Yi Peng in Chiang Mai – how to celebrate Thailand’s magical lantern festival

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through travel content around November, chances are you’ve paused in awe at images of glowing lanterns drifting skyward, filling the night with light and wonder. Year after year, those scenes flood Instagram feeds, leaving many of us vowing that next year, we’ll finally be there in person. Well, maybe this is the year to stop double-tapping from afar and step into the magic yourself, because no photo or video can capture the atmosphere of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai quite like being in the middle of it.

With this year’s festivities fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know to join in respectfully, joyfully, and with a touch of queer sparkle.

What Yi Peng is all about

Yi Peng (sometimes written Yee Peng) is one of Northern Thailand’s most beautiful and spiritually significant traditions. Rooted in Lanna culture, the festival falls on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month – usually in November – and is celebrated in tandem with Loy Krathong, the nationwide Festival of Lights. While Loy Krathong centres on floating baskets called krathongs along rivers and canals, Yi Peng is defined by the release of glowing sky lanterns, known as khom loi, into the night sky.

The act is more than just a picture-perfect spectacle. Each lantern carries with it a wish for the future, while symbolically letting go of misfortune and negativity. Historically, the ritual has been about renewal, merit-making, and inviting prosperity for the year ahead.

Where to experience Yi Peng in Chiang Mai

If there’s one place to be during Yi Peng, it’s Chiang Mai. The former Lanna capital is the festival’s spiritual home, and the celebrations here range from intimate temple ceremonies to dazzling citywide spectacles. Here are some of the best spots to take it all in:

Tha Phae Gate & the Old City

This is where the energy is at its peak. The Old City’s streets come alive with parades, cultural performances, food stalls, and endless lanterns strung across courtyards and alleyways.

Ping River

While Yi Peng lights up the skies, Loy Krathong shines on the water. Head to the banks of the Ping River to watch thousands of krathongs drift away, carrying with them prayers for good fortune.

Temples

Chiang Mai’s temples hold some of the most atmospheric ceremonies during Yi Peng. Wat Phan Tao, in particular, is known for its monks’ candlelit procession in front of the wooden viharn, while Wat Lok Molee is beautifully adorned with traditional lanterns. Attending a temple event is a powerful way to experience the festival’s spiritual side.

Organised lantern release events

If you’ve ever seen those famous images of thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky at once, chances are they were taken at an organised mass release. These ticketed events are held just outside the city (such as at Mae Jo University grounds or dedicated festival sites) and offer a safe, coordinated way to be part of the magic.

How to take part

Joining Yi Peng is as simple as picking up a lantern, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to do it right. Always opt for eco-friendly, biodegradable lanterns sold at temples or official vendors, and release them in designated areas to avoid hazards. The same goes for Loy Krathong – krathongs made from natural materials like banana leaves are encouraged, while plastic ones are a big no.

Beyond that, it’s all about balance. Spend some time at a temple to appreciate the festival’s spiritual roots, then head to the Old City or Ping River to soak up the buzz. Dress comfortably for cool evenings, keep your camera ready, and remember that it’s not just about the spectacle, it’s about renewal, gratitude, and sharing the moment with everyone around you.

LGBTQ+ entertainment during the festival

Once the candles burn low and the waterways quieten, Chiang Mai’s queer nightlife scene takes over, and it’s every bit as dazzling as the lanterns you spent the evening photographing.

Ram Bar leads the charge with its campy, high-octane entertainment that pulls in crowds from across the city. Expect plenty of sequins and drag acts that don’t quit until the early hours.

Then there’s Adam’s Apple Club, a name that’s become legendary in Chiang Mai. For more than three decades, this proudly queer institution has been the go-to spot for dazzling cabaret and electrifying go-go performances. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s an unmissable part of the city’s after-dark scene.

Recommended hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is as hospitable as it is charming, and the region has no shortage of LGBTQ+ welcoming stays that offer the utmost comfort and style:

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort sits right on the Ping River, blending contemporary design with serene gardens and a riverside pool. It’s the perfect retreat after an evening of lantern releases. For something boutique and intimate, 137 Pillars House offers colonial-era architecture reimagined with modern flair, complete with lush courtyards and suites that feel like private sanctuaries. If you’d rather escape the city buzz, Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery delivers sweeping mountain views, infinity pools, and a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the festival’s energy.

Looking for more options? Explore our collection of LGBTQ+ friendly hotels across Northern Thailand to find your perfect match.