Places & culture
Yi Peng, Loy Krathong and sky lanterns: checks before joining
Distinguish floating krathong, city decorations and sky-lantern releases, then check organiser permissions and the programme.
Start with these three things
- Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng festivities include floating krathong on the river, lantern decorations around the city and decorated floats.
- Sky-lantern releases are restricted by location. Before joining, check that the organiser has permission for the release.
- The next city programme and permitted release areas and times remain unverified. Check the latest city and organiser announcements.
Steps
"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.
- Tip Decide whether you want to watch floating krathong, walk around the city decorations or attend a ticketed event.
- If joining a sky-lantern event, ask the organiser about permission to sell and release lanterns.
- Tip Before booking, read the venue name, meeting point, transport arrangements, return drop-off and cancellation conditions together.
- Tip Share the venue contact and return meeting point with your companions, and plan to turn back if crowds become too dense.
What to prepare
Planning tips (not official rules)
- For a ticketed event, check what you purchased and what the organiser asks you to bring. Unverified items are not treated as universal requirements.
- Prepare comfortable shoes, backup phone power and a note showing your destination for the return journey, according to your transport plans.
Where to ask
Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Mai Office / individual event organisers
TAT Chiang Mai Office: 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, T.Wat Gate, A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Information is available in English and Thai.
Office opening hours are not yet confirmed. Check with the office before visiting.
Search this name on a mapThings to watch for
- The official introduction also includes a past programme. Do not use old dates as meeting times for the next event; compare them with the organiser’s latest announcement.
Planning tips (not official rules)
- Do not assume that a lantern sold at a venue can be released anywhere. Check release conditions before participating.
Lights on the river and lights in the sky
Loy Krathong is described as a tradition of floating krathong to express gratitude for water. In Chiang Mai, highlights include activities along the Ping River, lanterns around Tha Phae Gate and the moat, and float parades.
Planning tips (not official rules)
Consider more than sky-lantern events. Choose activities around your companions’ walking range and return time. Deciding what you want to see will make the venue search more specific.
Check permission for releases
TAT explains the risks of lanterns affecting aircraft operations, causing fires when they land while alight, and creating litter. It asks visitors to check that organisers have the necessary permission before participating.
Planning tips (not official rules)
Give the organiser the event date and venue, and ask exactly where and when the release will take place. If the answer is unclear, consider an activity that does not involve releasing lanterns.
Plan the journey there and back
Planning tips (not official rules)
Write down whether meals, seating and transport are included in your booking. Confirm the meeting point after the event, the journey home and a fallback meeting arrangement if you lose contact.
Even when watching near home, avoid planning a long stay on a riverbank or bridge, and identify a route back towards a less crowded area. Follow barriers and instructions from staff.
Confirm release rules in the latest guidance from the relevant Chiang Mai municipal or provincial office and the event organiser.
Sources & dates checked
- OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) チェンマイ・イーペン祭り（ロイクラトン祭り）