Yi Peng lantern festival 2026 in Chiang Mai: buy a ticket instead of releasing lanterns on your own
If you want to release a sky lantern alongside thousands of others, your best option is a ticketed event outside central Chiang Mai. You'll pay several thousand baht and spend most of the afternoon there, but you'll have an organized lantern release rather than wandering around the Old City looking for somewhere to launch one.
By Da Lat LoversPublished Updated

Sky lanterns filling the night above San Sai, Chiang Mai, during Yi Peng.
The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2026 has two sets of dates worth remembering. The traditional Yi Peng celebrations in Chiang Mai run from November 23 to 25, 2026, while major ticketed mass sky lantern releases take place on November 24 and 25, 2026. If releasing your own lantern is the main reason for your trip, consider CAD in Mae On, Amazing Lanna in San Pa Tong, or Royal Chiang Mai in San Sai. 2026 ticket prices start at 2,590 THB per person for Amazing Lanna.
When is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in 2026?
Yi Peng is a traditional festival of light associated with Lanna culture in Northern Thailand. Its dates follow the traditional lunar calendar, so the corresponding dates on the Western calendar change every year.
For 2026, the schedule is:
| Date | Main activities |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 23, 2026 | Traditional Yi Peng celebrations begin in Chiang Mai |
| Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | Full moon, Loy Krathong celebrations, and ticketed sky lantern releases |
| Wednesday, November 25, 2026 | More ticketed lantern releases, cultural activities, and the major city parade |
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | The main lantern-release events covered in this guide have ended |
The CAD KhomLoi Sky Lanterns Festival is scheduled for November 24-25, 2026, while Chiang Mai's traditional city celebrations run from November 23 to 25.
This explains why you may find different answers when searching for Yi Peng lantern festival 2026 dates.
November 23-25 refers to the broader traditional celebrations in Chiang Mai. November 24-25 refers to the dates of several organized mass sky lantern release events that international visitors commonly book.
Which date should you arrive?
Try to arrive in Chiang Mai by November 23.
Reserve November 24 or 25 for your ticketed lantern event, then use another evening to explore the Old City and the celebrations around the Ping River.
If you only have two nights in Chiang Mai, book your lantern event first and plan everything else around it. Many events begin collecting guests between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, leaving little room for afternoon sightseeing.
Flights also deserve attention. Chiang Mai Airport adjusts operations during the festival because of sky lantern activity, and some flights may be rescheduled or canceled.
Are Yi Peng and Loy Krathong the same festival?
They take place around the same time, but they are not exactly the same celebration.
Yi Peng belongs to the cultural traditions of Northern Thailand's former Lanna Kingdom. During the festival, lanterns decorate temples, homes, streets, and public spaces. Sky lanterns, known locally as khom loi, are among the best-known images associated with the celebration.
Loy Krathong involves floating small decorated offerings, usually made with flowers, leaves, and candles, on rivers and other bodies of water. The tradition is associated with showing respect and gratitude to water.

In Chiang Mai, the two celebrations overlap.
On the same evening, you may see illuminated lanterns hanging along city streets, candles arranged at temples, people floating krathongs on the Ping River, and organized sky lantern releases taking place outside the city center.
However, these are two different experiences for visitors.
- Attending the traditional celebrations in Chiang Mai means exploring decorated streets, watching parades, visiting temples, and observing Loy Krathong activities.
- Buying a ticket to a sky lantern event means joining a scheduled release at a designated venue, following the organizer's instructions.

The famous photographs of thousands of lanterns rising into the sky almost simultaneously generally come from organized events.
You should not expect to see that same scene simply by standing at Tha Phae Gate.
Where is the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival held?
There is no single venue called the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival.
In 2026, traditional celebrations are spread across several locations in the city, while organized sky lantern releases are held at separate venues outside central Chiang Mai.
The three main ticketed events are:
| Event | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy | CAD Cultural Center Lanna, Mae On | Nov 24-25 |
| Amazing Lanna Sky Lantern Festival | Nong Sariam Lake, San Pa Tong | Nov 24-25 |
| Chiangmai Sky Lantern Festival - Royal | Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort, San Sai | Nov 24-25 |
All three venues are outside central Chiang Mai.
Each event has its own tickets, transportation arrangements, facilities, and lantern release schedule.
