There is often some confusion between Yee Peng, the Lantern Festival held in northern Thailand, and Loy Krathong, which is celebrated across the country. Since they are held at the same time, if you are in Chiang Mai in November, you will have the opportunity to participate in both of these inspiring festivals.
People often gather together to make handmade krathongs (floating baskets) out of banana leaves, flowers, incense and candles. The krathongs are then set afloat in moats across the city or on the Ping River, as a ritual to let go of the old and welcome the new.
Participants, including locals and tourists, are making krathong together.
There are also ready-made krathongs for sale in roadside shops for those who do not have the time or opportunity to make them. These “floating baskets” on the river are beautifully crafted works of art and if you are in Chiang Mai during this time, try to experience them at least once to understand how they are made as well as the Thai culture during festivals like the ones below.
Ready-made krathongs are displayed on the roadside.
After getting their krathong, people often sit on the banks of the Ping River and whisper their prayers and wishes before floating it down the river. It is believed that the wish will come true if the candle on the basket remains lit until it is out of sight. If you pay attention, you will hear cheers or sighs of relief when the candle is still burning on the krathong.
A boy is preparing to release his krathong into the river.
Floating "baskets" on the Ping River
There are also simpler, less elaborate krathongs that consist of just a simple piece of bamboo or banana tree trunk with a candle stuck in it. Since Yee Peng is the Festival of Lights, the candle symbolizes the passage from darkness into light, or the shedding of old things to welcome new beginnings.
A little girl is helping to light the candles
"Minimalist" krathongs are about to be released into the river.
The Three Kings Monument is the centerpiece of the Yee Peng festival, with hundreds of lanterns on display, and is also where parades and ceremonies take place. There are also plenty of food stalls selling traditional dishes around the city. You will see colorful lanterns lighting up the streets and swaying in the breeze as the weather begins to cool down.
A Thai woman lights a lantern at the Three Kings Monument.
Lanterns sway in the wind at the Three Kings Monument
During the festival, the streets of Chiang Mai are transformed into a fairyland as they are lit up with hundreds of candles placed outside shops and homes. Flowers are also used to decorate the streets. People often stop to admire the spectacular view, say hello to strangers, or take pictures to capture the moment.
Another must-do activity during Yee Peng is to visit a local temple decorated with colorful lanterns and candles. Not only is it a great place to come and reflect, it also makes for a perfect backdrop for some amazing photos.
A woman attending the ceremony is lighting a candle.
During this festival of lights, people are also curious and look forward to the most activity of releasing sky lanterns. Khom loy (sky lanterns) are released into the sky with the meaning of wishing for good luck. When a lantern inflates, those holding it will make a wish and then release it into the sky, floating with thousands of other lanterns - an extremely beautiful scene that makes everyone amazed.
Yee Peng is a Buddhist festival that marks the change of seasons and is also about letting go of old things and welcoming new beginnings in one's life. The festival is adapted from Brahmanical origins and has close ties to the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
Monks light candles on an ancient stupa
Four monks light candles outside a temple
A monk is lighting a candle at a temple.
Another highlight is that many of the participants will be dressed in traditional Lanna costumes. The festival also features a parade at the tourist hotspot Tha Pae Gate, where the best Lanna costumes are on display. The parade has a celebratory atmosphere and is well worth experiencing.
A woman wearing Lanna clothing walks in a temple
Visitors will also see novice monks meditating amid a carpet of candles at Wat Phan Tao in the heart of the Old City. This is a quintessential image of Chiang Mai’s Yee Peng festival. Monks don’t usually go out at night, but during Yee Peng they can join in and bask in the glow of the lights.
Monks sit and meditate surrounded by candles
The Yee Peng Festival is held annually on the full moon day of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November. If you decide to visit during this time, you should book your flights and accommodation early as this is a very "hot" festival and all services will increase in price and fill up quickly. Other towns in northern Thailand also celebrate Yee Peng, but nowhere can you experience a better Festival of Lights than Chiang Mai.
