Loy Krathong & Yi Peng 2026 in Chiang Mai: Dates, Lantern Tickets & Tips for Malaysians
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You’ve seen the photos: thousands of glowing lanterns rising over Chiang Mai. That’s Yi Peng, and in 2026 it falls on 24–25 November, together with Loy Krathong on 25 November.
It’s one of the most beautiful nights in Asia, and it’s only a short flight from KL. But it’s also the night most first-timers get wrong: wrong tickets, wrong area, or hotels booked too late. Here’s how to do it properly.
Loy Krathong vs Yi Peng: what’s the difference?
- Loy Krathong happens all over Thailand. People float a krathong, a small basket of banana leaves, flowers and a candle, on a river to let go of bad luck.
- Yi Peng is Chiang Mai’s own northern (Lanna) festival, famous for sky lanterns (khom loy) and lanterns hung across the old city.
In Chiang Mai they happen together, so you get both.
The one rule most tourists don’t know: where lanterns are allowed
You can’t release sky lanterns anywhere you like in Chiang Mai. The city restricts it because of air traffic and fire risk, and the airport adjusts flights on festival nights.
The famous mass-release photos come from ticketed events outside the city. If releasing a lantern is your dream, book one of these. In town, you can still float a krathong on the Ping River and see the lantern-lit streets for free.
Lantern event tickets
Ticketed events include transport from Chiang Mai, dinner, cultural shows and lanterns to release. They’re expensive, but they’re the only legal way to join a mass release, and they sell out.
Yeepeng Lanna Festival 2026 (Chiang Mai–Lamphun)
- Mass lantern release at a designated venue
- Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai included
- Dinner, cultural performances, lanterns and a krathong
Pro tip: Check the exact event date, pickup point and return time before you pay. Events run late, so don’t book an early flight the next morning.
See all Chiang Mai lantern events and tours →What to do for free in town
- Tha Phae Gate and the old city: lanterns hung across temples and streets, with parades and stalls.
- Ping River (around Nawarat Bridge): the main spot to float your krathong. Buy one from street vendors.
- Temples at night: Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang look stunning lit with candles. Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees.
Getting there from Malaysia
- Fly KL → Chiang Mai direct. The easiest option, but book now, because festival-week fares rise fast.
- Fly via Bangkok. Often more flight times to choose from. Allow a comfortable gap between flights.
- Arrive by 23 November so you’re settled before the main nights.
Before you fly, submit your free TDAC arrival card and check the new 30-day visa-free rule.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Old City | First-timers, walking to festivities | Temples, Tha Phae Gate and lantern streets on your doorstep |
| Riverside (Ping River) | Floating krathong, views | Closest to the main krathong spot, more upmarket |
| Nimman | Cafés, younger crowd | Calmer at night, a short Grab ride to the old city |
Roads around the old city close or jam on festival nights, so staying within walking distance of Tha Phae Gate saves a lot of stress.
Book your Chiang Mai hotel for Yi Peng
Old City and Riverside hotels fill up first for festival week. Compare prices now and choose free cancellation.
See Chiang Mai hotels on Agoda →Compare on Trip.comWhat to pack
- Light layers: November evenings in Chiang Mai are cooler than in KL
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small torch or power bank (it’s dark and crowded away from the main streets)
- Modest clothes for temple visits
Light packable jacket
Chiang Mai evenings in November are cooler than KL. Packs into its own pocket for the day.
View on Shopee →Rechargeable mini torch
Side streets and riverbanks get dark and crowded after the parades.
View on Shopee →Travel-safe 10,000mAh power bank
Lantern photos, maps and Grab drain your battery fast. Check airline power bank rules before flying.
View on Shopee →Stay online in Chiang Mai
Crowds and road closures make Grab and maps essential. Install a Thai eSIM before you fly.
Thailand 5G eSIM (AIS)
- Install in Malaysia, activates when you land
- No roaming charges
- Instant QR code in the Klook app
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar. Check the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official schedule before you book.
Frequently asked questions
When is Loy Krathong 2026?
Loy Krathong falls on 25 November 2026, the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month. In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng is celebrated on 24–25 November, with official events running about 24–26 November.
Can you release sky lanterns anywhere in Chiang Mai?
No. Releasing sky lanterns in Chiang Mai city is restricted for air safety and fire reasons. Mass lantern releases happen at designated, ticketed events outside the city, so book one of those if releasing a lantern is your goal.
How do I get from Malaysia to Chiang Mai?
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai directly, or fly to Bangkok and connect on a short domestic flight. Book early, because flights around the festival fill up and prices rise.
What is the difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng?
Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand by floating small decorated baskets (krathong) on rivers. Yi Peng is the northern Lanna festival in Chiang Mai, known for sky lanterns. They happen at the same time, so in Chiang Mai you can see both.
Do I need a visa for Chiang Mai?
Malaysians can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. You still need to submit the free TDAC arrival card online before you arrive.
