Travel Tips

I experienced the magic of Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival. Here’s why you can’t miss it in 2025!

I never planned to see Chiang Mai’s iconic lantern festival. I just found myself watching thousands of glowing lanterns drift into the sky one November night and was hooked. Here’s everything you need to know to experience the magic for yourself at the Chiang Mai’s lantern festival.

I actually came across one of the most magical experiences in Thailand by complete accident.

I was in Chiang Mai on a Thai massage course. I’d never heard of the lantern festival, but everyone around me had, and they were buzzing about it.

Exhausted from the long days of studying, I considered skipping it in favor of an early night before my looming exam.

But curiosity got the better of me. I decided to check it out and wow… I’m so glad I did.

That enchanting November night spent gazing at thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky stuck with me. From then on, it became an annual tradition I refused to miss.

If you’re heading to Thailand this year, here’s why the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025 is something you absolutely CANNOT skip!

In this article

An enchanting night of light, reflection, and renewal

When I arrived at the festival that evening, the first thing I saw was soft golden lights flickering in the sky. Looking closer, I was able to distinguish what they were — lanterns (known as Yi Peng) drifting slowly into the night sky like tiny stars being set free.

Meanwhile, on the river below, I saw krathongs (small candlelit floats made from banana leaves) gliding along the water.

Speaking with some of the locals, I quickly realized there was a deep meaning behind the lanterns and candles: spiritual cleansing, renewal, and a wish for prosperity.

Releasing Yi Peng lanterns into the sky represents letting go of the old (negativity and bad memories) and making space for the new (prosperity and positivity).

The floating krathongs of Loy Krathong carry a similar intention. By releasing them in the river, the locals release their misfortunes and express gratitude to the water goddess, a silent prayer for good luck.

Under the November full moon

This magical night only happens once a year.

Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival, also known as ‘The Yi Peng Lantern Festival’, corresponds with the full moon in November. In Thai Buddhism, this is considered the most auspicious night of the year for releasing bad luck and making wishes for the future.

And each year, the celebrations get bigger, the sky gets brighter, and the atmosphere becomes even more electric.

The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025 takes place on Wednesday, 5th November, though the celebrations this year are set to carry over to the following night on the 6th.

My favorite lantern festival spots

The Chiang Mai lantern festival is one of the most magical things to do in Thailand, but knowing how to enjoy it like a local makes all the difference.

I started by heading to Nawarat Bridge, which is the most popular viewing spot.

It’s incredibly scenic, with the Ping River reflecting the light of the lanterns and carrying the luminous krathongs on their way. However, while beautiful, this spot can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early for the best photos.

After releasing my lantern at Nawarat Bridge, I wandered toward Tha Phae Gate, where the festival continues with parades, performances, and tasty street food.

In recent years, ticketed events, such as those at Mae Jo University or the CAD cultural center have become widely popular.

These mass lantern releases are spectacular as thousands of lanterns light up the sky simultaneously, offering some truly phenomenal photo opportunities. They also include traditional cultural performances and buffet dinners, making for a truly memorable night out.

However, in my opinion, these events are not as authentic as heading to the city and eating street food while watching local kids race their krathongs.

That being said, the most special lantern festival experiences I’ve ever had were at the temples in the Old City, like Wat Phan Tao and Wat Phra Singh. Here, you’ll find a quieter and more intimate experience, where monks bless your lantern and you can participate in traditional ceremonies.

Sending my hopes into the sky

During my first lantern festival, as my classmates and I headed towards Nawarat Bridge, we stopped to buy lanterns from the vendors lining the streets. I remember proudly carrying my lantern onto the bridge, feeling the anticipation tingle in my chest.

I took a moment to write my wish on the lantern, then, holding it steady, I lit the flame, feeling the heat instantly.

Letting it go, I watched how it slowly and gracefully floated upward, disappearing into the night sky. In that instant, it felt like I was letting go of my worries and sending my hopes out into the universe.

To ensure your Chiang Mai lantern festival 2025 experience is as magical as this, there are a few things to bear in mind:

Be mindful of local customs and respect the beliefs of those around you. This is a deeply spiritual celebration for many, not just a visual spectacle.
Release your lantern safely and carefully, making sure you’re in an open space and aware of others nearby.
Choose an eco-friendly lantern whenever possible to protect the environment.

Beyond the lanterns

The magic of the Yi Peng festival doesn’t stop at the lanterns. Chiang Mai’s Old City (the city center) transforms into a luminous festival village, complete with parades, live music, cultural performances, and, of course, an endless array of delicious Thai food.

Everywhere you look, there’s movement, color, and joy, so don’t be in a rush to leave after releasing your lantern. Tuck into some mouthwatering satay skewers or mango sticky rice and embrace the sensory overload of this iconic Thai festival!

Here are some additional tips for making the most of the Chiang Mai lantern festival 2025:

Arrive early (before 6 pm) if you want a good spot for the mass release, which usually happens around 7 pm.
Book your flights and hotels well in advance. The Chiang Mai lantern festival is incredibly popular, so if you wait too long to book, you might find every seat gone and the best hotels already full.
Pack smart. When packing for your Thailand trip, bring mosquito repellent, a portable power bank, comfortable shoes, and, if you’re visiting temples, dress respectfully with clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Don’t skip travel insurance. Having travel insurance for Thailand gives you peace of mind if you need to cancel your trip at the last minute, your flight gets delayed, or you run into an accident while navigating the crowded streets.
Put the camera down every once in a while and enjoy the atmosphere. Your memories will shine brighter than any Instagram shot!

Stay connected during the Chiang Mai lantern festival 2025 with Holafly

With thousands of people flooding into Chiang Mai for the lantern festival, the streets get crowded fast, and it’s surprisingly easy to lose your mates in the sea of lanterns.

Having reliable data makes all the difference. With a Holafly Thailand eSIM, you get instant cellular connection with no roaming surprises, so you can find your friends, navigate the best viewing spots, and share awe-inspiring photos in real-time.

Get an eSIM for Thailand and keep the magic alive, all night long.