This was a bucket list experience for me and not having much information on it was frustrating. So I made sure while I was there to take notes so I could share them with you. Here are the things to look for while experiencing Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai Thailand.
Lantern Festival 2023 to be held on 27th November 2023, Monday in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Planning ahead
Knowing which dates it will be held on is tricky. It is held on the full moon day in the second month according to the Lanna lunar calendar (the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar). However with that being said I followed what days they posted and I missed the first day and the Three Kings. The actual dates don’t come out till around August and even then they are not always correct. So as of right now 2021 will start November 19th, 2022 will be November 8th and 2023 will be November 27th.
Yi Peng
This was a dream for me. We have all seen the photos of thousands of lanterns being released into the air. Yi Peng is a way to release the negativity in your life and to wish for good luck and good fortune. Well I will admit I got so caught up in the moment I forgot to make a wish or to ask for my negative vibes to go away, but at that moment I felt so free and incredible happy.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is the way Thais thank the Goddess of water, Mae Khongkha. This is the time families and friends gather to celebrate and create their lanterns. These water lanterns are made of banana truck(base) wrapped in banana leaves and decorated with flowers, a candle and incense. This is also a way to send all your bad luck down the river. More to add before you send off the bad things is a nail clipping, a strand of your hair and a coin.
Where to get your lanterns
You do not need to bring one with you unless you are looking for a more environmentally friendly one made of wood instead of wire. You can get those on amazon but with how they handle luggage these days I don’t think it will last your trip.
You will find all sizes and colors along the streets near the city center. They will cost you a few bucks but make sure you look it over before you take it. Some are damaged and you will be disappointed when your doesn’t reach the stars.
Where and when to release your lanterns
There are a few ways you can celebrate. You can do as I did with the locals, for free, yes that is correct free. You can release your lantern at the Nawarat Bridge which is just east of the Tha Phae Gate. You can also release your floating lantern in the same area. Now for the tricky part, when. I released mine on the second night there. This is where you need to ask the locals, the best people are the hotel. They have become very strict as to when you can release them as they have to stop air traffic in the area. Do not try to release outside of the time as you will get in trouble.
Or you can pay 100-300 USD per person and celebrate with any of these. They have a limited number of spaces so if you are looking for the amazing photo of thousands being released this is your option.
- The CAD Cultural Center Lanna Ethnicity which is about 140- 230 USD per person.
- Doi Saket Hot Spring which is about 120 – 220 USD per person
- Northern Study Center Maerim which is about 130 – 200 UDS per person
Tips on how to release your sky lantern
I had seen many lanterns go up and come down just as fast. Your wish will only come true if your lantern stays in the air and rises out of sight. So here is how the local man and his son showed me, and yes it floated.
Unwrap you lantern, slowly and gentle as it is very thin paper. Tip your lantern upside down with the coil to the sky. Light the coil and flip it over and pull it to the ground. Here your lantern will fill up with hot air. Once you feel the lantern start to lift on its own (about 1 or 2 minutes) rise it up and release. Do not hold on to it for long as it will burn out quickly in the air and don’t release it too early as it will crash shortly after take off.
Tip : always watch around you as lanterns are always crashing down.
Celebrations around the city
So I went here to release my past and I found myself surrounded by not only beauty but also relaxation. To see pictures of the colorful and brightly lit lanterns is nothing compared to walking the city and experiencing it for yourself. There are so many things going on you don’t want to miss a single thing but these are the top celebrations you should not miss out on.
Wat Phan Tao Young Monks
On the day before the full moon or the day of the full moon make your way to Wat Phan Tao just west of Tha Phae Gate. Here you will find young monks lighting hundreds of candles. This is not something to miss, but be warned you must go early. I made this my first stop and arrived close to 6 pm, I should have gone at 5 but I still was up close to catch this stunning celebration. It does get busy so be prepared. They do block off areas and I suggest not to go in them or you will anger not only the hosts but as well as other spectators. Be prepared to stand for a few hours and I will say it is worth every minute.
A moment of Prayer
I am not a religious person but I do have so much respect for all those find comfort and solitude in Prayer. During my visit to one of the many temples in Chiang Mai I came across young monks during prayer. This was such a blissful moment for me and I found myself standing here for quite some time. The locals that were also here participating in prayer were at such peace. So with this I do suggest taking the time to experience a moment of something you may not normally do.
Three Kings Monument
This is where the celebrations begin. Also located in Old Town you will find the Three Kings Monument. On the first day (the day I missed) they start the festival here. Still during the festival you can make your way here to see some amazing displays of art.
Night Market
You will find a few night markets throughout the old city. Here is where you should get some souvenirs. Even if this is your first stop of many getting some gifts here will save you money. If you are planning on heading South to the Islands you will find the prices much higher down there. The markets are also a great place to get some amazing food and relax after you adventurous day. A great night bazaar to visit is the Ploen Ruedee Night Market for great drinks, food and live entertainment. You will also have a great view of the lanterns in the sky.
Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is the center for everything. Already a well known place to visit in Chiang Mai here you will be surrounded by amazing lanterns stunning array of color and style. During the day you can find charity organizations providing live music and vendors selling gifts. At night it is busy with hundreds of people at a time and thousands making their way in and out of here.
Temples
There are over 100 temples throughout Chiang Mai. During the festival each one is decorated differently but all are lit up with beautiful colored lanterns. During the day or night just walking around is truly a sight to see. For a list of must visit temples
Parade
What better way to end the festivities than a parade. This is like no parade I have been to, with stunning floats filled with so much detail and stunning colors. I missed most of it but was lucky enough to have the parade end near my hotel.
Tips and warnings
So a few tips and warnings to get you ready for this incredible adventure.
- 1. Be prepared for hot over crowded areas – Each of the places I have mentioned are busy, they are spectacular and this is the reason people flock them.
- 2. Make sure you know the day of the sky lantern release if you are doing it with the locals on the bridge (the police are not friendly if you try and release on the day you are not allowed to) there is only 1 day where it is allowed.
- 3. You will see signs all over the city that releasing sky lanterns is not allowed. However as I said before there will be one day.
- 4. It is hot and sticky and humid but dress appropriate. Below the knee pants and cover your shoulders. You are a guest during their celebrations so just be respectful.
- 5. When you release your lantern do it at the bridge. As closer to the town you risk it not going up and it crashing into wires and people.
- 6. Keep an eye to the sky. Yes people will release in areas they should not, so as you are making your way there watch above you for failing lanterns.
For more things to do while visiting Chiang Mai
1 thought on “Lantern Festival Chiang Mai – Complete Guide”
Comments are closed.