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

If you enjoyed this article you’d probably like my others:

3 Best Experiences in Vietnam

Best National Parks in Thailand

5 Hidden Gems in Thailand

If I had an open day in Chiang Mai, this is what I would do to relax and experience all the best the city has to offer. Coffee, food, temples, massages, relaxation. Let me guide you into a perfect day in Chiang Mai, from start to finish (with time stamps!)

P.S. I really wanted to gatekeep some of these picks, but I had to share them because they are THAT incredible!

My perfect day in Chiang Mai

8am

Wake up early and explore the old city. The mornings are the best time to wander around temples, like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. People-watch the locals as they start their days, opening shops and watch how the city wakes up.

The old city has thousands of nooks and crannies for you to find. Literally just walk around and take it all in — without the heat or tons of tourists! You’ll be sure to stumble upon one of the 300 temples in the old city alone.

9am

Get a coffee at Akha Ama Phrasingh in the old city. This coffee shop is the epitome of Chiang Mai cafe culture, with delicious beans & a mission to help indigenous tribes in northern Thailand. The iced coffee with oat milk and overall vibes are on point. This is my recommendation for high quality coffee and a good cafe setting!

10am

Get breakfast at Sun Rays Cafe in the old city — it’s a 3 minute walk from Akha Ama Phrasingh. This brunch spot is aesthetic AF with delicious presentation and breakfast food. There are only a few tables in the cafe and it’s a super cozy, cute vibe. Beware: It’s usually super busy so you may have to wait for a table.

11:30am

Drive to the Royal Park Rajapruek ~20 minutes from the old city. You can either drive a motorbike or take a Grab. I first went to this park after 1 year of living in Chiang Mai and I was SHOCKED that it existed. I feel like no one talks about it, and the park itself is incredibly maintained and beautiful. The government put a ton of money into this park, and it shows.

You can rent bikes and ride around the park, gazing at the flower gardens, temples, and ’round-the-world exhibits. I come here often and walk around the park — it’s super relaxing and refreshes my spirit. I think most of the people who come here are Thais, so it’s usually pretty quiet. I believe it’s 150 baht to enter, so bring cash.

1pm

The mountain roads around Royal Park Rajapruek are the most fun to drive on. They are wide open, windy, and surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. A good starting point is driving up to Valley Coffee by Lanna Resort, and either turning back or keep going to Samoeng Viewpoint.

Make your own adventures on these drives and stop at anything cool along the way. I’ve seen elephants on these roads, beautiful hidden temples, and unique cafes. You never know what you’ll find on any given day!

2:30pm

Drive to The Cocoon Sauna & Ice bath, ~10 minutes from the park. This is my best-kept secret in Chiang Mai. It’s a sauna, ice-bath, and pool compound that looks like it was designed by a fairy. The mosaic tiles, mushroom-shaped roof, and lounge spots are ideal for relaxation. It’s only 250 baht / entry, and you can stay as long as you’d like.

I do a few cycles of sauna, ice bath, pool, repeat. Bring a book or journal and spend hours here unwinding. Sabai sabai, as the Thais would call it. They also sell food here that is fresh, healthy, and delicious.

5pm

Drive back to the old city after a few hours at The Cocoon and get an oil massage at Green Bamboo. This is my favorite massage place because it’s only 350 baht for an hour oil massage, and it’s the best service ever.

I love the Lanna brown wood aesthetic inside, and they serve you tea and water as they wash your feet and take you back to your massage. The staff are so nice and professional, and the vibes are top tier. Get an appointment here because it usually gets super busy.

7:30pm

Go to May Kaidee for dinner. This is my FAVORITE Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai, period. And it’s all vegetarian! Serve me the steamed noodles with curry peanut sauce on my death bed, lol.

It’s a family-owned veggie spot that cooks every dish to order with the freshest ingredients. I often see them leave for the market for more ingredients if they run out. The veggies are fresh and delicious. This is the place that made me like tofu! Most dishes are between 70-100 baht.

My favorite dishes:

-Steamed noodles with curry peanut sauce
-Red curry w/rice
-Khao Haw Sarai (Sushi rice rolls)
-Banana flower salad
-Pumpkin hummus
-Pancake with fruit
-Coconut iced coffee

10pm

Go out and partayyyy. Though Chiang Mai isn’t as crazy as party-hubs like Bangkok, I’d recommend these few places:

Pura Vida at One Nimman: My favorite cocktail bar, super fun vibes. This is where a lot of expats hang out.

Paapu House: The live music on Thursdays is a vibbeeeee!

MaHoRee city of music: This whole street is lined with fun bars and live music.

Sylvis Add Oil Bar: This is the place to go for cheap drinks and a young crowd! It’s attached to a hostel, and the vibes are really fun! They have games and it’s fun to go before a big night out.

12am

Head home! Take a Grab back home and rest after your full, perfect day in Chiang Mai!

