Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai: Date, Schedule & Tips

Loy Krathong Festival (ลอยกระทง) is one of the most important festivals in Thailand and is celebrated all over the country. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience this impressive festival thanks to the beautiful coincidence that two lantern festivals (Loy Krathong and Yi Peng) which usually fall on the same day.

In 2024, Loy Krathong and Yee Peng will take place in Chiang Mai from 5 - 6 November 2025.

What and Where to Experience Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai 

The 2024 Loy Krathong and Yee Peng festivals will take place from the 15th of November till the 16th of November. There will be plenty of activities taking place, all around the city, mainly at the Three Kings Monument and at Tha Pae Gate.

1. Float your Krathong on the Ping River

The essence of Loy Krathong is in its name: "loy" means "to float" and "krathong" is a slice of the trunk of the banana plant, decorated with flowers and banana leaf. 

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly when people gather to float their krathong into the Ping River, symbolizing letting go of negative energy and making wishes for the future.

Head to the banks of the Ping River to float your krathong alongside the locals. The best spots to release are Nawarat Bridge and the Iron Bridge along the Ping River.

You can find special krathongs for sale or make your own with materials like flowers, candles, and incense. Dining in a riverside restaurant to watch the krathong floating by during dinner is also very nice.

2. Attend Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Yi Peng is a part of Loy Krathong celebrated with the release of thousands of sky lanterns into the night sky.

In 2022 authorities banned the release of sky lanterns in Chiang Mai.

Now, only a few privately organized events, such as the Chiang Mai CAD and the event near Mae Jo University, offer locals and tourists opportunities to enjoy traditional performances, witness the lighting of lanterns, and release their own lanterns into the sky.

Joining one of these events has become a bucket list item for many people.

Book a ticket for Chiang Mai CAD and be part of this unforgettable experience. 

3. Enjoy the Giant Parade

The Giant Parade is another highlight of the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. It typically takes place in the evening and features a vibrant procession of illuminated floats, performers, musicians, and dancers.

As the procession moves through the streets of Chiang Mai, you can witness traditional performances, cultural displays, and various forms of artistic expression.

To get the best view of the Giant Parade in Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, there are a few recommended locations: the Pae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, Thapae Road, and along the river banks  particularly around the Loi Kroh Road area.

Remember that the best places to view the parade can get crowded quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing position.

4. Light Oil Lamps at Wat Phan Tao

If you don't like battling with crowds, a temple might be a better place to experience a respectful festive atmosphere, such as Wat Phan Tao (just west of Tha Phae Gate).

At Wat Pan Tao, you will see monks giving a blessing and releasing lanterns in front of a Buddha statue. The temple will be decorated with hundreds of oil lamps and lanterns.

5. Three Kings Monument

Three Kings Monument is a significant location for the Loy Krathong celebration in Chiang Mai. The monument itself holds cultural and historical significance, and during Loy Krathong, it became a central hub for festivities.

At Three Kings Monument, you can expect to find various traditional activities and performances during the Loy Krathong celebration. These may include Krathong-making workshops, traditional dance performances, lantern lighting, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions.

6. Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate is another popular location for the Loy Krathong celebration in Chiang Mai, known for its vibrant atmosphere during the festival.

You can enjoy live music and traditional dances, explore the bustling street market to enjoy local street food, and participate in or simply enjoy traditional contests including beauty pageants, krathong-making competitions, and cultural showcases.

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Events Schedule for Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival

During the period of the festival, there will be a variety of celebration activities in Chiang Mai. Here is the schedule for the 2024 Chiang Mai Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) Festival, for reference.

Suggested read: How to Best Experience Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tips for Attending Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai

1. Check the dates. Because the dates of the festivals are based on the Thai lunar calendar, the exact dates of the lantern festival in Chiang Mai change every year. Check the exact dates before planning your trip (though the forecast dates tend to be fairly accurate).

2. Book your flight early. During the period of the Loy Krathong Festival, air tickets to Chiang Mai are scarce and expensive. So, if you want to go during the holiday season, it is best to book your itinerary in advance.

3. Book your hotel early. The Loy Krathong festival is the busiest time in Chiang Mai. Thousands of tourists flock to the city and hotel rooms are often in short supply. Book yours as early as possible. The best place to stay for the festival is the old town area, where there are many hotels within walking distance of the many activities.

4. Release lanterns at a specified place within the specified times. People are allowed to release krathongs and lanterns only from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at certain places during the Loy Krathong Festival. If released at other times, it is illegal.

5. Pay attention to your dress. Loi Krathong and Yee Peng are both Buddhist festivals. It is important to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees when you attend celebration activities and release lanterns.

Experience Chiang Mai Loy Krathong Festival with Asia Highlights

If you plan to go to Chiang Mai only once in your life, go in November! With the Loi Krathong Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai has become a well-deserved focus of Thailand travel in November each year. Take a look at some of our most popular lantern festival tours and start dreaming about your trip to amazing Thailand.