Do not choose a venue based only on attractive photos online. Check the organizer's name, event location, and the address printed on your booking confirmation.
Mae Jo, Mae On, and San Sai are not interchangeable names. They refer to different areas around Chiang Mai.
A CAD ticket does not give you access to a lantern event in Mae Jo or Royal Chiang Mai.
How much are Chiang Mai Lantern Festival tickets in 2026?
Ticket prices vary considerably between organizers.
There is no single admission price for the entire Yi Peng festival.
The following table compares 2026 prices in Thai baht (THB).
| Event | Ticket category | 2026 price per person |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Khomloy | Standard | 4,900 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | VIP | 6,500 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | Premium | 7,000 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | Gold | 8,900 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | Platinum | 11,900 THB |
| CAD Khomloy | Elite | 15,900 THB |
| Amazing Lanna | Standard | 2,590 THB |
| Amazing Lanna | VIP | 4,900 THB |
| Royal Chiang Mai - TTB Plus | Standard | 4,499 THB |
| Royal Chiang Mai - TTB Plus | VIP | 6,499 THB |
Some CAD categories also carry promotional prices approximately 20 THB below the standard price. Check the actual total at checkout.
Amazing Lanna sells tickets at the prices shown on its event website.
Royal Chiang Mai tickets are sold by organizer TTB Plus. A round-trip shuttle costs an additional 450 THB per person if you choose that service.
Besides price, compare the number of lanterns included, seating area, food, transportation, and cancellation conditions.
A more expensive ticket is not automatically necessary. Everyone attends the same event under the same sky, although seating, viewing angles, facilities, and comfort can differ.
CAD Khomloy: best for a large, organized lantern festival
Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival is worth considering first if you want to see a large coordinated lantern release with a structured program and plenty of cultural activities.
The 2026 venue is The CAD Cultural Center Lanna, in Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province.
Do not confuse it with the Mae Jo area associated with lantern festivals in previous years.
What does a CAD ticket include?
In 2026, the regular packages generally include two sky lanterns, one krathong, access to cultural activities, food, and a designated place to participate in the ceremony.
The main differences between ticket categories are transportation, seating, and additional services.
Standard tickets are the cheapest CAD option. Transportation may use songthaews or buses, with seating toward the rear of the ceremony area.
VIP, Premium, and higher categories offer air-conditioned transportation and different seating or dining arrangements.
Elite is the highest-priced category, with elevated seating and priority services.
If your goal is simply to release lanterns and take memorable photos, you probably do not need to spend this much.
Where are the CAD shuttle pickup points?
Check this before choosing your hotel.
For Standard, VIP, Premium, and Gold tickets, the usual pickup location is Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), near the 700th Anniversary Stadium.
For Platinum and Elite tickets, pickup is arranged near the front of MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center, close to Rin Kham Intersection.
These arrangements apply to the corresponding ticket packages that include transportation. Tickets purchased through resellers may have different instructions.
CAD 2026 schedule
The program gives the following approximate timetable.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1:00-2:30 PM | Guest pickup and transportation to the venue |
| 2:30-5:00 PM | Registration, ticket collection, cultural activities |
| Approximately 3:00-6:30 PM | Cultural experiences and activities |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30 PM | Guests enter the ceremony area |
| 7:40 PM | Traditional performances and ceremonies |
| 8:15 PM | Mass sky lantern release |
| 8:45 PM | Ceremony ends; return transportation begins |
These are scheduled times, not guarantees that every activity will begin exactly on the minute.
Arrive at your pickup point during the stated check-in period.
Even though the lantern release is scheduled for 8:15 PM, this is not an event where you can arrive at 7:30 PM and expect to walk straight into the ceremony.
Who should choose CAD?
First-time visitors who want a large, organized event, prefer transportation included in their booking, and have a budget starting at approximately 4,900 THB per person.
Amazing Lanna: a more affordable way to release sky lanterns
Amazing Lanna Sky Lantern Festival 2026 takes place at Nong Sariam Lake in San Pa Tong, south of Chiang Mai.
Its biggest advantage is price.
A Standard ticket costs 2,590 THB per person, noticeably less than CAD's Standard ticket.
