In November 2024, Chiang Mai will welcome Yi Peng and Loy Krathong holidays from November 14 to 16. The city will be filled with sky lanterns, floating krathongs, parades and traditional Lanna performances. You can explore and experience the unique blend of these two festivals.

Overview of the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong The festivals are celebrated together in Chiang Mai, showcasing Thai culture with beautiful lights and traditional ceremonies.

What is Yi Peng Festival?

Yi Peng is a northern Thai celebration held during the full moon of November 12, the Thai lunar month, usually in November. People release thousands of lanterns, called khom loy, into the sky to escape misfortunes and make wishes for the future. The festival also includes temple ceremonies, cultural performances and displays of colorful lanterns that light up the city.

What is the Loy Krathong festival?

Loy Krathong is a three-day festival celebrated throughout Thailand in honor of the goddess of water. People create krathongs – small baskets decorated with banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense – and release them into rivers. This act symbolizes letting go of past mistakes and inviting good fortune. The festival also features floating baskets, music and dancing.

Dates and calendar for 2024

The festivities will begin with an opening ceremony on November 14. Over the next few days, visitors will be able to enjoy lantern releases, cultural performances, parades and fireworks.

Key events and highlights

Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals offer many exciting events that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.

Lantern and krathong outings

During Yi Peng, people release thousands of lanterns into the sky, symbolizing letting go of misfortunes and fulfilling wishes. Crowds gather at designated areas like the Three Kings Monument to watch the sky fill with bright lanterns during Yi Peng.

Meanwhile, Loy Krathong involves floating krathongs on water to honor the water goddess. Along the Ping River, most people celebrate Loy Krathong by floating krathongs on the water. Together, these events create a magical spectacle.

Parades

The festivals feature colorful parades with passers-by and performers in traditional Lanna clothing. Local businesses and corporations also participate, adding a modern touch to the cultural exhibition. Parades move through the city, accompanied by traditional music and dances. Monks, artisans and representatives of local businesses also join the party, adding spiritual, artistic and modern elements to the celebrations.

The Best Places to Celebrate in Chiang Mai

There are several excellent places in Chiang Mai to experience Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Each location offers unique festivities and cultural highlights.

Nawarat Bridge

Address: Q2Q3+2QR, Charoen Muang Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000

The Nawarat Bridge, which crosses the Ping River in Chiang Mai, is a favorite spot during the Loy Krathong festival. Many people come here to release krathongs (small floats made of flowers and candles) into the river. It’s a way to let go of past mistakes and start fresh.

The river fills with glowing lights, creating a magnificent scene. Around the bridge there are also cultural performances with dancers in traditional clothing and music from the region. This makes the festival a wonderful blend of beauty and culture that people of all ages enjoy.

Tha Phae Gate

Address: Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Tha Phae Gate is the starting point of the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. The opening ceremony attracts a large crowd, eager to see the traditional rituals and take part in the celebrations. The neighborhood comes alive with bright lights, colorful decorations and lively shows.

The streets around Tha Phae Gate are full of people listening to music, dancers in traditional outfits, and food stalls offering local treats. The entire place buzzes with energy, creating a joyful atmosphere where everyone comes together to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the festival.

Three Kings Monument

Address: QXRP+3WX, Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

The Three Kings Monument is a wonderful place to enjoy the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. The area around the monument is decorated with colorful lanterns and flags, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.

The soft glow of the lanterns adds warmth to the night, making it a great place to take photos and relax. Traditional performances take place here, with dancers and musicians showing the rich culture of the region. Nearby, food stalls offer a variety of delicious Thai snacks, from sweet desserts to spicy treats, allowing people to enjoy both the sights and flavors of the festival.

iron bridge

Address: Q2M3+HRW, Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000

The Iron Bridge is a great place to take photos during the Loy Krathong festival. The bridge itself is decorated with colorful lights that glow at night, creating a magical atmosphere. Lights from nearby restaurants and bars add even more color, making the entire neighborhood look lively and festive.

The reflections of these lights on the Ping River create a truly beautiful shimmering effect that is perfect for photos. Many people gather on the bridge to take photos and enjoy the view, making it one of the busiest spots during the festival.

Khlong Mae Kha

Address: 9 Sridonchai Rd, Haiya Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

Khlong Mae Kha is a peaceful place to enjoy the Loy Krathong festival, away from the busy crowds. The canal is decorated with beautiful lanterns that gently illuminate the area, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Traditional ceremonies and performances take place here, giving people the opportunity to see local customs up close.

The gentle flow of the water and bright lanterns make it a great place for those who want a calmer experience during the festival. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants to relax, admire the beauty of the decorations and learn about the local culture.

In this video from the Sammy and Tommy YouTube channel, you can see the titular couple passing by some of the locations mentioned, including the Three Kings Monument, and taking part in the festivities.

Tips for Attending Festivals

To fully enjoy the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai, keep these tips in mind.

Safety instructions

• Be careful when triggering the lantern to avoid accidents.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially near the Ping River.
• Keep your belongings safe in busy areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes when walking through busy streets.
• Use eco-friendly lanterns to protect the environment.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks if necessary.

Plan your visit

• Plan your visit a few days before November 14 if you want to attend the festivals early.
• Book accommodation near Tha Phae Gate or Ping River early for easy access.
• Arrange transportation in advance, as there will be many visitors.
• Create a schedule for key events like temple ceremonies, parades and fireworks.
• Pack clothes for the cool evenings and hot days typical of November in Chiang Mai.

THE Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festivals in Chiang Mai bring together beautiful traditions, cultural performances and community celebrations. From November 14 to 16, you can see thousands of sky lanterns, floating krathongs and lively parades. Key locations like the Ping River, Tha Phae Gate and the Old City Moat offer unique experiences. Whether you enjoy watching lanterns light up the sky, releasing a krathong or exploring night markets, these festivals offer a rich cultural experience. Plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the magic of Chiang Mai’s magnificent festivals.

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