Lantern Festival in Thailand 2025
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yi Peng in Northern Thailand and Loy Krathong nationwide, is a stunning and deeply spiritual event that takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, this beautiful festival will once again light up the night skies of Thailand, filling the air with the glow of thousands of lanterns. Whether you are Thai or simply fascinated by Thai culture, the Lantern Festival is a must-see event that celebrates light, life, and the start of a new chapter.
When is
Lantern Festival in Thailand?
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Lantern Festival 2025 - A Cultural Celebration in Thailand
During the Lantern Festival, the skies of Thailand are transformed into a sea of light as thousands of lanterns, known as “khom loi” in Thai, are released. These lanterns are believed to carry away troubles and bring good luck for the year ahead. The festival is celebrated throughout the country, but the most famous events take place in Chiang Mai, where the Yi Peng Festival is held, and in various locations where Loy Krathong is celebrated.
One of the highlights of the Lantern Festival in Thailand is the mass lantern release. In Chiang Mai, people gather along the Ping River, launching lanterns into the sky while making wishes. The sight of thousands of glowing lanterns floating upwards against the backdrop of the night sky is nothing short of magical.
In addition to the lantern release, there are numerous other activities to enjoy during the festival. Traditional Thai dance performances, cultural parades, and floating of small krathongs (decorative floats) on rivers and lakes are just some of the ways people celebrate. The streets are also lined with food stalls offering a variety of Thai dishes, allowing you to taste the flavors of the festival.
The Lantern Festival in Thailand is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture and traditions. It’s a time for reflection, hope, and renewal, and a beautiful way to connect with the local community.
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Where is the Lantern Festival Celebrated in Thailand?
The Lantern Festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, with major events taking place in cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Sukhothai. In Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng Festival is the main attraction, featuring a massive lantern release and various cultural performances. Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide, with people gathering at rivers, lakes, and canals to release krathongs as a way of giving thanks and seeking forgiveness from the Goddess of Water.
These festivals are often held in public squares, parks, and near bodies of water. They are organized by local communities, temples, and cultural societies, with some events being free to attend while others may require tickets. No matter where you are in Thailand, the Lantern Festival is a magical experience that brings people together to celebrate light, hope, and the beauty of Thai culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lantern Festival in Thailand includes two major celebrations: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Yi Peng is primarily celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky. Loy Krathong, celebrated nationwide, involves floating krathongs (decorative floats) on water as a way of paying respect to the water spirits.
The Lantern Festival in Thailand is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, it is expected to be held in November, but the exact dates will be confirmed closer to the event.
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular places to celebrate Yi Peng, with its iconic mass lantern release. For Loy Krathong, Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya are also fantastic options, each offering unique experiences like cultural performances and historical sites.
Yes, anyone can participate in the lantern release during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai. However, certain areas may require you to purchase a ticket, especially for organized mass releases. It’s important to follow local guidelines to ensure safety and respect for the cultural practices.
Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to visit temples or participate in traditional activities. Chiang Mai can be cool in the evenings during November, so bringing a light jacket is advisable. Traditional Thai clothing is also a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the cultural experience.
Safety is a priority during the festival. Only lanterns that are safe and eco-friendly should be used. Participants are advised to follow instructions from local organizers to ensure the safe release of lanterns, avoiding areas where lanterns could pose a fire hazard.
Krathongs are small, decorative floats made from natural materials like banana leaves and flowers. During Loy Krathong, people place candles and incense on the krathong, make a wish, and release it onto a river, lake, or canal. It’s a way of paying respect to the water spirits and seeking forgiveness for any harm caused to water bodies.
Yes, respect for local customs is important. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. When releasing lanterns or krathongs, follow local guidelines to avoid littering or causing damage. Also, refrain from using sky lanterns in restricted areas, as they can be hazardous.
The Lantern Festival offers a variety of traditional Thai foods, from street snacks like grilled skewers and sticky rice to desserts like mango sticky rice and sweet coconut treats. You’ll also find lantern festival foods like Khanom Thong Yip (golden flower desserts) and local delicacies in food stalls set up for the event.
Yes, you can bring your own lantern or krathong, but it’s recommended to use ones that are eco-friendly and safe. Many local vendors sell lanterns and krathongs at the event, allowing you to choose from a variety of designs and support local artisans.