Loy Krathong Festival (ลอยกระทง) is one of the most important festivals in Thailand and is celebrated all over the country. Chiang Mai is one of the best places to experience this impressive festival thanks to the beautiful coincidence that two lantern festivals (Loy Krathong and Yi Peng) which usually fall on the same day.
In 2023, Loy Krathong and Yee Peng will take place in Chiang Mai from 27 - 28 November 2023.
What and Where to Experience Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai 2023
The 2023 Loy Krathong and Yee Peng festivals will take place from the 27th of November till the 28th of November. There will be plenty of activities taking place, all around the city, mainly at the Three Kings Monument and at Tha Pae Gate.
1. Float your Krathong on the Ping River
The essence of Loy Krathong is in its name: "loy" means "to float" and "krathong" is a slice of the trunk of the banana plant, decorated with flowers and banana leaf.
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly when people gather to float their krathong into the Ping River, symbolizing letting go of negative energy and making wishes for the future.
Head to the banks of the Ping River to float your krathong alongside the locals. The best spots to release are Nawarat Bridge and the Iron Bridge along the Ping River.
You can find special krathongs for sale or make your own with materials like flowers, candles, and incense. Dining in a riverside restaurant to watch the krathong floating by during dinner is also very nice.
2. Attend Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Yi Peng is a part of Loy Krathong celebrated with the release of thousands of sky lanterns into the night sky.
In 2022 authorities banned the release of sky lanterns in Chiang Mai.
Now, only a few privately organized events, such as the Chiang Mai CAD and the event near Mae Jo University, offer locals and tourists opportunities to enjoy traditional performances, witness the lighting of lanterns, and release their own lanterns into the sky.
Joining one of these events has become a bucket list item for many people.
Book a ticket for Chiang Mai CAD and be part of this unforgettable experience.
3. Enjoy the Giant Parade
The Giant Parade is another highlight of the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai. It typically takes place in the evening and features a vibrant procession of illuminated floats, performers, musicians, and dancers.
As the procession moves through the streets of Chiang Mai, you can witness traditional performances, cultural displays, and various forms of artistic expression.
To get the best view of the Giant Parade in Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, there are a few recommended locations: the Pae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, Thapae Road, and along the river banks particularly around the Loi Kroh Road area.
Remember that the best places to view the parade can get crowded quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing position.
4. Light Oil Lamps at Wat Phan Tao
If you don't like battling with crowds, a temple might be a better place to experience a respectful festive atmosphere, such as Wat Phan Tao (just west of Tha Phae Gate).
At Wat Pan Tao, you will see monks giving a blessing and releasing lanterns in front of a Buddha statue. The temple will be decorated with hundreds of oil lamps and lanterns.
5. Three Kings Monument
Three Kings Monument is a significant location for the Loy Krathong celebration in Chiang Mai. The monument itself holds cultural and historical significance, and during Loy Krathong, it became a central hub for festivities.
At Three Kings Monument, you can expect to find various traditional activities and performances during the Loy Krathong celebration. These may include Krathong-making workshops, traditional dance performances, lantern lighting, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions.
6. Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is another popular location for the Loy Krathong celebration in Chiang Mai, known for its vibrant atmosphere during the festival.
Tha Phae Gate is located near the Ping River, making it a fitting spot to launch your krathongs.
You can enjoy live music and traditional dances, explore the bustling street market to enjoy local street food, and participate in or simply enjoy traditional contests including beauty pageants, krathong-making competitions, and cultural showcases.
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Events Schedule for 2023 Chiang Mai Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Festival
During the period of the festival, there will be a variety of celebration activities in Chiang Mai. Here is the schedule for the 2022 Chiang Mai Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) Festival, for reference.
