Yi Peng is one of the most magical times to be in Chiang Mai. The whole city comes alive – temples are draped in flickering candles, streets glow with lanterns and many houses are festively decorated. The atmosphere is both vibrant and peaceful at the same time, and it feels like every corner has been given a little extra sparkle.
But with so many events, ceremonies and traditions happening all at once, it can be confusing to figure out where to go, what to see and how to make the most of it.
After spending two (now three) Yi Peng festivals in Chiang Mai myself, I decided to put together this ultimate guide to help you navigate the celebrations. I’ll walk you through the best places to visit, the experiences you simply shouldn’t miss, and – equally important – I’ll point out when to visit them so you can catch each spot at its most magical.
This year – 2026, Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai takes place on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of November!
Before we begin though, I have two important pieces of information to share:
First important info:
This is NOT a guide on where to watch the famous sky lantern release. Releasing lanterns in Chiang Mai city centre has been actually forbidden for years and the only way to see it is by attending specially organized lantern festivals outside the city. Unfortunately the free one – topic of my other blog post – has been cancelled this year. So you’re left with either the CAD – super expensive and overcrowded lantern festival, or one of the smaller lantern release events, which also require paid tickets.
So instead, this post is all about the authentic Yi Peng celebrations within Chiang Mai itself – the best places to visit, the traditions, and vibes that make this festival so unforgettable.
Second important info:
This whole guide is based purely on my own experience. Just because certain events took place at specific locations in previous years doesn’t guarantee they’ll happen in the exact same way this year. While the main highlights, like the opening ceremony or the parade tend to stay consistent, smaller events and details can shift from year to year. For example, ceremonies at Three Kings Monument in 2023 took place on the first day of the festival, in 2024 – on the second. So think of this as a personal guide, not an official program and please forgive me if something doesn’t happen exactly as described.
So if you want to see what previous celebrations looked like and plan your visit, check out my “Yi Peng 2026 itinerary” blog post.
Most Yi Peng events happen in the evening, so you still have the whole day to explore! Get my Chiang Mai map with my favourite places!
It’s packed with my favourite temples, markets, cafés and local gems – all neatly pinned and ready to use!
Ok, now that we’ve covered the “organizational” part, let me share one more thing before we dive straight (I promise!) into the main topic of this post. You might be wondering what Yi Peng actually is, what Loy Krathong has to do with it.
What’s Yi Peng, what’s Loy Krathong?
In short – Yi Peng brings lanterns and candles, Loy Krathong brings floating baskets. Chiang Mai celebrates both at the same time.
For the differences, tickets and practical tips, read my Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai: everything you need to know guide.
I’ve put everything I’ve learned from three years of experiencing Yi Peng in Chiang Mai into this guide.
And now, as promised, we’re diving right into:
Where to celebrate Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai in 2026 – 11 places you can’t miss!
I’m kicking things off with one of my favourite sights, which last year (2025) was actually beautifully decorated a day before the official start of the festival.
1. Chiang Mai City Walls
But no, not “the main” Chiang Mai city walls. The top left (North West) corner of the moat (when looking at the map).
In previous years they were lined with hundreds of candles that made the ancient brick walls look even more enchanting. It was also one of those rare occasions when you could actually walk along the top of the walls, which made the experience even more special. The glow of the candles against the historic backdrop created a quiet, almost intimate atmosphere – even though it was (like every place during Yi Peng) quite busy. But it’s definitely one of those places where you can really soak up the spirit of Yi Peng.
When to visit?
Like I said, last year the candle “event” on the city walls happened one day before the official start of the festival. Naturally after dark. If the same pattern repeats this year, that would mean 22 November. It was the ONLY day when the walls were decorated.
2. Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is the iconic starting point of Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai. The opening ceremony usually takes place here. The ceremony usually begins with a speech from Chiang Mai’s mayor and is full of traditional performances, music and colourful decorations. If you stay longer, you can also witness the Queen and King of Chiang Mai beauty pageant. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing, making it a must-visit spot to feel the festival’s energy right from the start.
When to visit?
I’d usually recommend visiting on the first day for the opening ceremony, but last year was different – it happened on the last day instead! Check my Yi Peng itinerary for updates once this year’s schedule is published.
The plaza is decorated throughout the festival though, so you can visit it any time. You’ll probably pass through it anyway – Tha Phae Gate is pretty much the centre of everything in Chiang Mai!
Useful tip!
