Cultural News

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival: The Spectacle of Thousands of Sky Lanterns

Among Thailand’s traditional festivals, the most beautiful is undoubtedly the "Yi Peng (Water Lantern) Festival." If April’s Songkran reveals Thais’ exuberance in water fights, November’s Yi Peng embodies the tender romance of Thai youth. Chiang Mai’s celebration stands out nationwide—beyond floating water lanterns on rivers to pray for blessings, it hosts a breathtaking mass release of thousands of sky lanterns into the air.

July 14, 2025, 2:22 pm EDT· 1 minute read

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival: The Spectacle of Thousands of Sky Lanterns

Among Thailand’s traditional festivals, the most beautiful is undoubtedly the "Yi Peng (Water Lantern) Festival." If April’s Songkran reveals Thais’ exuberance in water fights, November’s Yi Peng embodies the tender romance of Thai youth. Chiang Mai’s celebration stands out nationwide—beyond floating water lanterns on rivers to pray for blessings, it hosts a breathtaking mass release of thousands of sky lanterns into the air.

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Water lanterns, often made of banana leaves and candles, drift on water to honor the water spirits and let go of misfortunes. But Chiang Mai’s sky lanterns steal the show: as darkness falls, thousands of glowing lanterns rise simultaneously, painting the night sky with a sea of warm light, creating a magical scene that draws visitors worldwide.

This blend of water and sky traditions makes Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng a symbol of Thai cultural beauty, merging spiritual reverence with communal joy in a display that lingers in memories long after the lanterns fade from view.