Gracie’s Guide to Beautiful Loy Krathong – Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai
There’s nothing like Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai. Living here for the past couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to witness this magical, lantern-filled celebration—and trust me, it’s just as enchanting as it sounds! With Chiang Mai gearing up for the next big celebration on November 15th, I’m here to share the insider scoop on how you can make the most of it (and fall in love with this city, too).
The best guide to Loy Krathong – lantern festival in Chiang Mai
A quick history lesson on Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong, known as the lantern festival in Chiang Mai, is all about showing respect and asking for forgiveness from the Goddess of Water & Rivers. I had never heard of it before moving to Chiang Mai, but it’s turned out to be one of my favorite celebrations of the year.
The festival lands on the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month every November, which in this year’s calendar falls on November 15th. The idea is simple but meaningful: “Loy” means “to float,” and “Krathong” refers to the little floats—usually handmade from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense—released onto rivers across Thailand. People believe this floating ritual washes away negativity and sins while inviting good fortune for the year ahead. You make a wish as you release your Krathong into the waters.
But wait, there’s more! In Chiang Mai, we take it up a notch with Yi Peng, the sky lantern release. Floating Krathongs on rivers is beautiful, but hundreds (yes, hundreds) of lanterns drifting up into the night sky? Next-level M-A-G-I-C-A-L.
My Loy Krathong experiences in Chiang Mai
My first year celebrating Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai was unforgettable—not only was I in awe of the festival, but it just so happened to land on my birthday! And in true Thai style, my Thai school where I was working canceled classes for the entire week to get the festivities started early. We spent the week prepping, with every class making its own Krathong (each one as intricate and unique as the next). There were food stalls, dance contests, and traditional Thai performances all over campus. It was quite the cultural experience! I was so deep into the holiday spirit by the time the actual day came around.
Once the school festivities wound down, I made my way into the heart of Chiang Mai. I kid you not, the entire city was glowing. Temples were draped in colorful lanterns and every street seemed brighter and cheerier than ever. Chiang Mai gets into a jolly, celebratory mood the whole month leading up to the big day, so even just walking around is a real treat! This is a wonderful time to visit the city.
Where to go for the best Loy Krathong experience
So if you’re heading to Chiang Mai this year, where should you go? Let me break down some of the top spots to soak up all the magic of the lantern festival in Chiang Mai.
1. Old City Temples (Iconic and a little crowded, but worth it)
- Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang are known for going all-out with the decor. These temples glow with hundreds of lanterns and twinkling lights, making for a mesmerizing sight. Just brace yourself for a crowd! Try going early or late, and take in the serene pagodas filling with light.
2. Ping River (For the classic Krathong experience)
- The Ping riverbanks are a sea of flickering candlelight as people float their krathongs. Vendors sell handmade floats of all shapes and sizes, and there’s always music, street food, and a healthy dose of fireworks to keep things lively. It gets crazy crowded, so be prepared!
3. Yi Peng Lantern Release Spots (To live out your Tangled fantasy)
- It’s illegal to float lanterns inside the old city. So, you have to leave the city a bit for the full Tangled experience. For a lantern release a little less crowded, head 30 minutes outside the old city to Doi Saket. In the previous years, they usually do lantern releases 2-3 days. Last year, I went there, and watching hundreds of lanterns lift into the night sky felt like stepping into a fairytale—peaceful, magical, and downright dreamy. หนองบัวพระเจ้าหลวง – Here is the exact location.
How to dive into the celebrations like a local
Here’s the ultimate Chiang Mai checklist to celebrate the lantern festival in Chiang Mai the right way.
- Get a Krathong: You can buy one along the river or make your own! They’re usually crafted from banana leaves, flowers, and candles (with the option to add a coin or small offering). You float it down the river as a way to release negativity and invite good vibes.
- Release a sky lantern: Pick up a lantern from local vendors (make sure it’s biodegradable) and release it from an approved location. There are city regulations, so don’t just launch one from your hotel balcony lol!
- Sample festival street food: Treat yourself to some classic Thai festival eats like Khao Soi curry and mango sticky rice. Many many many vendors set up around temples and the river, so you can snack your way through the festivities.
Celebrating at my Thai school
One of the coolest parts of experiencing the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai was celebrating with my Thai school. Each class participated in a Krathong contest, crafting floats with extra personal touches—some added notes with wishes, and others decorated them with symbols that represented their favorite things.
The week was packed with AMAZING local food stalls , traditional dances, and games, transforming the school into a mini Loy Krathong fairground. The sense of community and pride was amazing, and it really brought out the heart of the festival. I think working at the school leading up to this festival was my favorite part! I was laughing and smiling every minute, it seemed.
Chiang Mai lights up for Loy Krathong!
From late October until the festival, the city itself transforms. Lanterns hang from trees, buildings, shops—literally everywhere. The whole city glows, like something out of a movie set. The temples, though, are the real showstoppers. They’re decorated top to bottom with colorful lanterns. Every evening stroll feels magical, and you can’t help but get caught up in the festive mood. Like mentioned before, this is the ideal time to visit Chiang Mai!
Why you should experience Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai at least once
Living in Chiang Mai and celebrating the lantern festival each year has been more than just a cultural experience—it’s felt like a dream. Watching lanterns float down the river, or seeing them drift into the night sky, surrounded by a glowing city, is pure magic. It’s a celebration of hope, new beginnings, and connection, and it’s something I wish everyone could experience.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make it around the lantern festival in Chiang Mai. You’ll leave with memories you won’t forget (and some pretty epic photos, too). You may even want to move to Chiang Mai after you feel the love and electricity in the air.
xx Gracie
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