Amazing Lanna's 2026 prices:
| Ticket | Price | Main inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2,590 THB | 3 sky lanterns and festival activities |
| VIP | 4,900 THB | 5 sky lanterns and priority viewing |
| Children aged 4-8 | 2,450 THB | Child admission under organizer's conditions |
Tickets also include one krathong, food, and cultural or craft activities.
The shuttle pickup location is GO Wholesale Chiang Mai at 2:00 PM.
Remember that this is the transportation meeting point, not the festival venue itself.
The festival takes place at Nong Sariam Lake.
One detail worth checking is that some 2026 resellers sell Amazing Lanna Standard tickets at 2,200 THB and VIP tickets at 4,500 THB, below the prices on the event website.
Those are reseller-specific offers, not necessarily the official standard prices.
Before buying a cheaper ticket, verify the event name, venue, date, number of lanterns, and transportation arrangements.
Who should choose Amazing Lanna?
Visitors who mainly want to release lanterns and enjoy local cultural activities without paying for the most elaborate event.
For couples and groups traveling on a budget, this is the first option worth checking.
Royal Chiang Mai: clear ticket prices and pickup arrangements, but transportation costs extra
The Chiangmai Sky Lantern Festival - Royal Chiangmai is run by organizer TTB Plus on November 24 and 25, 2026.
The venue is Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort in Mae Faek, San Sai District, north of Chiang Mai.
Its address is:
169 Moo 5, Chiang Mai-Prao Road, km 26, Mae Faek, San Sai, Chiang Mai 50290.
Royal Chiang Mai 2026 ticket prices
Standard tickets cost 4,499 THB per person.
VIP tickets cost 6,499 THB per person.
Round-trip transportation from the city meeting point costs 450 THB per person.
That brings the total to:
| Package | Total per person |
|---|---|
| Standard, without shuttle | 4,499 THB |
| Standard, with shuttle | 4,949 THB |
| VIP, without shuttle | 6,499 THB |
| VIP, with shuttle | 6,949 THB |
Standard admission includes two sky lanterns, food and drinks at the venue, Loy Krathong activities, and a souvenir.
VIP includes three sky lanterns and seating closer to the front.
Where does the shuttle depart?
The pickup point is Mercure Chiang Mai Hotel, with collection scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Guests arrive and participate in activities between approximately 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
The main ceremony begins around 7:00 PM, with the mass lantern release scheduled for approximately 8:05 PM.
Return transportation is expected after 9:00 PM, depending on how the event proceeds.
International visitors should pay particular attention to payment methods.
TTB Plus takes direct payment through Thai bank transfer. Travelers using Wise should contact the organizer beforehand.
Tickets are non-refundable after payment, and there are separate conditions for weather-related disruptions and circumstances beyond the organizer's control.
Do not look only at the 4,499 THB ticket price.
Add the shuttle cost, check how you can pay, and read the cancellation policy before committing.
Who should choose Royal Chiang Mai?
Visitors who want a clearly scheduled event with a pickup point north of the Old City and a relatively simple choice between Standard and VIP tickets.
Can you enjoy Yi Peng for free in central Chiang Mai?
Yes.
The traditional celebrations include public activities that visitors can attend without purchasing tickets for a mass lantern release.
There is an important venue change in 2026.
The main city-organized festival area has moved from Tha Phae Gate to the park beside Ton Lam Yai Market, near the Ping River.
This area hosts the opening ceremony, traditional Lanna lantern competitions, cultural activities, and other festival events.
Tha Phae Gate will continue to host light and sound presentations and cultural performances during November 23-25.

Where should you go in the city?
Park beside Ton Lam Yai Market
This is a good starting point for the main city-organized festivities in 2026.
Search for Ton Lam Yai Market on your map, then look for the adjacent festival park rather than heading directly into the market stalls.
Tha Phae Gate
A convenient place for illuminated decorations, photographs, and some cultural or parade activities.
The major krathong procession on November 25 follows a route from Tha Phae Gate toward the municipal government area.
Ping River near the municipal offices
This area is associated with Loy Krathong ceremonies and riverside cultural activities.

Wat Chedi Luang and the Old City
Good places to experience Yi Peng through hanging lanterns, candlelight, and religious traditions.
Individual temples may have their own opening hours, admission arrangements, and visitor rules.
The important distinction is what you are paying for.
