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The Yi Peng Khomloy lantern festival in Chiang Mai is one of the most atmospheric events of November in Thailand, when thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky over the north of the country. In 2026, the festival with an organized lantern launch will take place November 24–25 at the venue CAD Cultural Center Lanna in the Mae On district outside Chiang Mai. This is not a spontaneous city festival but a separate event with its own grounds, where the launch of khomloy (sky lanterns) is carried out in a centralized, scripted way. For travelers, this is a chance to see the famous “river of light” in a safe, organized format and to combine the trip with the traditions of northern Loi Krathong. Below we cover what the festival is, when and where it takes place, what to expect on site, and how to plan the visit. It is best to check the exact program details and conditions on the official event page.
What is the festival?
Yi Peng is a traditional festival of Lanna northern culture, celebrated in Chiang Mai and the surrounding area on the full moon of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Its main symbol is khomloypaper sky lanterns that are released into the sky. According to local belief, by releasing a lantern, a person lets go of the misfortunes of the passing year and makes a good wish for the future. Yi Peng is historically intertwined with the pan-Thai festival Loi Krathong, when woven “boats” with candles are set adrift on the water, so during these days northern Thailand literally glows both on the ground and in the sky.
The CAD Yi Peng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival is an organized version of the festival at a separate cultural center venue. Unlike spontaneous launches in the city, here the mass lantern release is coordinated, which matters both for the spectacle and for safety. For the detailed program, ceremonies, and related activities, check the official website — the format may change from year to year.
When and where it is held
The 2026 festival takes place November 24–25 at the venue CAD Cultural Center Lanna in the district of Mae On, Chiang Mai Province — an area outside the city center, in scenic countryside at the foot of the mountains. Yi Peng’s dates are tied to the lunar calendar and shift every year, so go by the specific dates of the event rather than a “typical” November.
The organizers publish the exact ceremony start time, gate opening, and lantern launch schedule separately — check current hours on the official page of the event before your trip. Since the venue is in Mae On, not in Chiang Mai itself, allow time for the trip from the city. If you are planning a visit, it is useful to look ahead at our Chiang Mai guide — it covers basic information on districts and transport.
Traditions and how it is celebrated
The climax of Yi Peng — the mass launch of sky lanterns, when hundreds and thousands of lights rise into the darkness at the same time. This is exactly the picture people travel to Chiang Mai in November for. Before the launch, there are usually ceremonial and cultural segments: traditional Lanna attire, music, candles, and rituals that create a calm, almost meditative mood. As they release their lanterns, guests make a wish for the future — many people call this moment the highlight of the trip.
Alongside the sky lanterns, during Loi Krathong, people set adrift on the water krathongs — small floating offerings with candles and flowers. At an organized venue like CAD, the organizers set the cultural program, workshops, and launch order, so the specific schedule, list of activities, and included items should be checked on the official website. To immerse yourself more deeply in the northern atmosphere before or after the festival, take a look at the Chiang Mai temples — many of them are especially beautifully decorated during these days.
Practical tips for tourists
The venue is in Mae On, away from central Chiang Mai, so plan your transfer in advance: a taxi, Grab, or an organized transfer from the organizer — there is little public transport there. Leave with time to spare, especially in the evening when many guests head there. Dress for the weather: November evenings in the north can be cool, so a light layer will come in handy.
Since this is an event at a separate venue, check entry conditions, prices, and what participation includes on the official page — https://yipenglanternfestival.in.th/event/chiang-mai-cad-yi-peng-khomloy-sky-lantern-festival-2026/ — and book in advance, as festivals like this sell out quickly. Bring cash, a charged phone or a camera for photos, and respect the ceremonial part: it is not just a show but also a tradition. After the festival, it is convenient to stay in Chiang Mai for a couple more days — in the evening, check out the Chiang Mai night markets.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When does the Yi Peng Khomloy lantern festival in Chiang Mai take place in 2026?
The event at CAD Cultural Center Lanna takes place November 24–25, 2026. Yi Peng’s dates are tied to the lunar calendar and change every year, so go by these exact dates. The exact ceremony schedule is published on the official event page.
Where exactly is the festival held?
The venue is CAD Cultural Center Lanna in the Mae On district, Chiang Mai Province. It is outside the city center, in countryside near the mountains, so allow time for the trip. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, Grab, or an organized transfer.
How much does it cost to take part, and do I need a ticket?
This is an organized event at a separate venue, so entry conditions and prices differ from spontaneous city launches. Check the current price and what participation includes on the official website, and book in advance — spots sell out quickly.
How is Yi Peng different from Loi Krathong?
Yi Peng is a northern tradition of launching sky lanterns (khomloy), while Loi Krathong is a pan-Thai festival when woven offerings with candles are set on the water. In Chiang Mai they take place on the same days and are often seen as a single festival of light.
What should I bring to the festival?
Bring cash, a charged phone or camera, and a light warm layer — November evenings in the north can be cool. Respect the ceremonial part and follow the organizers’ instructions for launching lanterns.
Conclusion
The Yi Peng Khomloy lantern festival in Chiang Mai is a chance to see the famous “reverse starfall” in an organized and safe format on November 24–25, 2026. Plan your transfer in advance, check the details on the official website, and release your own lantern into the sky over northern Thailand.