The crowds during the opening ceremony are massive. If you want to watch it in a more “intimate atmosphere” and from a different perspective, go to Starbucks (Thapae). That might be the only time in my life, when I recommend going to Starbucks. Hahah But it has a few floors and you can watch the ceremony from above. Just go early! Last year even this Starbucks was packed and securing a good spot was difficult.
Are you coming to Chiang Mai from Bangkok? Check out my guide to booking the famous sleeper train: in second class and in first class! Yes, I managed to book first class. Find out how!
Planning your trip around the festival? My free mini guide covers the basics:
3. Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument is usually one of the main gathering spots during Yi Peng. This large square in the heart of the Old City becomes beautifully decorated with lanterns and candles, creating a warm glow around the statues of the city’s founders. It’s also one of the key locations for cultural performances, traditional dances and community celebrations. The square is usually packed with locals and tourists taking photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere. If you want to experience the heart of the festival without leaving the city center, this is definitely the place to be.
When to visit?
Now…this is a bit tricky. Events here have varied from year to year, both in what happened and on which day. One thing that seems fairly consistent (I hope!) is the Lanna parade, which takes place before the main festival begins. If it follows the same pattern this year, that would mean 22 November.
This is a great example of those smaller events that can shift from year to year. But, since the square is basically in the middle of Chiang Mai and it’s also nicely decorated, I’d still recommend to go there and check it out…anytime.
4. Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang
When checking out Three Kings Monument, you can’t miss Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang (this name is so intense!), that is located right next to the square. This will be a quick stop, but a cute one. Every year the temple puts on this beautiful lantern “tunnel” that makes a perfect photo spot.
When to visit?
The decoration should be done even a few days before Yi Peng, but just to be sure that you catch it, I’d go there either on the 24th or the 25th of November.
5. Wat Chedi Luang
Definitely one of the most important places to visit during Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai. Wat Chedi Luang is already one of Chiang Mai’s most impressive temples – its massive brick stupa towers over the Old City and looks stunning even on a regular day. But during Yi Peng, it becomes truly spectacular. In 2023, the temple hosted an incredible light show projected onto the chedi. In 2024 and 2025, monks decorated it with over 5,000 candles, turning the entire area into a glowing sea of light. I loved it. The whole atmosphere was peaceful yet awe-inspiring, with locals and visitors quietly walking around, soaking in the view.
One thing though: there is a small fee to enter the temple, but don’t make that stop you visiting.
When to visit?
Last year, the monks’ candle-lighting ceremony took place on the second day of the festival. If it follows the same pattern this year, that would be 24 November.
6. Wat Phan Tao
One of my personal favourites! Located right next to Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao is one of the most iconic spots to visit during Yi Peng. All thanks to the statue of Buddha carefully placed on a little elevation under a tree. During the festivals, the statue comes alive thanks to hundreds of candles and lanterns placed by visitors around the Buddha elevation. I thought it was a truly magical scene. Especially with monks walking around, adding to the atmosphere.
When to visit?
The best on the second day of the festival – the 24th. But it should be open on the 25th of November as well.
A little side note about this temple…
I have to say that Wat Phan Tao drove me crazy. Haha. The photos I saw of this temples, showed something different to what I witnessed in person. Maybe you also came across them… I think they were quite popular. They were of the Buddha statue, the decorations hanging off the tree and monks with lanterns… But the most important part of it was: a little pond! A pond around the Buddha statue where all those lights were creating a beautiful reflection.
Yet, when I got to Wat Phan Tao, there was no pond! I spent a lot of time researching – even when writing this blog post – if this was in fact the right temple. And apparently it is. Wikipedia says though, that Wat Phan Tao was renovated in 2021 due to the insects eating the wooden structure of the temple. So they must have gotten rid of the pond too.
7. Zira Spa
Ok, that might be a little unconventional spot on this list, but I’m going to explain.
Last year, when I was walking around the Old Town, I came across this spectacular decoration made of beautifully glowing lanterns. It stopped me in my tracks – the colours, the light, the whole setup looked absolutely magical. It quickly became one of the prettiest photo spots I found during Yi Peng, so hopefully Zira Spa will create something similar this year too.
When to visit?
I’d recommend going there on the 24th or the 25th. There’s the biggest chance the decoration will be there. But well, you can visit Zira Spa any time if you fancy a massage.
