Loi Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival: Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide

The Thailand Lantern Festival is much beyond a tourist event. These holidays are a synonym of rejuvenation, thanksgiving, and unity with nature. Both the Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng Festival in Thailand represent equilibrium, one ceremony based on water and the other on the heavens.

Loy Krathong Thailand 2025: Ancient Water Festival

This is one of the ancient water festivals in Thailand, which dates back to the Sukhothai Kingdom. As a sign of respect to a water goddess known as Phra Mae Khongkha, people place exquisitely decorated offerings into rivers, canals, and ponds. Metaphorically, it is also the act of letting go of bad things and bringing in new blessings.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival Chiang Mai 2025: Sky Lanterns and Lanna Culture

In the north of Thailand, the Lanna culture of lantern release lights (khom loi) illuminates the sky. There are thousands of lanterns in the sky that are lifted into the sky during the night, and this forms a hopeful constellation. Chiang Mai attracts over 50,000 visitors annually for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. 

• Main Festival Nights in 2025: November 5–6

Both festivals align with the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month, usually in late October or November.

Lunar Drift note: Although the main nights are November 5-6, 2025, the festivals can last many evenings. Chiang Mai and Sukhothai Historical Park's major events are three-day events. The official festival pages or local tourism boards should always be consulted.

Chiang Mai: Thailand’s Lantern Capital.

• Activities: Lantern release (Mae Jo, CAD/Khomloy stadiums), Tha Phae road parades, temple services, and buzzing Chiang Mai night markets.
• Crowds: Massive- Yi Peng Chiang Mai is a global brand, with tens of thousands of visitors.
• Most Picturesque Viewpoints: Ping River bridges (Nawarat and Iron Bridge), temple courtyards, and rooftop bars.
• Booking Advice: Purchase Chiang Mai lantern tickets 2025 only with the official organisers.

Sukhothai – The Historical Origin of Loy Krathong

• Events: The several-day festivals within the Sukhothai Historical Park, such as processions, light-and-sound shows, and krathong releases between ruins.
• Crowds: Smaller and tamer than Chiang Mai.
• Most Ideal Views: Ponds of lotus, ancient chedis and reflections of the temple- these are the best for photography, Loy Krathong in Thailand.

Bangkok – The River of Lights

• Activities: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, riverside parks, and Asiatique the Riverfront can be used. Numerous people take part in the Loy Krathong dinner cruise 2025 on the Chao Phraya River.
• Crowds: Riverside temples are overcrowded, and cruises are a high-budget experience with less energy.

Tip: Book Bangkok Loy Krathong tours several months ahead of time.

Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai & Coastal Towns – Local Charm

• Events: Smaller-scale Loy Krathong launches, usually in temple ponds or on beaches.

Why Go: Smaller and more personalised tourist spots than Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Tickets & Travel Tips for Thailand Lantern Festivals 2025

• Reserve flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in early January, as it is the high season.
• Buy Yi Peng Chiang Mai lantern tickets at the official places. Avoid street sellers.

Krathongs & Lanterns: Eco-Friendly and Legal Practices

• Select eco-friendly krathongs(banana leaf, bread, or flower) and Styrofoam is banned.
• Only authorised release zones. Sky lanterns may be launched in designated zones only- illegal releases attract fines.

Dress Code & Temple Etiquette

• Wear simple and modest clothes when visiting temples.
• Respect monks and do not be too flashy.
• Krathongs should be disposed of at designated collection points.

Safety & Environmental Guidelines

• Anticipate excessive crowds and fire hazard - follow staff instructions.
• LED or biodegradable floats should be used.
• Live briefly. Check the Chiang Mai lantern release rules 2025 before visiting.

• Gear: Wide-angle lens (f/1.8–f/4), tripod, remote shutter, extra batteries.
• Settings:
  
  
  • Lanterns: ISO 400–1600, shutter 1/60–1/250 handheld; 1–2s with tripod.
  • Krathongs: ISO 100–400, shutter 1/4–1s.
  • Fireworks: ISO 100–200, f/8–f/11, exposure 1–5s.
    
     
• Composition: Capture lantern reflections on rivers or temple silhouettes.
• Smartphones: Use night mode + RAW capture for better shots.
• Spots: Best photography spots include the Ping River bridges and temple rooftops

• Chiang Mai Itinerary: Morning temple visits and evening Yi Peng lantern release.
• Day trip itinerary Bangkok: Day sightseeing - Evening Loy Krathong river cruise.
• Sukhothai Itinerary: Ruin exploring by day - Loy Krathong festival at Historical Park by night.

Loi Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2025 is not just an opportunity to get a photo, but it is a living Thai tradition. Be it the floating of krathong on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok or the release of a lantern into the sky in Chiang Mai, the Festival of Lights Thailand will be a lifetime memory. To ensure the Thailand Lantern Festival 2025 is a success, it is advisable to book in advance, travel in a responsible manner, and observe the local traditions and customs. Plan your next trip with Pickyourtrail by checking out the best Thailand tour packages for a seamless experience.