Walking through Chiang Mai during Yi Peng can still make for a memorable evening, but it is not the same as joining an organized mass sky lantern release.
Can you release sky lanterns in the city without a ticket?
No, not wherever you like.
You can enjoy the permitted public activities, but distinguish between decorative lanterns, candles, floating krathongs, and airborne sky lanterns.
Which Yi Peng lantern festival should you choose?
You do not need to book the most famous event.
Choose based on your budget and the experience you actually want.
For a lower budget: Amazing Lanna
At 2,590 THB per person for Standard admission, Amazing Lanna is the least expensive of the three events compared here.
It suits visitors who want to release lanterns, enjoy cultural activities, and have food at the venue without paying for the largest production.
You will still need to follow the organizer's transportation schedule and event rules.
Check ticket availability and shuttle arrangements before deciding.
For a large-scale experience: CAD
CAD offers a large event area, cultural performances, and a coordinated release scheduled for 8:15 PM.
It is suitable for travelers willing to spend more on a large festival with several seating and service categories.
Standard admission already includes participation in the ceremony.
Upgrade to VIP if air-conditioned transportation and seating arrangements matter to you.
There is little reason to spend several thousand baht more solely because you assume higher ticket categories release their lanterns at a special time.
For a northern city pickup point: Royal Chiang Mai
Royal Chiang Mai uses Mercure Chiang Mai Hotel as its transportation meeting point.
That may be convenient for visitors staying in Chang Phueak or the northern part of the Old City.
However, remember that admission and shuttle transportation are separately priced.
For international travelers without their own vehicle, the round-trip shuttle is usually the more practical choice.
If you only want to see the festival: stay in the city
Visit the park beside Ton Lam Yai, Tha Phae Gate, and the Ping River area.
You will not get the experience of holding a sky lantern and releasing it alongside thousands of others, but you can still explore Chiang Mai's traditional celebrations without dedicating an entire afternoon to a venue outside the city.
How to buy Yi Peng 2026 tickets without booking the wrong event
Searching for Yi Peng lantern festival tickets brings up numerous websites.
Some belong to event organizers. Others are ticket resellers or tour platforms.
There is no single official ticket website covering every Yi Peng event.
Before paying, check the following details.
Exact event name
CAD Khomloy, Amazing Lanna, and Royal Chiang Mai are separate events.
A listing that simply says “Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2026” does not tell you where you will be taken.
Event date
A ticket for November 24 does not automatically work on November 25.
Check the date before confirming flights or hotel reservations.
Venue name and address
Compare the ticket details with the venue advertised by the event organizer.
Look up the location on Google Maps so you know which side of Chiang Mai it is on.
Pickup and return transportation
Some tickets include transfers. Others charge extra.
Resellers may also arrange their own meeting points.
Number of lanterns
Do not assume every ticket includes the same number of lanterns.
Children's admission
CAD, Amazing Lanna, and Royal Chiang Mai have different age and seating policies.
Do not apply one event's child ticket rules to another.
Cancellation conditions
For example, CAD tickets bought through FaceTicket are non-refundable for cancellations from October 25, 2026.
Royal Chiang Mai tickets are also non-refundable once paid.
Once you pay, you should receive a clear confirmation, electronic ticket, or ticket collection instructions.
For some CAD bookings through third-party platforms, a booking voucher may not be the final admission ticket. You may need a separate e-ticket issued by the seller.
Save your QR code on your phone, keep the confirmation email, and bring your passport in case identity verification is required.
How to get to Chiang Mai and where to stay
International visitors can reach Chiang Mai by air, either on a direct flight where available or by connecting through Bangkok.
Chiang Mai International Airport uses the airport code CNX.
Do not confuse it with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
During Yi Peng 2026, the challenge is not simply finding the cheapest flight. Arrival time matters as well.
Which neighborhood should you stay in?
Old City
Best for first-time visitors who want to walk between temples, restaurants, and decorated streets.
It is also convenient for exploring traditional Yi Peng activities on the evening when you are not attending a ticketed event.
Nimmanhaemin
Good for travelers who enjoy cafés, restaurants, and shopping around MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center.
It is particularly convenient if your CAD ticket uses the MAYA pickup location.
Chang Phueak
Worth considering if you book Royal Chiang Mai and want easier access to the pickup point at Mercure Chiang Mai Hotel.