Yee Peng Festival 2022 Agenda "Celebrating the Glorious Ping River" 7-9 November 2022 ( Free event in the city)
Events in the city 2022 | Time | Date | Venue |
---|---|---|---|
Magival Lanna Lantern Decorations "Yee Peng Lantern Fesival" | 10 a.m.-9 a.m. | 5-13 Nov. | 5 City Gates around the ColdTown, 3 Bridges, 4 Coner, and the street in front of the Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
White Pagoda and Spirit House Worship Ceremony | 8 a.m. | 7-Nov. | Chiang Mai Municipality Office, the White Pagoda |
Ping River Worship and Respect Offering Ceremony | 9 a.m. | 7-Nov. | Pier at Sri Khong Temple |
Mahachati Sermon | 5 a.m. – 9 p.m | 8-Nov. | Sri Don Chai Temple |
Opening of "Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival" | 6 p.m. | 7-Nov. | Tha Pae Gate |
"Lighting Blissful Lanna Candles" Activity | 6 p.m. | 7-9 Nov. | Three Kings Monument and the internal part of the moat |
Lanna Hanging Lanterns Contest (Large hanging Lanterns) | 6 p.m. | 7-Nov. | Tha Pae Gate |
Mister & Miss Yee Peng Contest | 7 p.m. | 7-8 Nov. | Tha Pae Gate |
Traditional Floating Krathong Ceremony – Paying Respect to the Ping River | 6 p.m. | 7-9 Nov. | By the Ping River in front of the Municipality Office |
Lanna, The Land of Artisans and Crafts Activity | 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. | 7-9 Nov. | Tha Pae Gate |
Traditional Lanna Archway Display | All-Day | 4-9 Nov. | Communities and Temple in Chiang Mai Municipality |
Celebrating the Glorious Ping River Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival Activity | 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. | 7-9 Nov. | 6 Piers of Ping River 1 River Bank of Chai Mongkol (Mae Kha Canal) |
Symphonic Multimedia, Lights and Sounds Shop by the River | 8 a.m. | 7-9 Nov. | Pier at Sri Khong Temple |
Firework Displays for Royal Celebration "Drivin Lights Of Joy, Glorious Ping River | 8:30 a.m. | 7-9 Nov. | Raft On the Ping River platform at Sri Khong Temple |
Hand-made Banana Leaves -fresh flowers Krathong Contest | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | 8-Nov. | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Yee Peng Kids Contest | 6 p.m. | 8-Nov. | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Lanna Lantern Parade Contest | 7 p.m. | 8-Nov. | Tha Pae Gate, Tha Pae Road to Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Thai Country Music and Dance Contest to preserve Thai culture | 5 p.m. | 8-Nov. | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Large Krathong Parade Contest for Royal Trophy (highlight) | 7 p.m. | 9-Nov. | Tha Pae Gate, Tha Pae Road to Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Award Ceremony for Large Krathong Parades | 10 p.m. | 9-Nov. | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
Suggested read: How to Best Experience Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tips for Attending Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai
1. Check the dates. Because the dates of the festivals are based on the Thai lunar calendar, the exact dates of the lantern festival in Chiang Mai change every year. Check the exact dates before planning your trip (though the forecast dates tend to be fairly accurate).
2. Book your flight early. During the period of the Loy Krathong Festival, air tickets to Chiang Mai are scarce and expensive. So, if you want to go during the holiday season, it is best to book your itinerary in advance.
3. Book your hotel early. The Loy Krathong festival is the busiest time in Chiang Mai. Thousands of tourists flock to the city and hotel rooms are often in short supply. Book yours as early as possible. The best place to stay for the festival is the old town area, where there are many hotels within walking distance of the many activities.
4. Release lanterns at a specified place within the specified times. People are allowed to release krathongs and lanterns only from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at certain places during the Loy Krathong Festival. If released at other times, it is illegal.
5. Pay attention to your dress. Loi Krathong and Yee Peng are both Buddhist festivals. It is important to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees when you attend celebration activities and release lanterns.
Experience Chiang Mai Loy Krathong Festival with Asia Highlights
If you plan to go to Chiang Mai only once in your life, go in November! With the Loi Krathong Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai has become a well-deserved focus of Thailand travel in November each year. Take a look at some of our most popular lantern festival tours and start dreaming about your trip to amazing Thailand.
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