Where is Doi Saket Lake - and where to join Yi Peng Festival for free
Doi Saket Lake or also known as Phra Chao Luang Lotus Lake – where the night sky comes alive with thousands of lanterns, as locals and tourists alike release their wishes into the heavens. The atmosphere? Absolutely electric. The magic? Unforgettable.
Best part: It’s all FREE.
Sure, you’ll need to travel. Sure, there’s a bit of planning and a little hassle. But who cares? It’s free, and the experience is worth every bit of effort. This is the kind of adventure that makes memories for a lifetime – don’t miss it!
Doi Saket is a peaceful suburban town located just 25 kilometers north of Chiang Mai Old City. Surrounded by lush hills and rice fields, it offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Known for its beautiful Phra Chao Luang Lotus Lake (Google Maps) and the stunning Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Doi Saket is a hidden gem that combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for a tranquil retreat.
How to Get to Doi Saket Lake?
Getting to Doi Saket is part of the fun, and there are a few ways to make the journey! Personally, we’ve decided to share a songtaew (those fun red truck taxis) with a group of fellow digital nomads and expats in Chiang Mai to split the cost. It’s a great way to save money while enjoying the ride with some like-minded travelers. We’ve coordinated with everyone ahead of time, and our driver will wait for us while we’re soaking in the festival’s magic.
If you’re up for a little adventure on your own, renting a scooter is also a fantastic option. It’s cheap, gives you total freedom, and parking is a breeze compared to a car. The parking facilities aren’t the best, but don’t worry—there are staff to guide you to a spot when you arrive.
Not into scooters? No problem! You can always hire a car with a driver or grab a tuk-tuk. Just be sure to book your transport in advance, and if you go the car or tuk-tuk route, confirm that the driver will wait for you while you enjoy the festivities.
Whatever way you choose, getting to Doi Saket is part of the experience—and the trip will be worth it for the unforgettable memories waiting for you!
When will the lanterns be released at Doi Saket Lake?
So here’s where we are getting the info on when to go! We would hate to go all the way there only to “miss” it? Actually, it would be a hard to miss situation, but just to be sure, check out the Doi Saket District Facebook page. It basically says that the lantern festival will be held at Lotus Lake on November 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th.
Dates: Nov 15-18
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Cost: Free!
So What time should you be there?
Well they say the early bird catches the worm – and in this case THE VIEW! so we’d suggest getting there while it’s still light—around 5:30 pm is perfect. That way, you’ve got plenty of time to explore, grab your lantern, and find a great spot to launch it from. People start lighting their lanterns as soon as it gets dark, but the real action picks up around 7:30–8 pm. The fireworks go off, and the whole place just lights up with energy! You can find this year’s lantern festival schedule for Doi Saket on their Facebook page.
Did you know it has an Official Name?
Did you know that there’s an official name for the Yi Peng Festival happening right at Doi Saket Lake? That’s right—this spectacular event is so popular that it’s earned its very own title! The festival takes place in a charming suburban town known for its breathtaking views, and it’s become one of the most anticipated celebrations in the region.
The town, located near Phra Chao Luang Lotus Lake, is officially recognized as the home of the Glow of the Lanna Lantern Festival. Picture this: thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky, each one carrying wishes and prayers for good fortune. The glow from the lanterns reflects beautifully on the surface of the lake, creating a mesmerizing sight that captivates everyone lucky enough to witness it. Ok, so now you know, go WOW someone with your knowledge! (and thank us later)
What else can we experience at Doi Saket Lakes
The Yi Peng Festival at Doi Saket is a celebration that goes beyond the usual lanterns—it’s a mesmerizing blend of Lanna culture, spiritual significance, and jaw-dropping visuals. Imagine this: a sky filled with hundreds (maybe thousands!) of glowing lanterns, each one carrying a wish from someone below. The lanterns rise slowly, one by one, until the sky twinkles with lights, like a galaxy of dreams unfolding before your eyes. It’s the kind of scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale. And the best part? We’ll personally be there to take it all in, and we can’t wait to experience the magic alongside you!
But the Yi Peng Festival isn’t just about the lanterns—there’s so much more to discover. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll be drawn in by the mouthwatering smells of Northern Thai street food. Think sizzling skewers, crispy fried treats, and sweet festival desserts—your taste buds are in for a real treat. It’s the perfect fuel to keep you going as you explore.
Don’t forget to wander over to the beautifully decorated pagoda or step into a glowing lantern tunnel for a truly unforgettable experience. This is the kind of spot where you can snap some dreamy photos, pause for a moment, and realize you’re part of something truly special.
What makes this Yi Peng Festival extra magical is that it’s so authentic—peaceful, reflective, and filled with a sense of wonder that you won’t find at a typical tourist spot. It’s a chance to slow down, take it all in, and really immerse yourself in a traditional Lanna celebration.
We’re beyond excited to be a part of it all. We’ll be there soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors, and we can’t wait to share the experience with you. Stay tuned for updates, and come join us in celebrating the magic of Yi Peng at Doi Saket! We wrote about other FREE activities in the City – spending hours to collect the details – you can read it here!
What else can we experience at Doi Saket Lakes
The Yi Peng Festival at Doi Saket is a celebration that goes beyond the usual lanterns—it’s a mesmerizing blend of Lanna culture, spiritual significance, and jaw-dropping visuals. Imagine this: a sky filled with hundreds (maybe thousands!) of glowing lanterns, each one carrying a wish from someone below. The lanterns rise slowly, one by one, until the sky twinkles with lights, like a galaxy of dreams unfolding before your eyes. It’s the kind of scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
We’ll personally be there to take it all in, and we can’t wait to experience the magic alongside you!
But the Yi Peng Festival isn’t just about the lanterns—there’s so much more to discover. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll be drawn in by the mouthwatering smells of Northern Thai street food. Think sizzling skewers, crispy fried treats, and sweet festival desserts—your taste buds are in for a real treat. It’s the perfect fuel to keep you going as you explore.
Don’t forget to wander over to the beautifully decorated pagoda or step into a glowing lantern tunnel for a truly unforgettable experience. This is the kind of spot where you can snap some dreamy photos, pause for a moment, and realize you’re part of something truly special.
What makes this Yi Peng Festival extra magical is that it’s so authentic—peaceful, reflective, and filled with a sense of wonder that you won’t find at a typical tourist spot. It’s a chance to slow down, take it all in, and really immerse yourself in a traditional Lanna celebration.
We’re beyond excited to be a part of it all. We’ll be there soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors, and we can’t wait to share the experience with you. Stay tuned for updates, and come join us in celebrating the magic of Yi Peng at Doi Saket!
We wrote about other FREE activities you can do in the City of Chiang Mai itself – Read it here!