Ping River area
A good option if Loy Krathong, riverside celebrations, and traditional processions are priorities.
There is little reason to book a hotel beside a distant festival venue unless you have another reason to stay there.
Most visitors can stay in central Chiang Mai and use their event's transportation service.
A better approach is to check your shuttle pickup point first, then select accommodation that makes getting there straightforward.
What actually happens at a Yi Peng sky lantern event?
First-time visitors sometimes imagine that the whole experience lasts about an hour.
In reality, most ticketed lantern festivals take up a large part of the afternoon and evening.
CAD provides a useful example.
Guests begin gathering at their pickup points around 1:00 PM. Staff check tickets before arranging transportation to the venue in Mae On.
After arrival and registration, visitors can explore cultural areas, try craft activities, watch performances, or participate in Loy Krathong activities according to the program.
Food is served later in the afternoon or early evening.
Guests then move to the main ceremony area.
Before releasing the lanterns, participants receive instructions on how to handle them safely and prepare for the coordinated release.
At CAD, the planned release is at 8:15 PM.
At Royal Chiang Mai, it is at approximately 8:05 PM.
Other events have their own schedules.
When conditions allow, large numbers of lanterns rise into the sky within a short period.

This is the scene featured in many promotional photographs of Yi Peng.
Afterward, guests return to their designated shuttle areas.
Expect a crowd.
Many people leave at nearly the same time, and finding the right vehicle can take longer than you might expect.
Do not reserve dinner at a restaurant in central Chiang Mai for immediately after 9:00 PM.
Even if the ceremony finishes on schedule, you still need time to reach your shuttle, board it, and travel back into the city.
Chiang Mai sky lantern rules in 2026: what should you avoid?
This is the most important section if you plan to release a sky lantern yourself.
For Yi Peng 2026, Chiang Mai Province has set measures governing sky lanterns, floating lanterns, and fireworks.
Lantern releases must take place in approved locations and at authorized times, with organizers following the relevant local permission procedures.
Release lanterns only at permitted locations and times
For applicable authorized lantern releases, the province specifies release windows from 7:00 PM on November 24 to 1:00 AM the following morning, and from 7:00 PM on November 25 to 1:00 AM the following morning.
These windows are not general permission for tourists to release lanterns anywhere for six hours.
Prohibited areas include the whole of Mueang Chiang Mai District, Hang Dong District, and other areas designated by the province.
Locations subject to aviation safety controls must also meet the relevant authorization requirements.
The provincial authorities use the Bampen system to manage applications and safety conditions.
For visitors, the practical choice is to attend an authorized event and follow its staff instructions rather than trying to find an empty field on your own.
Do not bring outside lanterns to the venue
Events such as CAD prohibit guests from bringing personal sky lanterns, fireworks, or drones into the festival area.
Use the lanterns supplied under your ticket package.
Do not attach coins, paper decorations, long strings, or other objects to them.
Do not tie multiple lanterns together to create your own floating display.
Do not release lanterns in unsuitable weather
Sky lanterns use heat to rise.
Strong wind or rain can make the release unsafe.
Follow the event staff's instructions and wait until they authorize the release.
Do not try to release a lantern early because you are worried about missing a photograph.
At Royal Chiang Mai, the schedule may be delayed while waiting for suitable weather.
This also means the ceremony and return journey may finish later than planned.
Keep lanterns away from people, trees, and structures
Follow the designated release procedures and make sure you have sufficient space around you.
Hold your lantern upright and keep the flame or hot components away from hair, clothing, and other participants.
Release it only when it has enough lift and the staff have given permission.
Adults should supervise children directly.
Do not allow young children to ignite or release lanterns without suitable assistance.
Do not use drones to film the lantern release
Drone operations in Thailand are subject to aviation rules, and individual events can impose additional restrictions.
CAD specifically prohibits drones.
Purchasing a VIP ticket does not grant permission to fly your own drone over the event.
A phone or handheld camera is enough to capture most of the ceremony.
What to wear and bring to Yi Peng
Late November usually brings more comfortable weather to Chiang Mai than the hottest months, although evenings at outlying festival venues may feel cooler than the city center.
Wear comfortable clothing, bring a light jacket, and choose shoes suitable for walking.
