Why Stay in Chiang Mai?
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is one of Asia's most magical events. On the full moon of November, thousands of illuminated paper lanterns are released simultaneously into the night sky, creating a river of golden light that rises slowly above the ancient temple city. The sight of thousands of floating lanterns against the velvet darkness is genuinely breathtaking.
Hotels within Chiang Mai's Old City moat offer the best location for the lantern celebrations. The historic temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, become centres for candle-lit ceremonies. Many hotels arrange private lantern-releasing experiences on their rooftop terraces, offering an intimate alternative to the large public events.
The mass lantern release events are held at venues outside the city centre, with the Mae Jo event being the most famous. Hotels can arrange transport to these private events, which require advance tickets. Within the Old City, smaller organic lantern releases happen throughout the evening along the Ping River and at various temple grounds.
Yi Peng coincides with Loy Krathong, the Thai festival of floating baskets. Small, decorated baskets with candles are placed on the Ping River, creating a mirrored effect — lanterns rising into the sky above while krathong float gently on the water below. Chiang Mai's combination of both festivals makes it the most spectacular location in Thailand.