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Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are two festivals serving as significant spiritual occasions for Thai Buddhists, who make up nearly 90% of the country’s population. Releasing krathongs and lanterns during these festivals symbolize letting go of misfortunes and bad luck from the previous year. Additionally, they allow Buddhists to pay respect to Buddha and the water goddess.

In recent years Loy Krathong and Yi Peng have become highly recognized internationally. Although learning and partaking in festivals outside of our own countries and cultures can be beautiful, these are traditional, religious events. Being respectful, keeping quiet during prayers, covering shoulders and legs, and wearing appropriate clothing is important for guests/ visitors.

About Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Certain cities—Bangkok, Chaing Mai, and Sukhothai—hold larger and more notable festivals. In the Thai language “loy” means to float while “krathong” traditionally refers to a piece of banana trunk decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candles, and incense sticks. When combined, the two terms basically mean “floating basket.” During Loy Krathong the Thai people believe that as the krathong floats on the water, negative emotions and bad luck are released.

A krathong has four symbolic components:

1. Candle = knowledge and wisdom.
2. Incense stick = purity and sympathy
3. Flowers = worship of monks who are disciples of Buddha.
4. Worshipping item = merit for deceased ancestors.

Tip #1: In addition to these four pieces, strands of hair, nail clippings, or even bits of unused clothes are often placed into personal krathongs to expel any negative energy or bad luck. I was encouraged to cut a small chunk of my hair off and place it into my krathong by a local, which I totally did!

About Yi Peng Festival

Yi Peng is a lantern festival that is primarily celebrated in Northern Thailand alongside Loy Krathong, as the Yi Peng festival originates from the Lanna Kingdom. The Lanna Kingdom is a historic region of Thailand that was comprised of multiple ethnic groups and tribes. The region was gradually assimilated into the country of Thailand. Yet the leaders encouraged retaining and practicing various aspects of Lanna culture, helping keep the culture alive.

During Yi Peng, paper lanterns (“khom loi”) are released into the sky. Similar to releasing krathongs, Buddhists believe that releasing lanterns during the full moon rids individuals of bad luck while creating good fortune for the year ahead. Making wishes and thinking positive thoughts are encouraged while releasing lanterns into the sky. There are plenty of other activities in Chiang Mai beside the lantern release, such as traditional Thai dances, the official parade near Old City and Tha Phae Road, live music, and markets.

Tip #2: Lanterns are only a piece of the Yi Peng festivities. Yi Peng is a time when locals go to temple to offer lanterns to the monks, listen to the monks pray, and meditate.

Popular Spots in Chiang Mai

There are numerous spots to partake in and observe the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivities throughout Chiang Mai. Some places are “better” than others for photography purposes, but all are great spots to appreciate these unique events.

Wat Phan Tao: A local temple in Old City where monks light lanterns and hold onto them. (They no longer release the lanterns here.) Do not bring your lantern with you if you’re going to Wat Phan Tao or other temples—they are not allowed inside the temples. Dress accordingly, too.

Tha Phae Gate: Tha Phae Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai. It is located on the eastern side of Old City and is a great place to see colorful lanterns. I’m unsure if lanterns can be released in this area, though.

Ping River and Nawarat Bridge: Many locals and tourists come down here to release krathongs and lanterns from the banks of the Ping River. The Nawarat Bridge is also a popular meeting point. It gets very crowded here, so be prepared!

Mae Jo University: For that amazing photo op where everybody releases the lanterns at the same time in a small space, the best place is Mae Jo University. The big release typically happens at 6:30 pm, but attendees should arrive well in advance to get a good spot.

Wat Chai Mongkhon: A smaller temple where local people tend to release their krathongs into the river and lanterns safely into the sky with the help of the resident monks. I would strongly advise tourists/ visitors to go here to strictly observe and not partake in anything.

Important Information about Loy Krathong and Yi Peng

• Loy Krathong and Yi Peng take place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar, this usually falls in November. However, the exact dates of the festivals change every year.
• Yi Peng lanterns can only be released after 7:00 pm and before 1:00 am. There are certain areas where lanterns are not allowed to be released, as well. Pay attention to all signs, as you could end up paying a large fine for not following rules.
• Be responsible and do not release your lantern into power lines, trees, and other people! There were far too many inconsiderate and unaware individuals releasing lanterns when I was in Chiang Mai.
• There are Yi Peng ceremonies set up for tourists, which are held during and after the actual festival. They tend to involve more mass lantern lightings/ releases. In the past, tickets have been $100+ USD and typically include a meal, transportation, and lanterns.
• There is an environmental impact from these festivals. Krathongs often have staples or small plastic bits, causing pollution. Natural materials in krathongs are biodegradable, but the massive quantities can pollute the river if they remain uncollected. Similarly, what goes up must come down and lanterns can be found everywhere after the festival.
• This is a very popular travel time for the small city of Chiang Mai. Accommodation is limited and can be very expensive if booking too late. It is best to book ahead of time and plan accordingly.

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Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are magical celebrations! Thai people are incredibly kind and the locals were very eager to teach me about different aspects of their culture surrounding these festivities. I encourage people to travel and partake in festivities across the globe, but do urge mindful, respectful, and conscientious behavior in the process!

Peace & happy travels,

Tay