Nuts and Bolts: How to Celebrate Yi Peng in Chiang Mai

Rand Blimes
May 4
3 min read

Updated: May 5

Four people release a glowing lantern into the night sky. Their hands grasp the edges; the scene is lit warmly against a dark background. — Holding a lantern just before it is ready to take off

This page has some travel tips on how to celebrate Yi Peng in Chiang Mai to aid in planning your own trip. Remember, we are a family of five, and we travel mostly to eat. We were at Yi Peng in November, 2015 (although I have done my best to update this information to 2025). If your trip to Yi Peng is significantly different from ours, you may have a very different experience.

When to Celebrate Yi Peng in Chiang Mai?

Yi Peng typically takes place in November, aligned with the full moon of the twelfth lunar month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The exact dates shift each year, so check local event listings when planning your trip.

Where to See Lantern Releases (Post–Mae Jo Era)

Mae Jo University

The famous Mae Jo University mass release was discontinued in 2015 due to safety concerns and overcrowding. It’s not likely to return.

Tha Phae Gate & Ping River

Most casual lantern releases now happen around Tha Phae Gate and along the Ping River. These are accessible locations and offer that stunning visual of lanterns rising over Chiang Mai’s skyline.

Wats (Temples)

Many local temples host smaller, more intimate releases that often retain the spiritual tone of Yi Peng. Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City are good options.

Ticketed Events

There are now several organized (and pricey) mass release events around Chiang Mai, often marketed to tourists. They offer coordinated lantern launches, seating, and cultural performances. Search for “Yi Peng mass release tickets” if you want that iconic experience (but expect to pay $100+ per person). As usual, if you take this options you will be paying more money to insulate yourself from the real thing. But you will get cool pictures.

Where to Buy Lanterns

Vendors pop up everywhere in the Old City and along the river on the nights of Yi Peng.
Prices range from 50 to 150 baht per lantern.
Pro tip: Buy early in the evening to avoid price gouging or sell-outs.

Launching a Lantern: How To

Light the fuel cell inside the lantern.
Hold the lantern upright and let it fill with hot air.
Wait—you’ll feel it gently pull upward.
Release when ready and watch it join the glowing sky parade.

If you’re my wife: Light. Hold. And then chuck it skyward prematurely. This is not advised unless you enjoy panic and small accidental fires.

Tips for a Better Yi Peng Experience

Arrive early—especially near Tha Phae Gate and temples, which get crowded fast.
Be patient—this is Thailand, and things run on “sabai sabai” time (laid back).
Respect the tradition—take photos, but don’t block locals or disrupt ceremonies. Don’t try to turn Yi Peng into a party.
Bring a lighter—you’ll need one, and vendors often charge extra if you forget.

Other Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Activities

Make a krathong (floating offering) and release it into the river.
Visit temples offering lantern decorating workshops.
Watch the parades and enjoy the food stalls set up all around Chiang Mai during festival week.

Final Thought

No matter where you launch your lantern, remember the spirit of Yi Peng: letting go of the past, sending your worries skyward, and making space for new hopes.

Because travel.