Yi Peng 2026 in Chiang Mai: 24–25 November (est.), no lanterns in the city, releases only at licensed events

Yi is Northern Thai for "two" and peng means full-moon day, so Yi Peng is the full moon of the second Lanna month. That full moon matches the twelfth month of the central Thai calendar, which is why Yi Peng and Loy Krathong share a night.

Traditionally the festival lasts three days. The first is for preparing offerings, the second for making merit and giving alms at the temple, and on the third night the whole city is lit up.

In 2026 the full moon of the twelfth Thai month is on Tuesday 24 November, and Yi Peng is expected on 24–25 November. In 2027 Loy Krathong falls on Saturday 13 November, so Yi Peng is expected on 13–14 November. Book once Chiang Mai Province publishes the programme and the licensed events.

Khom kwaen: hanging lanterns for gates, temples and streets.

Khom thuea: lanterns carried by hand, often rabbit-ear (khom hoo gratai) or lotus-petal (khom kleeb bua) shaped.

Khom phad: the candle inside heats the air and turns the shade.

Khom loy: the sky lantern, also called khom fai, now released only at licensed events.

Phang prateep are small clay oil lamps lit at temples, houses and along streets on the third night.

The 2026 programme has not been published yet. In 2025 the full moon fell on 5 November and Chiang Mai's Lanna light festival ran from 3 to 6 November, which gives a fair idea of the rhythm.

3 November: tens of thousands of clay lamps lit along the moat. After the opening ceremony more than 500 dancers processed from Tha Phae Gate along Ratchadamnoen and Phra Pokklao roads to the Three Kings Monument.

3–5 November: an evening cultural walk through the old city from 6 pm.

4–5 November: lamp-lighting ceremonies and community workshops at the Three Kings Monument.

6 November: Chiang Mai Municipality's grand Yi Peng parade from 6 pm.

The 2025 provincial order covered the aviation safety zone and the Level 1 special surveillance zone (the red zone): all of Mueang Chiang Mai and Hang Dong districts and parts of Saraphi, San Sai, Mae Rim and San Pa Tong, 39 subdistricts across 6 districts. Sky lanterns, fire lanterns and fireworks were banned there.

Approved sites could release lanterns on 5–6 November from 7 pm to 1 am the next morning. Daytime smoke lanterns were allowed only on 5 November from 10 am to noon, and never inside the aviation safety zone.

Releasing without permission or inside the zone carried up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. If a lantern caused a fire, the maximum rose to 7 years and 140,000 baht. The 2026 zone and hours will be announced again.

To release a lantern yourself, join a permitted event outside the no-release zone. Organisers sell their own tickets and places are limited. Before booking, check three things: the site is outside the zone, the date and hours match the permit, and the organiser is on the list published by Chiang Mai Province.

Use the lantern the organiser hands out and let go only once the hot air has filled it. Hand burnt fuel cells to staff or leave them at the marked point.

These sites are outside the city and in 2025 the permitted window ran until 1 am, so confirm the ride back with the organiser.

The lamp-lighting and parades in the old city happen at night, with dense crowds and open flames along Tha Phae Gate and the parade route, and the licensed lantern events outside the city can run into the small hours. With children or relatives who walk slowly, the old-city parades are far easier than an out-of-town release, and it helps to fix a meeting point before setting out.

In 2025 the parades and lamp-lighting centred on Tha Phae Gate, Ratchadamnoen Road and the Three Kings Monument. Stay in the old city or near Tha Phae Gate and you can walk back at night.

For a licensed event outside the city, ask whether the organiser runs a shuttle. If not, book your return ride in advance.

The second day of Yi Peng is for making merit at temples. Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering a shrine hall.

Krathongs are floated on the same night. Pick ones made of banana trunk and banana leaves rather than polystyrene.