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There are few sites as majestic as the night sky during Chiang Mai Lantern Festival.
Held towards the end of the year, the festival sees the skies and waterways of this ancient city filled with dancing light. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand at any time, but this spectacle has a beauty that can’t be captured by photographs, and is a truly brilliant occasion to be in the city.
What are the origins of Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
Chiang Mai Lantern Festival is held in honour of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festival.
The former, which translates roughly to “float a buoyant basket,” has roots that weave through the rich mix of cultures that have made modern Thailand. There are influences from Diwali, as well as links to animist traditions honouring local goddesses of water. Thailand’s Buddhist make-up also plays a role in the story of the festival, with many of the major rituals having their origins in merit making practices.
Yi Peng is celebrated during the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar, which is the same as the twelfth month of the Thai version. This is where the sky lamp elements of Chiang Mai Lantern Festival comes from.
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When is Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival takes place on the 12th full moon according to the Thai Lunar calendar. In Gregorian terms, this usually means November.
In Chiang Mai the celebrations last three days, although preparations begin earlier, and there will be smaller events in the days preceding the festival proper. If you are keen and arrive too early for even the pre-festivities then have no fear, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai.
How is Chiang Mai Lantern Festival celebrated?
A reason why Thailand is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia is because of the vibrancy of local festivals and events. This reputation is borne out by Chiang Mai Lantern Festival.
During the celebrations light quenches the night all over the city. Temples are adorned with oil lamps and lanterns, and the main waterways filled with flames and floral offerings.
Locals make floating lamps which are then released into the sky. This action symbolises letting go of bad luck, and invites good fortune. Lamps are also lit at temples and homes, making for an ethereal scene as you wind through the city.
One of the most popular temples to visit during Chiang Mai Lantern festival is at Wat Phan Tao, an unassuming wooden building in the heart of the city that blazes with light and colour during the festivities.
If you want a livelier atmosphere, then set up camp near the East Gate of the old city, Pratu Tha Pae, or along Tha Pae Road. There, you’re guaranteed to see vibrant processions, as well as countless locals launching their krathong offerings into the water.
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How can tourists get involved during Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
Like many festivals in Asia, there are countless events, parades, and other goings-on throughout the city during Chiang Mai Lantern Festival. However, unless you can read and speak Thai, the best way to find something to do is usually to stumble across it.
Many locations will allow you to make and release your own lanterns, and you can even bring one back as a souvenir from Thailand. Some popular lantern releases at temples are ticketed, as are many of the best vantage points by the water. These spots are great for getting the perfect snap, but simply meandering through the city and bathing in the atmosphere is an experience like no other.
When is Chiang Mai Lantern Festival?
Chiang Mai Lantern Festival usually falls in November. In 2025 it will take place between November 5-7.
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Where in Chiang Mai is the Lantern Festival?
Chiang Mai Lantern Festival takes place all over the city. However, the best places to see it from are by the waterways, and from rooftops. Temples are also great locations to soak in the beauty.