Many events encourage traditional Lanna clothing or neat, respectful outfits.
You do not need to purchase an expensive traditional costume just to attend.
For photographs, cream, beige, pale blue, and muted colors can work well with the warm glow of lanterns.
However, safety near open flames matters more than how an outfit looks.
Flat shoes or sneakers are more practical than high heels because the venues can be large and you may spend considerable time standing or walking.
Bring your electronic ticket, a charged phone, a power bank, passport or required identification, tissues, and any personal medication.
You generally do not need to carry a large amount of food if your ticket includes meals.
Some events prohibit outside food and drinks, so check the venue rules before packing.
Is Yi Peng suitable for children?
It can be, but the experience requires more preparation than traveling with adults alone.
Children may enjoy the illuminated decorations, performances, and craft activities.
However, an event that begins in the early afternoon and ends after 9:00 PM can be tiring.
CAD offers free admission for young children accompanied by guardians, although age limits and seating conditions may vary between ticket categories and sellers.
Amazing Lanna has a child ticket of 2,450 THB for ages four to eight.
Royal Chiang Mai sets separate child admission conditions based on birth year.
Check the policy for your exact event before purchasing adult tickets.
You should also confirm whether the shuttle has suitable seating, whether children receive their own lanterns, and whether the venue can accommodate strollers or visitors requiring assistance.
For very young children who are unlikely to stay comfortable in a crowd until late at night, the traditional celebrations in central Chiang Mai may be a better experience.
What happens if it rains during Yi Peng?
Clear weather cannot be guaranteed on the night of a lantern release.
Although late November is generally outside Chiang Mai's wettest period, rain or unsuitable wind conditions can still affect the program.
There are three situations worth understanding.
Light rain
The event may continue with activities that can be carried out safely. The organizer decides whether the lantern release can proceed.
Heavy rain or unsafe wind
The lantern release may be delayed, changed, or canceled.
An event that cannot take place
Refunds or date changes depend on the ticket seller's conditions and the applicable circumstances.
Do not assume that rain automatically entitles you to a full refund.
Royal Chiang Mai has limitations concerning weather disruptions and events beyond the organizer's control.
CAD sellers may have different cancellation deadlines and policies.
Before paying, save a copy of the refund terms shown during checkout.
That is more useful than a general promise that the festival will go ahead regardless of the weather.
Is a VIP ticket worth it for better photos?
VIP admission is worth considering if seating position, comfort, and facilities matter to you.
However, better photographs do not come automatically with a more expensive ticket.
During a coordinated lantern release, the lights spread across a large area of the night sky.
Visitors in Standard sections can still photograph the rising lanterns.
The main differences may be how close you are to the stage, whether the view is blocked by people ahead of you, and how much space you have around your seat.
If you mainly photograph with a smartphone, focus on choosing a well-organized event and arriving with enough time to prepare rather than paying for the highest category.
Before the release, clean your camera lens, turn off the flash, and focus on a nearby person or lantern.
Low-light scenes can easily produce blurry photographs, so hold your phone steadily.
Recording a few short videos is often more practical than constantly switching camera modes.
Do not block walkways, step back into areas where lanterns are being lit, or cross safety barriers simply to get another camera angle.
A 3-day, 2-night Chiang Mai itinerary for Yi Peng 2026
Three days and two nights can work if attending Yi Peng is your main reason for traveling to Chiang Mai.
You will need to keep sightseeing limited because the lantern event takes up most of an afternoon and evening.
- Day 1 - Nov 23
Arrive and explore the traditional celebrations
Arrive in Chiang Mai, check into your hotel, and spend the afternoon exploring the Old City.
You can visit Wat Chedi Luang, walk around Three Kings Monument, and continue toward Tha Phae Gate before heading toward the Ping River.
In 2026, the park beside Ton Lam Yai Market hosts the main city-organized festival area, making it a worthwhile evening stop.
Avoid squeezing in Doi Suthep or a distant mountain attraction late in the afternoon if your flight arrives later than expected.
- Day 2 - Nov 24
Attend your ticketed sky lantern festival
Have breakfast near your hotel and prepare everything you need before midday.
Check your ticket code, pickup time, and event venue.
Travel to the designated meeting point according to your booking.
