailand, where local Lanna traditions give the festival a distinct identity. In Chiang Mai, that means the period feels larger, more layered, and more visually dramatic than Loy Krathong celebrations in many other parts of the country.
If Yi Peng is one of the main reasons for your trip, we recommend planning 6-8 months in advance, as hotels, transport, and festival arrangements in Chiang Mai can fill faster than usual.
Upcoming festival dates:
