Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival | San Sai
Celebration
The Yi Peng Festival, also known as Yee Peng, is a traditional festival in Northern Thailand that originated over 700 years ago in the Lanna Kingdom. It is celebrated at the end of the rainy season to give thanks for the harvest. The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai is particularly grand and spectacular, as Chiang Mai is the historical center of Lanna culture. Every year, during the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar, people create colorful sky lanterns and gather to light them. Thousands of lanterns, carrying wishes for merit-making and the removal of bad luck, ascend into the night sky, creating a breathtaking sea of lights.
During the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival, in addition to participating in the lantern release activities at various venues, you can fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. You can stay in the area to explore traditional music and dance performances, local art and cultural exhibitions, or witness sacred ceremonies conducted by monks at temples. You can also participate in the free Loy Krathong activities, which usually coincide with the Yi Peng Festival. During Loy Krathong, locals decorate floating lanterns and release them into rivers and lakes to pray for good fortune.
In 2025, the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival will be held on November 5th and 6th at multiple venues (specific times can be found on ticket information). For example, the CAD Cultural Center venue is a very popular traditional celebration site, known for its large scale and lively atmosphere. The Horizon Village venue offers a pastoral setting to enjoy the festivities, famous for its beautiful gardens and tranquil environment. The Maejo University venue is a traditional Yi Peng site, quiet and sacred, with a strong Buddhist atmosphere. The Gassan Panorama Golf Club venue features traditional Northern Thai performances and monk chanting, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere.