Every November, Thailand floats thousands of candlelit krathongs onto its rivers while Chiang Mai fills the sky with lanterns. Here are the 2026 dates, the real rules on sky lanterns, and how to plan without overpaying.
Quick Answer
- 2026 dates: Yi Peng 24 to 25 November; Loy Krathong 25 November
- Sky lantern rule: Unlicensed releases are banned in Chiang Mai; releases happen only at licensed, ticketed venues outside the city
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 THB
- Free options: Temple ceremonies, Tha Phae Gate and krathong floating on the moat and Ping River
- Krathong cost: 20 to 100 THB from vendors; choose banana leaf or bread, not styrofoam
When Are Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in 2026?
Both festivals follow the lunar calendar. In 2026, Yi Peng runs 24 to 25 November and Loy Krathong falls on 25 November, according to Thai Holiday Guide and UME Travel. UME Travel also notes the Tourism Authority of Thailand lists Chiang Mai events from 24 to 26 November, so check the official schedule before booking.
Dates move each year. UME Travel gives 13 to 14 November for Yi Peng and 14 November for Loy Krathong in 2027.
What Is the Difference Between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
| Yi Peng | Loy Krathong | |
|---|---|---|
| Tradition | Lanna (northern Thai) | Central Thai, celebrated nationwide |
| What happens | Sky lanterns (khom loi) released upward as offerings to the Buddha | Floating krathongs released on water to honour the water goddess |
| Best known in | Chiang Mai | Sukhothai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai |
| Mood | Spectacle and Lanna culture | Quieter and reflective |
In Chiang Mai both happen on the same evenings: krathongs drift along the Ping River and Old City moat while lanterns rise overhead.
Sky lanterns drifting upward into the night
Can You Release Sky Lanterns in Chiang Mai?
Not freely. Unlicensed lantern releases are banned in Chiang Mai during the festival. The 2025 no-release zone covered Mueang Chiang Mai and Hang Dong districts plus parts of four neighbouring districts, so check the 2026 boundaries. The penalty is up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 THB, according to Thai Holiday Guide.
Releases take place only at licensed, ticketed venues outside the city. The Tourist Police number is 1155.
How Much Do Chiang Mai Lantern Events Cost?
These are the lowest-tier per-person prices listed by Thai Holiday Guide. Confirm 2026 details with each organiser, because some listings reference earlier years.
| Event | From (per person) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chiangmai Wonderland | 1,590 THB | No transport; 300 THB food coupon |
| Horizon Village | About 2,400 THB | |
| Golden Light CM / Sky of Wishes | 3,900 THB | Sky of Wishes tiers reach 14,900 THB |
| Moonlight Sky Lanterns | 4,500 THB | Tiers up to 8,500 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | 4,900 THB | Sold out for 2026; resale at 2 to 3 times face price |
A single glowing lantern rising above the crowd of lights
Where Can You Celebrate for Free?
- Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang: free temple ceremonies. Arrive about 90 minutes early for a good spot at Wat Phan Tao.
- Tha Phae Gate: celebrations around the old city gate.
- Old City moat and Ping River (Nawarat Bridge area): float a krathong. The quieter western and southern moat stretches avoid the worst crowds.
- Elsewhere: UME Travel names Sukhothai (the festival’s traditional origin), Wat Yannawa, Wat Arun and Asiatique in Bangkok, and Patong, Kata and Karon beaches in Phuket.
How Do You Plan Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Step by Step?
- Choose your focus. Chiang Mai for lanterns and Lanna culture, Sukhothai or Bangkok for a quieter water festival.
- Book accommodation early. Chiang Mai prices can run 50 to 100% above normal.
- Buy lantern tickets only from organisers and avoid resale listings at inflated prices.
- Pre-book transport. Ride-hailing surge pricing is extreme; songthaews cost about 30 to 40 THB per person.
- Carry cash. Bring 1,000 to 2,000 THB in small bills, since many vendors are cash-only.
- Dress for the temples. Cover shoulders and knees; nights drop to about 18 to 22°C.
- Make an eco-friendly krathong. Choose banana leaf or bread and avoid styrofoam.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Loy Krathong and Yi Peng
When is Loy Krathong 2026?
Loy Krathong falls on 25 November 2026, and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai runs 24 to 25 November. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so confirm with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Are sky lanterns allowed in Chiang Mai?
Unlicensed releases are banned during the festival, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a 200,000 THB fine. Releases are only allowed at licensed, ticketed venues outside the city.
How much does a krathong cost?
Moat and river vendors sell krathongs for about 20 to 100 THB. Biodegradable versions made of banana leaf or bread are preferred over styrofoam.
Is Yi Peng the same as Loy Krathong?
No. Yi Peng is a Lanna tradition of releasing sky lanterns, mainly in Chiang Mai, while Loy Krathong is a nationwide festival of floating krathongs on water. They coincide in Chiang Mai.
Can you watch the festival for free?
Yes. Temple ceremonies at Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang, Tha Phae Gate celebrations and krathong floating on the Old City moat and Ping River are free.
Final Thoughts
Decide between the Chiang Mai lantern spectacle and a quieter river celebration, book rooms and tickets early, and respect the lantern ban. Free temple ceremonies and a 20 to 100 THB krathong are enough for a memorable night.
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