Yi Peng 2026
A full moon over the Ping, and lanterns rising into the night.
Countdown to Yi Peng 2026
Dates
When is Yi Peng?
Yi Peng 2026 falls from Monday, 23 November 2026 to Wednesday, 25 November 2026 (expected; it can move by a day). In 2027 it falls from Saturday, 13 November 2027 to Sunday, 14 November 2027 (expected; it can move by a day).
Guides list Chiang Mai's municipal Yi Peng from 23 to 25 November 2026, with lantern releases on the 24th and 25th, pending the city's final programme.
Date checked against thaiholidayguide.com
| Year | Dates | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 – 25 November 2026Mon – Wed | 3 days | Expected |
| 2027 | 13 – 14 November 2027Sat – Sun | 2 days | Expected |
See every festival by date in the 2026 festival calendar and 2027 festival calendar.
The story
What it is, and why it matters
- Type
- Festival of Lights
- Tradition
- Buddhist
- Where
- Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
- Crowd
- Large crowds in Chiang Mai over the festival nights
- UNESCO
- Not inscribed
Yi Peng is the Lanna festival of northern Thailand, held at the full moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar. In Chiang Mai, it runs alongside Loy Krathong, with lanterns in the temples and the sky.
Yi Peng means 'full moon of the second month' in the northern Thai calendar. Homes and temples are decorated with lanterns of paper and bamboo, and people make merit at the temples, letting go of misfortune and hoping for good luck in the year ahead.
The best-known image is the khom loi, a paper sky lantern lifted by a small flame. Because of fire and air-safety concerns, releases in Chiang Mai are now restricted to permitted times and places, and many visitors attend organised, ticketed releases outside the city. In town, the moat, Tha Phae Gate and the Ping River fill with lanterns and floating krathong.
Culture
Traditions, food and music of Yi Peng
Traditions
What actually happens
- Khom loi — sky lanterns released in permitted areas as a symbol of letting go.
- Khom kwaen and khom thue — hanging and hand-held lanterns that decorate temples and homes.
- Krathong — small floats of banana leaves and flowers set on the Ping River.
- Merit-making — visits to temples for prayers, offerings and blessings.
Food
The table, widened
- Khao soi, the curry noodle soup of the north, and sai ua herb sausage.
- Sticky rice and nam phrik num green chilli dip at night markets.
Music
Sound of the crowd
Traditional Lanna ensembles play the slow, flowing music of the north at parades and temples, with drum and gong processions on the main nights.
Religion
Why this date
Yi Peng is a Buddhist festival in which lanterns are offered as a sign of respect to the Buddha and as a way of letting go of bad luck. Temples hold ceremonies and evening chanting during the festival.
History
How it survived
Yi Peng belongs to the Lanna kingdom that ruled northern Thailand for centuries from Chiang Mai. Its overlap with the national Loy Krathong festival has grown with tourism. In recent years Chiang Mai has tightened rules on releasing lanterns for safety, especially around the airport.
History
How it got here
Yi Peng belongs to the Lanna kingdom that ruled northern Thailand for centuries from Chiang Mai. Its overlap with the national Loy Krathong festival has grown with tourism. In recent years Chiang Mai has tightened rules on releasing lanterns for safety, especially around the airport.
13th c.
Lanna kingdom
Chiang Mai is founded as the capital of Lanna in 1296.
Lanna era
Lantern offerings
Lanterns become part of the second-month full-moon festival.
Late 20th c.
Visitors arrive
Mass lantern releases draw international attention.
Today
Managed releases
Releases are limited to permitted places and times.
Travel & practical
Visiting Chiang Mai for Yi Peng
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport is a short drive from the old city; flights from Bangkok take about an hour.
Lantern releases
Only release lanterns where allowed. Ticketed events outside the city sell out early, so book with care.
Practical notes
Flights may be rescheduled during release times. Hotels fill quickly and rates rise.
Plan the trip with free AltFTool tools
FAQ
Yi Peng: common questions
Straight answers to what people ask most about Yi Peng.
When is Yi Peng in 2026 and 2027?
In 2026 Chiang Mai's Yi Peng is expected from about 23 to 25 November, with the main lantern nights on 24 and 25 November, alongside Loy Krathong. In 2027 it is expected around 13–14 November. Exact dates follow the lunar calendar and local announcements.
Are Yi Peng and Loy Krathong the same?
They are separate festivals held at the same full moon. Yi Peng is the northern Lanna festival; Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand.
Can I release a lantern anywhere?
No. Chiang Mai sets rules on when and where lanterns can be released for safety.
Is the Mae Jo mass release a public event?
Large mass releases are generally ticketed events, separate from the free city celebrations.
Also in November 2026
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