Hope you enjoyed this blog post and it inspires you to sabai sabai in Chiang Mai. It’s the best city in Thailand, I think you’ll agree after this perfect day! xx Gracie

If you enjoyed this post you might like my others:

Best Hidden Spots in Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Dao Northern Thailand Guide

Guide to The Best Veggie Restaurants in Chiang Mai

After living in Chiang Mai for over two years, I’ve gone on a lot of waterfall hikes. Some that are up jagged mountains and through rough terrain, and others where you get to the waterfall after a simple nature walk. Most of these waterfalls are ~1 hour from the old city. Some are popular, and others are favorite local spots. So trust me when I say that I know what I’m talking about!

In most of these waterfall spots you can SWIM in the healing waters. The water is usually cold but feels amazing. Also, most will cost ~100 baht to enter, so bring Thai baht with you on all your adventures.

Now, let’s discuss the best waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai so you too can make the most out of your northern Thailand adventures!

Most beautiful waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai

Monk’s Trail

The Monk’s Trail (Wat Pha Lat Hike) is one of the more popular hikes in Chiang Mai, and for good reason. I’d recommend starting at the bottom by the Chiang Mai zoo, and hiking all the way up to Doi Suthep. You’ll pass stunning waterfalls and temples (make sure to bring something to cover your shoulders). Go early so you’ll be the only one on the path.

There are parts of this hike where it feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle thousands of kilometers from civilization! Then you round a corner and the most stunning temple pops out of midair … it’s very special. Sit by the running water and feel the calming spiritual air.

Tip: Huay Keaw waterfall is on the way to Doi Suthep and really stunning and fun to swim in. If you’re already in the area you should check it out!

Sticky Waterfalls

The Sticky Waterfalls (Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si) is another popular spot ~1 hour from the Chiang Mai old city. I’d recommend gathering some friends and taking a red songtaew to the waterfalls. There’s so much to explore!

It’s a popular family spot for locals and foreigners because of the fun interactive element. Bring water shoes so you can walk up the waterfalls (hence the name ‘sticky’). It’s super freaking cool! You can also swim in some of the different pools at spots on the waterfall. It really is like a giant waterfall playground, and worth it for a day trip!

Doi Inthanon

My favorite three waterfalls in Doi Inthanon national park are true stunners. Doi Inthanon is known for their waterfalls, and I do think that these are the best waterfalls in northern Thailand. The first one that I’ll recommend is super popular because it’s so mighty and huge. The other two are less known but just as beautiful in my opinion!

The Wachirathan Waterfall is probably the most famous in northern Thailand. It is HUGE and mighty as heck. The waters are so powerful that there’s a permanent rainbow at the bottom of the falls. It is absolutely stunning, a true wonder of the world! Tip: Go early before 10am and the loads of tourist vans circle here.

Mae Pan waterfall is a hidden gem in Doi Inthanon. You have to hike ~30 minutes through rough terrain to make it here, and the two-tier cascading waterfall is a sight to behold. We were the only people there, it’s relatively unknown! The roads are super windy to get here so be careful … but there’s a reason I’m recommending it! GO here if you want the authentic northern Thailand jungle experience!!

The other less known waterfall is on the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail. I’d highly recommend doing this hike, necessary with a local guide. The waterfalls are HUGE and powerful, and not super crowded. Your guide will take you to all the hidden spots, and the water falling is a huge part on why this trail is one of my favorites in Northern Thailand.

All you have to do is show up at the trailhead and local guides will be waiting for you. It is cheap and an awesome experience. Go early, before 10am, to miss all the tour busses that come around here.

Tip: You don’t have to pay the 300 baht national park fee if you are just stopping here and not going further in the park.

Mae Sa

Mae Sa is a famous waterfall complex ~1 hour from Chiang Mai old city with over 5 levels of waterfalls to its name. It’s awesome! I’d recommend going all the way to the top, since it’s a bit of a steep climb and the waterfall pool at the top is really fun to swim in. Also, it’s less crowded and more spiritual.

Mae Kampong

Mae Kampong waterfall is a hidden gem of northern Thailand! The drive to get to Mae Kampong town is so fun, the roads are windy and through mountains. The waterfall itself is huge and cascades into many layers. The hike to the top is steep so beware. But once you get to the tippity top, the waterfall pool has healing waters and is so lovely to swim in. Tip: Explore the mountain village and get lunch after your waterfall hike.

Tat Mok

My last waterfall hike in Chiang Mai recommendation is Tat Mok, ~1 hour away from the old city. This waterfall is a favorite local spot. It’s a short, easy walk to get to the waterfall, where it’s so much fun to swim in the pool. This is a great spot for a picnic and a good soul chat. Go here if you hate being around other tourists and want a quiet spot to yourself.

To Conclude

Do you agree with my assessment of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai? I hope this post gives you inspiration for your own travels to northern Thailand. Waterfall hikes are one of the most special, magical, spiritual things to do here.

xx Gracie

If you liked this article, you may enjoy my others about northern Thailand:

Gracie’s Guide to Chiang Dao

Gracie’s Guide to Hidden Gems in Thailand

Gracie’s Guide to Doi Inthanon National Park