For CAD, many shuttle packages begin collecting guests around 1:00 PM.
Amazing Lanna picks up at 2:00 PM.
Royal Chiang Mai arranges departures from Mercure Chiang Mai Hotel between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Keep the rest of the day free for the festival.
Do not add another sightseeing stop or reserve dinner in the city that evening.
- Day 3 - Nov 25
Take it easy before departure
Have breakfast, walk around the Old City, or stop at a café close to your hotel.
If you are flying home that day, allow enough time to reach the airport because festival traffic and flight adjustments may affect your plans.
Travelers with an extra night should consider staying for the major parade on November 25.
This gives you two sides of Yi Peng: a ticketed sky lantern release and the traditional city celebrations enjoyed by local residents.
Common mistakes to avoid at Chiang Mai's lantern festival
The first mistake is booking a hotel near Tha Phae Gate and assuming you can buy a sky lantern and release it outside the gate.
The 2026 regulations do not permit that approach.
Another mistake is choosing an event based only on its photographs.
A picture showing thousands of lanterns does not establish which organizer operates the event, which ticket you need, or where it takes place.
A third mistake is saving money on outbound transportation without arranging a return journey.
Most organized lantern releases take place outside Chiang Mai. Many guests leave at the same time after the ceremony.
A ticket with round-trip transportation is generally worth considering if you are not driving.
Another common mistake is upgrading to an expensive ticket without checking what you actually receive.
If your main goal is to release a lantern, Standard admission may already provide the experience you want.
Finally, consider the environmental impact.
Sky lanterns eventually return to the ground somewhere beyond the release area.
Use only the lanterns supplied by the organizer, avoid attaching objects, do not release lanterns outside authorized locations, and follow any instructions for collecting or disposing of materials.
An attractive festival does not mean every way of releasing a lantern is appropriate.
Where should you buy Yi Peng Chiang Mai 2026 tickets?
Your budget gives you a useful starting point.
With approximately 2,590 THB per person, check Amazing Lanna Standard tickets first. It is the least expensive of the three events compared here.
With approximately 4,500-5,000 THB per person, consider Royal Chiang Mai with shuttle transportation or CAD Standard, depending on availability and pickup location.
With a larger budget, choose VIP or Premium only if the seating arrangements and additional comfort are worth the extra cost to you.
If you cannot find suitable tickets, you can still attend the traditional Yi Peng celebrations in Chiang Mai rather than trying to release a lantern independently.
Your next step: Choose November 24 or 25, 2026, then visit the ticket page of the right event. Confirm the final price, ticket category, and shuttle pickup location before booking your hotel and arranging your flights.
FAQ
What are the Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 dates?
The traditional Yi Peng celebrations in Chiang Mai take place from November 23 to 25, 2026. Organized sky lantern events such as CAD, Amazing Lanna, and Royal Chiang Mai are scheduled for November 24 and 25. The full moon and Loy Krathong fall on Tuesday, November 24.
How much do Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2026 tickets cost?
2026 prices start at 2,590 THB per person for Amazing Lanna, 4,499 THB for Royal Chiang Mai, and 4,900 THB for CAD Standard. VIP and higher categories cost more. Ticket inclusions, shuttle arrangements, and additional fees vary between organizers.
Can I release sky lanterns in Chiang Mai without buying a ticket?
You cannot release sky lanterns wherever you want. The Old City, Tha Phae Gate, and other prohibited areas of Mueang Chiang Mai are covered by restrictions in 2026. Releases must comply with authorized locations, times, and safety requirements. You can still enjoy many public Yi Peng activities without purchasing a ticket to a mass lantern release.
Is the Yi Peng lantern festival in Mae Jo the same as CAD?
No. Mae Jo has been associated with well-known lantern events in previous years, but CAD's 2026 event takes place at CAD Cultural Center Lanna in Mae On. When searching for Yi Peng or Yee Peng Lanna International events in Mae Jo, verify the organizer and venue instead of assuming the tickets are for CAD.
Is November 24 or 25 better for Yi Peng in Chiang Mai?
Both dates have ticketed sky lantern releases in 2026. Choose based on ticket availability, your budget, and your itinerary. If you are staying three or four nights, attending a lantern release on November 24 and watching the traditional city parade on November 25 is a practical way to experience both parts of the festival.


