If you’ve always wanted to check off the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival / Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival from your bucket list, where thousands of lanterns light up the night sky all at once—go for it! Because, after all, you only live once! It’s quite pricey, but to tick off a bucket list item? Totally priceless! You can grab your tickets for this year’s event happening on the 15th and 16th of November for the CAD event here! We also have identified a list of other paid events that’s looking very promising!
By the way if you are curious about what the Lantern Festival is – head over to my other post in which I captured some quick facts for your reference! – understanding the culture and the meaning of the festival might help you enjoy it more! (I think)
But if you’re looking for a FREE activity and still want to experience the magical lantern release and atmosphere (though you’ll still need to spend a bit on transport and buying the lanterns), keep reading for some of my personal tips and suggestions on how you can join in on this unforgettable experience without spending a dime on tickets!
A Quick Guide to Chiang Mai Lantern Festival Free Activities 2024
Kick off the festival period by hitting up the opening ceremony at Tha Phae Gate—it’s the perfect way to start, right? But, fair warning, it’s mostly in Thai, so don’t feel like you have to stick around for too long. Just check it off your list and move on! The ceremony starts around 6:30pm, and then the parade rolls through the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar from about 7:00 to 10:00pm. No tickets needed—just show up along the parade route and enjoy the vibes! It’s fun, but definitely not a must-do if you’ve got other plans.
The perfect spot to soak up the festival vibes would definitely be the Three Kings Monument—it could very well become your favorite too! Who knows?! There’s non-stop action with traditional dances, music played on old-school instruments, and beautiful lights and candles. It’s the place to be if you want to be in the heart of the festivities, surrounded by the crowd and the spiritual atmosphere of the occasion. Just in front of the monument, you’ll find a great spot to admire colorful lanterns and even buy one (typically costing about 30-50 baht) to send into the sky yourself. Be sure to arrive before 6:30pm to experience the full magic!
Insider tip: If you’ve got the time and energy, trust me, you have to check out Wat Chedi Luang. It’s one of the most iconic temples in Chiang Mai! And here’s a little scoop—There was a laser show there before, and with how popular it was, I have a feeling (don’t quote me on this, though) it’ll make a comeback this year. If it does, you won’t want to miss it!
THE Ping River—be there or be square! This is where you can buy and release your krathong, and it might just be one of the best parts of the festival! Picture peaceful little “boats” or krathongs floating down the river, carrying prayers along with them. The river, which runs through Chiang Mai, transforms into a glowing wonderland as people release their krathongs, filling the water with flickering candles. I’m actually planning to make my own eco-friendly krathong before I head down (way more fun than just buying one, trust me!). You’ll find plenty of vendors selling krathongs if you’d rather grab one on the spot. This is also when most people head to the river around 8 or 9pm to release their lanterns, and it’s such a magical scene that lasts for hours
Here’s a little insider secret: head to Wat Lok Moli to hang your lantern, receive a blessing from the monks, enjoy the stunning decorations, and really absorb the more spiritual essence of the festival. While nearly every temple in Chiang Mai hosts religious ceremonies during this time, Wat Lok Moli had a unique energy that really stood out—the decorations, the soft glow of the candles, the monks’ chants—it was the ideal spot to pause, set an intention, and truly immerse yourself in the deeper significance of the celebration.
16 November 2024
The main event of the day? The KRATHONG PARADE—the Royal Procession of the Large Floating Krathong Competition! Starting at 7 pm from Tha Phae Gate, this vibrant parade winds down Tha Phae Road, bursting with eye-catching floats, marching bands, and people in stunning traditional costumes. On this day, the elaborate floats you saw being built along the river and around the Old City walls are finally ready to make their debut! The whole thing runs from 6:00 pm until midnight, with the final parade and float contest lighting up the night.
It gets insanely busy, but if you’re after a front-row view, head to Tha Phae Road (THA PHAE GATE is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai. Located on the eastern side of the wall, it is one of the gates to enter the Old City. ) and claim a spot along the street. Just be prepared to elbow your way through the crowd a bit to get that perfect spot. Trust me, though, it’s 100% worth it when those stunning floats pass by in all their glory!
Yi Peng Festival - Events with Paid Tickets - Not Free but Looks Worth the Moolah!
Lanna at The Heaven Lantern 2024! 🏮
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lanna culture at The Heaven Lantern 2024 festival! This stunning event revives the cherished Yi Peng ceremony of the Lanna people, bringing centuries-old traditions to life in a celebration like no other. 🌿✨
Festival Highlights:
- Forest Gates & Candlelit Pavilions: Immerse yourself in the enchanting Lanna belief of welcoming the deity Phra Wetsandon with blessings. 🕯️🌳
- Kad Mua: Step back in time as you explore ancient pedestrian streets filled with traditional crafts, live workshops, and Lanna-style performances. 🎨🎶
- Lanna Light Parade – Floating Lanterns in the Sky: Watch in awe as hundreds of lanterns drift into the night sky, a breathtaking tribute to the grandeur of the Lanna Kingdom. 🌌🪔
Don’t miss this chance to experience Lanna’s rich cultural heritage and connect with a tradition that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful. 🎟️ Come, be part of the magic!
Yee Peng Lanna International 2024!
Get ready to witness the original sky lantern festival that’s been dazzling Chiang Mai since 2013! 🪔 If you’ve seen breathtaking photos or videos of thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky, this is the event where it all happens!
Join us on November 15th & 16th at the Lanna Dhutanka Temple (18 km from Chiang Mai city center) for an evening filled with spiritual energy, stunning lanterns, and peaceful meditation led by Buddhist monks. 🕯️
With 3,000+ guests each night, you’ll be part of a truly magical experience. As the lanterns soar into the sky, you’ll feel connected to an ancient tradition that has captivated people for centuries.
Your ticket includes:
- Round-trip transport to and from the event 🚐
- A sky lantern to release 🌌
- A delicious dinner set 🍽️
This is your chance to be part of a breathtaking tradition and create unforgettable memories. Get your tickets now and don’t miss out on this magical evening!
Horizon Village Chiang Mai! 🏮
Looking for a more intimate and affordable way to experience the magic of the Loy Krathong and Sky Lantern Festival? Horizon Village Chiang Mai is the perfect choice! 🌙✨
On November 15th & 16th, 2024, twith only around 1,000 guests each night, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere and an unbeatable price.
Located just 15 km (about 25 minutes) from Chiang Mai city center in the scenic Doi Saket district, Horizon Village is easily accessible by songthaew or Grab taxi.
Your ticket includes:
- A delicious buffet dinner to fuel your celebration 🍽️
- A sky lantern to release and make your wish come true 🪔
- Admission to cultural performances and activities that showcase local traditions 🎶
It’s a wonderful way to experience the spirit of Lanna culture and the magic of floating lanterns—without the crowds and at a great value! 🎟️ Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars!
NOTE that transportation is not included but it’s easy to reach Horizon Village in the afternoon via Bolt or Grab.