8. Wat Lok Moli
Time for my personal favourite Yi Peng spot. But I actually can’t tell you why. Yes, it is one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai, and yes – during Yi Peng, it somehow becomes even more stunning. But you know, every temple is pretty during the festivals, so I don’t really know where this fascination comes from.
Anyway, located just North of the Old City moat, Wat Lok Moli can’t be missed during your “Yi Peng tour”. The hundreds of lanterns and candles you’ll find there create a calm, almost mystical atmosphere. You enter through a stunning tunnel of lanterns, the main temple is usually surrounded by candle stands that add to the warm glow, but the biggest “attraction” is the ancient chedi, standing tall behind hundreds of colourful lanterns, that create one of the most breathtaking sights of Yi Peng. You can also buy your own lantern and hang it with a handwritten wish or dedication for good fortune.
When to visit?
Definitely after dark, on the 24th or the 25th. If you visit on the 24th, you will still be able to capture the chedi through the rows of lanterns. On the 25th, the chedi will be most likely hidden behind them. Sorry, I realize that’s a very geeky tip.
9. Chinatown – along Ping River
If you want to release your krathong into the water, Chinatown is the place to go. The bank of Ping River is one of the main spots in Chiang Mai to celebrate Loy Krathong – the aforementioned river festival, that in Chiang Mai is happening at the same time as Yi Peng. Since the small, floating baskets (krathongs) need to float away together with all the bad luck and negativity, you naturally need a river for that. You can release your krathong on the both sides of the river – in specially appointed spots – but I’d actually recommend crossing the bridge and doing it on the other bank. It was a bit calmer there. You can buy krathongs on the spot.
Chinatown is definitely one of the most traditional and lively places to experience the festivals spirit up close. But…
A quick word of warning – actually, two:
First, the banks – especially the one near the Chinatown side – get insanely busy during Yi Peng. If you thought other places were crowded, multiply that by two (or three). It’s like pushing through the crowds busy. If big crowds aren’t your thing, I’d honestly skip this spot. You won’t be missing much anyway.
Second, let’s talk about fireworks. Normally calm and easygoing, Thai people, really let loose during the festivals – and that means fireworks everywhere. Especially around Chinatown, along the Ping River, fireworks are launched right on the streets, sometimes just a few steps away from people. It’s easy to get startled, brushed by a stray spark or even hit with one.
I didn’t enjoy my visit to Chinatown and definitely won’t be going back there during the festivals this year. But if you do decide to go, be extra careful – and maybe keep your distance from anyone holding a lighter.
When to visit?
In the evening of either the 23rd, 24th or 25th of November. I recommend the 23rd or the 24th.
10. Mae Kha Canal
Mae Kha Canal is a relatively new but increasingly popular spot to visit during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. In recent years, it’s been beautifully cleaned up and decorated with lanterns, lights and candles – turning what used to be a quiet local area into one of the most photogenic places in Chiang Mai. But…it’s just that: a pretty canal. Of course you’ll find street food there and stands with local products, but if this spot is too far for you, you won’t miss that much if you don’t go.
When to visit?
I’d leave it till last. Late evening of the 25th of November will do.
11. Tha Phae Road
Tha Phae Road is one of the most exciting places to be during Yi Peng on the final evening of the festival. This is where the grand Yi Peng parade takes place – a colourful, lively procession featuring beautifully illuminated floats (huge krathongs), traditional music, marching bands and – my personal favourite – the dragons. The parade usually starts at Tha Phae Gate and makes its way toward Chinatown, filling the entire street with lights, sounds and an incredible festive energy. And people of course – the street is packed. But I do like the parade, it’s a little bit chaotic, but super fun and it makes a perfect ending to the festival, wrapping up the celebrations on a joyful note.
When to visit?
Obviously on the last day – which means the 25th of November. The time of the parade will be definitely announced in the official schedule, but I’d go there around 6 PM.
That’s it!
These are all my recommendations for places to visit during Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai. I hope this guide helps you navigate the festival a little more easily and gives you a sense of what to expect during this magical time of year. And if something doesn’t happen exactly as I described – please forgive me. Yi Peng events are not exactly well-communicated by the Chiang Mai municipality (especially in English), so predicting what’s going to take place each year is… let’s say, part guesswork and part wishful thinking. Still, this should give you a solid idea of where the most beautiful spots and celebrations usually are, and hopefully help you make the most of your Yi Peng experience in Chiang Mai.
And for more practical advice, from lantern release tickets to crowds and getting around, check out my Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai: everything you need to know guide.
Photo editing: @pinc.21
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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